Front strut failure

[R.R.]

Right front strut has partially collapsed at 26k

 

[R.R.]

dealer says no evidence of damage. Certified Genesis mechanic thought upper control arms caused right front camber to be out of specification, $600 dollars later, no change in alligment value. Dealer says will replace rh front strut for $400 - we are in process of “negotiating” . . .

 

[EdP]

Right front strut has partially collapsed at 26k

Our of warranty? If so, I'd go to an independent suspension shop.

 

[Suburbazine]

Um, these struts don't "partially collapse". What car are we speaking of here?

 

[R.R.]

5015 Hyundai Genesis, ultimate pkg. Tires on left side tires cupping (Michelin) at 21k. Bought the car last May with 14k miles. Had Dealer check alignment, said right front camber was -1.1 degrees, Tires Plus shop confirmed. Tech said when pushing up on strut, alignment showed in specification. I bought the car from a GM dealer who Said they had to replace the radar in the front grille due to the prior owner bumping into something.
I suppose the “bump” may have damaged the strut, but the grille wasn’t replaced an there is no sign of damage to the strut.
Wondering if anyone else has had experience with strut issues.
Dealer says price of one strut is $1200.
I’ve always thought struts should be replaced in pairs.
Thoughts?
-replaced the tires las week with Pirelli P zero plus all season-

 

[Suburbazine]

The strut doesn't have anything to do with the mechanical alignment. If you're out of spec, you need to go to a qualified collision center and have the front frame to subframe alignment checked, as the subframe may have shifted or even have damage.

If there was enough of a collison to replace the radar, there was enough of a collision to replace the entire front end. And absolutely never trust collision reports, or the lack thereof. Plenty of shops will either not report (or not report for a "favor") so as to not hurt resale value.

 

[R.R.]

Thanks for the advice, we will see what develops. Thanks for the reply!

 

[R.R.]

UPDATE - Camber issue resolved! Dealer offered a deep discount on strut replacement, camber is now in specification.

 

[Suburbazine]

UPDATE - Camber issue resolved! Dealer offered a deep discount on strut replacement, camber is now in specification.

Was the old strut mount bent?

 

[R.R.]

I don’t know if the mount was damaged-didn’t see it, I did see the strut when the car was on a lift at another location and to my eye I didn’t see any apparent damage. I guess this is a good example of caviat emptor when buying a used vehicle. At any rate, I’m relieved to have the camber issue resolved. I appreciate your concern and advice!

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