Just noticed that my front right strut is blown. The front makes a squeak every time I hit a speed bump. I've always taken these bumps slowly too. Was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem. You can check if it's leaking in the engine compartment. There's an opening at the wheel well (this is where you'll see oil). I guess I have to call Chrysler to get this fixed which is still under warrantee...hopefully they won't screw anything else up while trying to replace the strut. BTW, I noticed that the left front strut started leaking as well, although it's not squeaking yet.

 

Whoa... sorry to hear that, fellow Calif Xfire owner... If both struts are blown and you baby it most of the time, check that your car hasn't been used as an SRT Track Experience car, assuming you have an SRT6. With not-so-many miles and being babied, both front struts shouldn't be blown unless there is something else wrong with the suspension causing the undue wear on the struts...

 

Thanks Cudaman, I'll look into the suspension. The car had less than 700 miles when I got it. I know it has not been to the tracks. I called Chrysler and they say they'll replace the struts under the warrantee.

 

actually the crossfire has a shock up front...

 

Don't be to sure about that... I saw a Crossfire at Willow Springs Raceway with dealer plates on it running a track event. I asked the driver about the car and he said it was a company car that he gets to use (abuse)... He was one of the managers for a local car dealer...

PS: Andrew is correct...

SHOCKS VS. STRUTS
Struts work just like shocks to dampen the movement of the suspension to help control ride motions and keep the tires in contact with the road. However, unlike shocks, struts are an integral, structural part of the car's suspension. In many front wheel drive applications, the strut forms the mechanical axis around which the front wheel turn.

The hydraulic systems inside struts are very similar to those in twin tube shocks. It's the outside structure that makes struts different than shocks. Some struts are constructed using cartridges that house the hydraulic assembly. These struts can be rebuilt be replacing the cartridge. However most struts use an integrated design and must be completely replaced when they fail or become worn.

While many do-it-yourselfers can tackle changing shocks, replacing struts is a much more complex job requiring specialized equipment. In most cases, when struts are replaced, the car's front end must be aligned.

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