Diagnosis And Testing - Strut Assembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Fiat 500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
The strut tower can feel "loose" or be moved around while it is up on a hoist, this is a normal condition.
Inspect the strut assembly for the following conditions:
- Inspect for a damaged or broken coil spring (3).
- Inspect for a torn or damaged dust shield (10).
- Lift the dust shield and inspect the strut assembly for evidence of fluid running from the upper end of the strut fluid reservoir. (Actual leakage will be a stream of fluid running down the side and dripping off lower end of unit). A slight amount of seepage between the strut shaft and strut shaft seal is not unusual and does not affect performance of the strut assembly.
- Inspect the jounce bumper for signs of damage or deterioration.
- Inspect the clearance between the shock tower and the coil spring. Make sure no fasteners are protruding through the shock tower possibly contacting the coil spring and strut. Because of the minimum clearance in this area, installation of metal fasteners could damage the coil spring coating and lead to a corrosion failure of the spring.