Shock / strut problem in 2000 LeSabre

[Liz1973]

For the past week I've been hearing a rattling / thumping noise when I'd go over a bump or hit a pothole. I opened the trunk and it wasn't anything knocking around in there.

Yesterday when I was driving I hit a bump and it sounded even louder, like something rubbing against something. I pulled into a parking lot and looked under the car thinking maybe the muffler was dragging or something, but I didn't see anything. I had my daughter get out of the car and look while I backed up and then forward again. She didn't see anything and the noise had stopped.

I figured I'd try to drive home but as soon as I hit another bump the rubbing noise was back so I pulled over & called for a tow. When the guy looked at it he said it looked like my shock or strut (can't remember which he said). He showed me a hole under the car where the part is supposed to be in, then showed me the part which was currently out of the hole and slanted forward next to my tire. When he pushed on my tire I heard the same noise as when I was driving.

Is he right? Is it my shock or strut; and if so, how much can I expect to pay if I take it to a shop? Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

[maxwedge]

No way to tell from here, post a pic if possible.

[Liz1973]

I took a pic of both right and left sides.

[maxwedge]

Dangerous, the shock assy has pulled out of it's mount, get this to a shop ASAP.

[Liz1973]

Thank you so much for your help. I'll get it towed to a shop asap.

[Tech II]

Absolutely, do not drive the vehicle this way.......your strut came loose at the mount.......