Leak from rear passengers side suspension?

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heap1000

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Noticed a few drops of oil on my drive
DSC 1350
way yesterday. When I looked under the car I noticed that the (bare with me if these are not the correct names for the parts.) spring, suspension (the thing that compresses) and the big black metal arm that runs from the wheel had traces of what I think is oil.

Is it oil and what could be the cause? Is this an urgent matter?

Thanks
 
Looks like your shock absorber (top left) has gone. This has leaked and thrown oil onto the spring (top right) and below.

You normally replace shock absorbers in pairs (front and rear). Whilst it's not serious you should probably get them replaced sooner rather than later as it will continue to leak. Shock absorbers can affect handling and braking as well as ride quality so I wouldn't be driving it far or hard!
 
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pluves1 said:
Looks like your shock absorber (top left) has gone. This has leaked and thrown oil onto the spring (top right) and below.

You normally replace shock absorbers in pairs (front and rear). Whilst it's not serious you should probably get them replaced sooner rather than later as it will continue to leak. Shock absorbers can affect handling and braking as well as ride quality so I wouldn't be driving it far or hard!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the reply. Don't suppose you know how much that would cost to do?
 
Also what is a good make to go for? Don't want to spend a fortune but don't want to pop on any old crap.

Thanks
 
You need to get that looked at by someone with a bit of knowledge asap. It could be shock oil, but it looks very much like when I had a brake fluid leak, which is obviously serious.
 
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I agree with what JohnE just posted. Oil does not normally 'leak' from a shock absorber as it rests in the lower half of the unit. You need to get the wheel off asap and get someone to determine the source of this oil. If it is brake fluid, it is serious, but quite easy to fix. Good luck.
 
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Thanks guys. Will book it into the garage Monday morning.
 
could check your brake fluid level before monday if your gonna use the car, looks like a fair amount of fluid has been leaking there so you wanna make sure you've got enough to actually operate the rest of the brake system
 
it does look like brake fluid.
get the wheel off ASAP
 
Had a look at the brake fluid level and it is hard to make out where it is. It looks to be on the minimum line but I am not sure.

The cap has a sensor connected to it. Does this need to come off before you take the cap off?

Going to ring the garage Monday morning and hopefully get it booked that day or Tuesday.
 
IIRC the level sensor can stay still while you unscrew the cap to remove it. It may make it easier to disconnect the sensor wire, but I don't think it's essential. If a lot of fluid leaks out (mine did) you will get a dashboard warning. My brakes didn't fail - and keep in mind that you won't get a total failure in any case, the brakes are split circuit.
 
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Will try and get the cap off later. Glad to know they won't completely fail. No warning light as of yet but you never know it could come on any time. Fingers crossed I can get it booked in asap.
 
Just a update to let you know the out come.

Been in the garage today and it turns out to be my shock absorber, they said it had completely gone.

All fixed and sorted now. Thanks for the advice and comments
 
heap1000 said:
Just a update to let you know the out come.

Been in the garage today and it turns out to be my shock absorber, they said it had completely gone.

All fixed and sorted now. Thanks for the advice and comments
Click to expand...

;)

Out of interest what did a new one (or two) cost?
 
They only did the one, I mentioned about then doing it in pairs and they said that my other one was fine so no need to change it. Fine by me as it saves me some pennies.

Shock was £44 + vat and then an hours labour at £33 + vat.

That's was a independent garage.
 
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