Strut replacement?

[mpac]

My front end feels somewhat sloppy and is rough over bumps. I know I have a leaky rack and pinon but I thought the problem might lie with the front struts. When I took it in for an inspection, the mechanic told me my rear shocks needed replacing as they have a bit of leaking going on. No mention of my front struts needing replacement as they were dry. I have 145,000 miles on the truck. Mostly road miles. 2 questions:

1. Can my front struts be bad without leaking?
2.What could the rough ride over bumps be coming from if not the struts?

Thanks!

[Seanz0rz]

my front struts were shot at 136k, and im fairly sure they were not original toyota struts.

struts do not have to leak to be bad. the internal valving and seals can go bad, eliminating their dampening ability.

other causes can be worn out bushings, but this is highly unlikely.

[CJM]

1. Struts are probably bad, I would suggest you not only replace the strut but also the coils as generally they are worn out as well.

2. If the tires are over inflated they wont absorb the shock to well. IE if your max pressure is 50psi around 8-15 psi lower than the max is what you would run. Gotta fine tune it tho. But I doubt this is your issue.

Also possible the body bushings are worn out, they are just rubber and can easily wear-mine were literally shot at 197k on my T100.

[MTL_4runner]

2 questions:

1. Can my front struts be bad without leaking?
Yes. If you front end pogos over bumps, they need replacement.

2.What could the rough ride over bumps be coming from if not the struts?
Have you checked your steering rack bushings? Also check your coils, they tend to wear out too.

Thanks!


See above responses.