How long should struts last? - 2008 Toyota Camry

Question: How long should struts last?

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OopeyEsq, 2.4L 4 Cylinder, Mahwah, NJ, August 18, 2010, 18:02

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My car has 37,500 miles on it (mostly highway miles), and my independent mechanic (STS) said that the struts are leaking. The Toyota dealership said that three of the struts are "Level 5" leaks and that one strut is a "Level 4" leak and that its all normal evaporation. According to a bulletin for '06-'07 Toyotas, Levels 4-5 are normal (my car is an '08, and the dealership insists that the bulletin pertains to my car, too - even though the bulletin states on its face that it is only for '06-'07 cars).

However, STS said the industry standard is that any leak is no good.

Anyone know which is correct? How long should struts actually last? Also, anyone know of any official documentation stating that any type of leak is no good and/or the length of time/miles struts should last?

The car is no longer under warranty, but I'm hoping Toyota will work with me based on all their bad publicity lately (and the fact that my car was part of the recalls).

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

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Answer #1

mastertech6371 August 18, 2010, 18:24

Master

i have a big problem with all this. first, your vehicle is under warranty. it has a 3 36 warranty which you are over 500 miles.
I agree with STS. any leak is unacceptable. I would appeal to toyota customer service for a second opinion. be persistant. you should not be responsible for this problem. you could also try another dealer who may be happy to warranty your struts.

Roy

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OopeyEsq, August 18, 2010, 19:20

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Thanks for the response. Actually, its 1500 miles over, not 500 (although not a big difference). I actually have a call into Toyota's Executive Office and a woman there is working with me (she's going to look at the paperwork and see what she thinks). My dealer told me that since the struts are a 4 and 5 on their list, the corporate office would not reimburse them for any warranty work. Do you think another dealership would have a different response?

Thanks again.

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mastertech6371, August 18, 2010, 19:46

Master

nope, they will follow corporate. i am in pa. and would fail them for inspection. toyota in pa wold do the same thing. this level stuff is a bunch of crap. a leak is a leak no matter what rating they give it. keep at it and go higher if you have to.

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OopeyEsq, August 18, 2010, 20:35

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Thanks (again) for the response. I'm not sure what you mean about "they will follow corporate", though. Do you mean that the second dealership would have a different take, or that either dealership will do what corporate says? If its the latter, then I just need to get corportate on my side! :) Also, what inspection are you talking about? Do dealerships get inspected for how well they diagnose/fix/take care of cars?

thanks again.

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Answer #2

BroadwayAuto from Broadway Auto Body & Repair LLC, August 19, 2010, 09:06

Technician

Hi, without getting into corporate bull your struts are leaking, losing pressure and creating an unstable suspenssion. Explain how these are tough times. I deal alot with warranty companies, some times with cool phone etiquette and patience you will get your issue resolved. If not then I will give a great deal, give me a try at http://repairpal.com/broadway-auto-body-and-repair-llc
Ted, gl

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