Front struts - can they leak?

[idosubaru]

My 1997 Impreza Outback Sport front right strut appeared very wet, like it has been "leaking" for some time. I know there's oil internally, so I guess it can leak?

 

What causes that and what problems would that cause?

Didn't really notice any performance loss. Would it make any noises or anything?

 

Can they "fail" more than that - what happens if it all leaks out?

 

I already swapped it out with another (dry!) one, but curious about it since i've never seen it before and wondering how they work.

[idosubaru]

What the???? i posted a thread last night and when i checked this morning the thread wasn't there? i looked under "New Posts" - "New Generation" and even searched under my username? I assumed it was lost and started this second one?

 

Thanks nip. i've never done a strut before....probably something to do with 15 years of the XT6 air suspension! you retain the top hat and coil, but replace the strut, is that how it works?

[keltik]

Yup exactly the same. Front ones are a wee bit more involved than rears but a pair should only take an afternoon and 3 beers.

[idosubaru]

not that i want to do this (i just bought a lift kit!), but curious since i'm in "strut class" at the moment but how do they lower cars? is it the strut, springs, or both that are different?

[keltik]

They fit shorter wound springs....but after a small amount of lowering you need new shock too to compensate for the different springs.