Is my Front Strut Leaking?

[Gdmeadors]

I have a 2006 Limited V8 4WD with 101,000 miles with original struts. I am wondering if this oil is normal or if the seal is worn and I may need new struts?

Thanks.

 

[morphious]

Yes.

 

[preacher35]

Yes.

 

[peebee]

I'll join in here. Yes!

 

[Gdmeadors]

Thanks. I guess it seems obvious it is leaking. However, the oil stain has not progressed much in the last six months and I am not noticing any other symptoms of a failed strut. No bounce or difference in ride that I can perceive. So, I am wondering if the struts should be replaced?

 

[chompster4runner]

Phuck yea...

 

[peebee]

Thanks. I guess it seems obvious it is leaking. However, the oil stain has not progressed much in the last six months and I am not noticing any other symptoms of a failed strut. No bounce or difference in ride that I can perceive. So, I am wondering if the struts should be replaced?

I'm in a similar position although I don't think mine is leaking as bad as yours. Mine looks more like fluid that has accumulated a lot of dirt and dust over a long period of time. Yours looks like much fresher fluid, which indicates a more serious leak. Although it could look fresh if that strut is extended. I can't tell from the pic.

I too haven't noticed any difference in suspension quality or ride. XREAS still "feels" like it always has. I've not replaced mine for the simple reason that I'm just waiting for the whole system to fail before tossing on some Bilsteins.

 

[morphious]

Think of it this way, when somebody looses weight that you rarely see it is obvious they have lost a lot of weight, not so when you see them everyday. They tend to look the same till one day you go dam, you have lost a lot of weight. You drive your 4runners everyday and get use to the feel, if you could drive a brand new one of what ever year you own, you would notice a difference.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The shock is done and needs to be replaced (its an industry practice to recommend they be replaced in axle pairs), you may not feel it being "bad" but its already too late to notice a change.

These are the types of issues that are slow/progressive and you won't notice over long stretches of time. If you replace the shocks with new ones you'll probably feel a difference when driving the vehicle.

 

[Sungod]

Rack boot looks damp as well.

 

[Gdmeadors]

So, I decided to replace rear shocks and front struts and springs. I am going to remove the strut assemblies so I can replace the struts and put in FJ coils.. My question is, how do you folks reach the back 14mm nut on the strut tower? There is very little room in there to work! I can reach it with wrench but don't have enough leverage to break it loose. The outside two nuts are easier as I was able to attach an extension (3/4" pipe) to the wrench and break them loose

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

 

[preacher35]

So, I decided to replace rear shocks and front struts and springs. I am going to remove the strut assemblies so I can replace the struts and put in FJ coils.. My question is, how do you folks reach the back 14mm nut on the strut tower? There is very little room in there to work! I can reach it with wrench but don't have enough leverage to break it loose. The outside two nuts are easier as I was able to attach an extension (3/4" pipe) to the wrench and break them loose

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Yeah, I had the same problem. In the end, I had to put some liquid wrench on it and let it sit for a little while. After about 20 minutes, I slapped a box end on it and gave it hell. It broke loose.

 

[Gdmeadors]

Thanks. Sounds like brute force wins in this scenario!

 

[Code2]

OP to get the back nut i used this and i might say a knuckle saver at that


Oh and heat heat heat

 

[Gdmeadors]

Picked one of those up this afternoon! No rust on the nuts or studs so hopefully I can break them loose w/out heat. Thanks Code2.

 

[rcdeppen]

Don't be scared to use heat. You'd be amazed how easily stuck bolts come loose when hot. I second the above statement also. Your power steering rack is leaking. If that truck rolled into my service lane at work I'd be selling you struts and a rack LOL

 

[Gdmeadors]

Thanks. I will certainly consider heat if it comes to that. I have already managed to loosen the two front nuts on both sides. Just needed to figure out how to reach the back ones. I think with the flexible ratchet wrench I now have, the back nuts should come off pretty easily. I hope to work on this over the weekend after all parts come in.

Question: Once I get the top three nuts off and the bolt on the bottom of the strut removed, will I be able to remove the strut assembly "easily"? I will have the truck jacked up with the wheel off so the strut will be fully extended.

The power steering boot cover received some overspray from some cleaner/degreaser when I was cleaning the underside of the truck. Makes it look like it is leaking but it isn't. No repair needed on that, thankfully!

 

[Gdmeadors]

Follow up with pictures

Thought i would post some "after" pictures. I ended buying all new Toyota OEM shocks and struts from a dealer onnline. They came with all new bushings and hardware. I purchased used FJ coils for the front only which worked out fine. I installed the front and rear and had an alignment done. The alignment was barely out of specs per the shop.

After all was said and done, the front end did come up almost an inch which was a little surprising. Anyway, it drives like new!

2006 V8 4WD 102,000 miles

 

[jibskib]

Don't be scared to use heat. You'd be amazed how easily stuck bolts come loose when hot. I second the above statement also. Your power steering rack is leaking. If that truck rolled into my service lane at work I'd be selling you struts and a rack LOL

Maybe I came to your service lane. New to me 2005 V8 went