Struts bad at 36K?

[RyanB]

So I was sideswiped about two weeks back and one wheel and tire was replaced with the repair. The shop sent it out for a 4 wheel alignment after the work was completed and when I got the car back they noted that the front struts would need to be replaced soon and also my control arm bushings were worn out. I have brought it up to my service dealer in the past more than once that when pulling in or out of driveways I could feel a rocking/knocking in the front end but they always say it's normal. Anyone else have the front suspension go out so fast? I just passed 36K last month. I know our roads in Chicago are crap but I have owned other cars and have driven the same route to work for 20 years and never had to replace suspension parts so soon.

 

[skipgen]

So I was sideswiped about two weeks back and one wheel and tire was replaced with the repair. The shop sent it out for a 4 wheel alignment after the work was completed and when I got the car back they noted that the front struts would need to be replaced soon and also my control arm bushings were worn out. I have brought it up to my service dealer in the past more than once that when pulling in or out of driveways I could feel a rocking/knocking in the front end but they always say it's normal. Anyone else have the front suspension go out so fast? I just passed 36K last month. I know our roads in Chicago are crap but I have owned other cars and have driven the same route to work for 20 years and never had to replace suspension parts so soon.

My BS detector just went off - They sent it out to someone they know... I'd take it somewhere else for a 2nd opinion. Don't mention the accident or what the other shop said. Just ask for an alignment & see what they have to say.

 

[EdP]

My BS detector just went off - They sent it out to someone they know... I'd take it somewhere else for a 2nd opinion. Don't mention the accident or what the other shop said. Just ask for an alignment & see what they have to say.

Same here. When I lived in PA the state inspection was done by independent shops. Ball joints, control arm, drag link, the average owner had no idea what they were or would ever know where to look. Easy money for the unscrupulous. .

 

[GarnetTy1473]

I'd take it elsewhere for a 2nd opinion as well. There is a small independent shop near my dealership that still recommends strut replacement at 60k miles as regular scheduled maintenance. Struts do not go bad that soon any more. My wife's 2015 Sonata with 130k miles is still on the original struts, except for 1 that got bent by a pothole, and it still rides fine.

 

[pulsar]

A reputable alignment shop will be able to tell you about most suspension issues while on the alignment machine. They will move the steering wheel and watch the read outs on each wheel. When it comes to struts, not so sure since those are more of a ride quality issue and not specifically alignment related steering wise. I just replaced my rear struts on my Miata for it was bottoming on certain dips. After I got them out, they were not leaking and still fully pressurized. These were Bilsteins. I replaced them with KYBs and I did notice it took more force to compress the KYBs than the Bilsteins. Hoping my bottoming issue is corrected without making the car too stiff. Will find out shortly when I drive it.