What are the symptoms of a blown rear strut?
A blown rear strut typically presents with a leaking shock, a rough or unstable ride, noises from the rear, and changes to ride height or tire wear. If you notice these signs, have your suspension inspected promptly to avoid further damage or safety risks.
On-the-road signs
These are the symptoms drivers often notice while driving, especially when hitting bumps or shifting weight in the vehicle.
- Leaking hydraulic fluid around the rear shock body or pooling under the vehicle
- Rear end sitting lower or an uneven ride height compared with the front or with the other side
- Excessive bouncing or a wallowy, unstable feel after hitting bumps or potholes
- Increased body roll, swaying, or reduced stability when turning
- Clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises from the rear when going over rough pavement
- Uneven tire wear on the rear tires or unusual wear patterns
Note that these symptoms can overlap with problems in other suspension components, such as springs, mounts, or bushings. A professional inspection is advised if several symptoms appear together.
Causes and what it means
Rear struts can fail for several reasons, most commonly from wear and tear, impact damage, and driving conditions. Understanding the root cause helps determine the appropriate fix and prevent recurrence.
Common causes
The following factors commonly contribute to strut failure or accelerated wear:
- Age and mileage: seals deteriorate over time, reducing damping efficiency
- Impact damage: potholes, speed bumps, curbs, and off-road impacts can rupture seals or bend components
- Overloading or heavy use: consistently carrying heavy loads or towing can stress the shocks
- Manufacturing or mounting issues: poor installation or defective parts can shorten service life
Recognizing these causes helps in selecting appropriate replacement parts and driving habits to extend life.
Diagnosis and next steps
If you suspect a blown rear strut, a professional inspection is essential. Mechanics will assess ride height, leaks, and overall suspension wear, and may perform a road test and a bounce test to measure damping performance.
What to expect during the diagnostic process:
- Road test the vehicle to evaluate ride quality, handling, and noise
- Visually inspect the rear strut for oil leaks, damaged mounts, and rust
- Perform a bounce test by pressing down on the trunk or rear bumper to assess rebound
- Check adjacent components (springs, mounts, bushings, sway bar, and tires) and verify alignment
- Confirm ride height and determine if replacement is necessary
- Provide repair options and cost estimates, including whether struts should be replaced in pairs
Replacement decisions depend on the overall condition; if one strut fails, the other is often near the same age and wear level, so many shops recommend replacing both sides for balanced handling.
Prevention and maintenance
Regular inspection and mindful driving can extend the life of rear struts and the entire suspension system. The following practices help prevent premature failure.
- Inspect suspension components during routine services and look for leaks, corrosion, or worn mounts
- Replace rear struts in pairs to preserve balanced damping and handling
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures and rotate regularly
- Avoid overloading the vehicle and towing beyond rated limits
- Repair potholes and rough roads carefully, and drive slowly over rough surfaces
- Have wheel alignment checked after suspension work or after hitting major bumps
Proactive maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures and helps ensure safe, predictable handling.
Summary
A blown rear strut can degrade ride comfort, handling, and safety. Key symptoms include leaks, a sagging or unstable rear end, loud noises, and unusual tire wear. If you notice these signs, schedule a professional inspection promptly, as replacement is typically needed to restore proper damping and ride quality. Replacing struts in pairs and maintaining the suspension can extend life and improve vehicle stability.
