2002 Rav. Strut Replacement

[Jmrec100]

I need some advice. Anyone out there had their struts needing replacement at 68,000 miles? Seems that someone I know has a 2002. She had the front brakes done and was told that the struts are bad. Doesn't seem right. Only 68000 miles and gone bad. Anyone have this happen to them? And to check it, how would the car act if bad Struts? Thanks

[Franco2112]

Yes, it's possible to need struts at this mileage. Also factor in the year of the vehicle 2002. 7 years of supporting the vehicle will cause an issue or 2. Here are some ways to check if your struts are bad.
1. Excessive bounce going over bumps or riding down the road. Harsh ride.
2. Bad road steering.
3. Tires have uneven tread( Looks and feels choppy)
4. Fluid coming out of strut.(Leaking)
5. Vehicle looks uneven.(Sagging)
6. Bottoming out over bumps.
When the mechanic stated that you needed shocks he/she should have stated the reason why. If you have none of these issues your shocks are more than good enough for you to drive safely for many more miles. Just keep in mind of the issues stated above.

[Jmrec100]

Thanks.
Pretty much verified what I was thinking.

[timd]

My son recently had an oil change on his 2006 RAV4 and afterwards, it rode very bad. A mechanic told him that there is a TSB stating that if the car is lifted or jacked up, it is possible for the strut(s) to over-pressurize and become very stiff. I guess this is due to the wheel being allowed to drop down as the car is raised. The mechanic told him the only way to correct this is to replace the strut for $850. I need a second opinion A.S.A.P.