2018 Legacy rear struts leaking

[Edgonz]

I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions on the rear struts for this year Legacy. Has 60,000 mi approximately.
I was wondering if anybody's gotten other than OEM struts maybe some performance struts like KYB or some other brand?
I'm assuming the struts take a beating with the low profile tires so maybe some higher end struts would have longer life.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Shaggy]

I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions on the rear struts for this year Legacy. Has 60,000 mi approximately.
I was wondering if anybody's gotten other than OEM struts maybe some performance struts like KYB or some other brand?
I'm assuming the struts take a beating with the low profile tires so maybe some higher end struts would have longer life.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

For me, I wouldn't replace stock struts with struts. I'd upgrade them like the one you mentioned. KGB being the most popular one that people go with. Here is on Amazon - KYB Excel‑G

 

[bmart]

KGB shocks...brought you by the former soviet union.

KYB are exact OEM. There are upgrades available, but those are your best bet if you're happy with the OEM ride. RockAuto is a good place to start.

 

[keith3267]

The struts an a 2018 with only 60k should not be leaking. I would like to know the circumstances of how you determined they are leaking?

Were you having control problems while driving, the rear end bouncing so much that it "bump steered" the vehicle?

Did you take it in for routine service like an oil change or the 60k maintenance (plugs, air filter and oil change) and the technician "noticed" the oil on the struts. If the latter is the case, I really suspect a bit of fraud here.

 

[bmart]

60k is a pretty good run for shocks. Some go longer, many go shorter. A lot of variables.

 

[Edgonz]

The struts an a 2018 with only 60k should not be leaking. I would like to know the circumstances of how you determined they are leaking?

Were you having control problems while driving, the rear end bouncing so much that it "bump steered" the vehicle?

Did you take it in for routine service like an oil change or the 60k maintenance (plugs, air filter and oil change) and the technician "noticed" the oil on the struts. If the latter is the case, I really suspect a bit of fraud here.

Yes, my wife took it to have tires balanced and rotated and came home with estimate to replace due to leakage.

 

[keith3267]

Yes, my wife took it to have tires balanced and rotated and came home with estimate to replace due to leakage.

That makes me highly suspicious. Some less than honest mechanics will actually squirt oil on the struts to show the customer.

If you are concerned, get a second opinion from a trusted mechanic. If you have a proper jack and jackstands, you can look for yourself, but do NOT get under a vehicle that is not properly supported by jackstands rated for your vehicles load.

Never get under a vehicle supported only by the jack in the trunk. Those jacks are for changing tires in an emergency only. You do not have to go under a vehicle to change a tire so thay are OK for that purpose only.

If the shop did not show your wife the oil, chances are they will be dry. If they did show her the oil, was there a lot of dirt accumulation on the oil? A lot of dirt from the road gets thrown up on the struts so clean oil means it was just applied.