Shock/Strut 2002 Civic

Can anyone shed some light on this issue please. I have my mom's 2002 Civic EX with original miles at 13,050. That is not a typo. I now have to have the front combination strut/shock absorber replaced which is rather expensive. Reason is that apparently the seal was degraded by the abrasiveness of the dust that accumulated on the shaft and created a leak of fluid. The steering wheel shook every time the right front tire went over a bump in the road. Is this a common occurrence for these cars? Am I to expect to have to replace the other front strut? Remember, this car has only 13K mikes on it.

Claypool.

The struts used are a very weak point in the 7th gens IMO. I have had 3 sets on my 05, 2 sets leaked at the top cover and the current set has a noise over bumps when first driving.

In most cases they say to replace them as a pair. And have the car aligned.

You may be fine, that is some low mileage btw.

Thanks for your input Copytech. The mileage is true. My mom doesn't drive much. I am just at this point not sure if she wants to give this car to me if I want it. It possibly could be a liability. It has been sitting outside at her residence for 7 years. My real car is a 02 Malibu and they have all their problems too. It has 84K miles on it. The Honda is getting 30 mpg city driving w/ac on- not so bad compared to the chevy.