frozen rear struts

[Jonn]

Just wondering if anyone else has ever had this happen?
No it isnt a mechanical problem, the problem is when the strut top seal gets worn and strut leaks fluid out, it also will suck water in from the road spray as the strut works up and down, then if it is cold enough outside, the water freezes and the strut becomes solid, no movement, since i have expericenced this, and proven it by opening up a old "had frozen on me" strut, and found water in it, i still cannot make a lot of message board mechanics believe this happens.
So take this as a heads up if you drive off in the winter and least one end/side of the car will not move up and down, replace your struts....
I havent saw this on the front ones, maybe the boot protects them better, i dunno, but the rears will freeze...Good boots are essential too.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by Jonn

Just wondering if anyone else has ever had this happen?
No it isnt a mechanical problem, the problem is when the strut top seal gets worn and strut leaks fluid out, it also will suck water in from the road spray as the strut works up and down, then if it is cold enough outside, the water freezes and the strut becomes solid, no movement, since i have expericenced this, and proven it by opening up a old "had frozen on me" strut, and found water in it, i still cannot make a lot of message board mechanics believe this happens.
So take this as a heads up if you drive off in the winter and least one end/side of the car will not move up and down, replace your struts....
I havent saw this on the front ones, maybe the boot protects them better, i dunno, but the rears will freeze...Good boots are essential too.

When I worked in a garage, we ran across that from time to time, when the weather got really stupid cold out. One guy came in, he'd driven in the sleet and rain, got to work, the temp dropped well below freezing, and when he parked, he'd parked on a severe slope, and locked the e-brake, letting the car roll back against the brake, making the rear end hike up. He came in looking like a old hot-rod, with the back jacked up. When you hit a bump, it would about knock you outta the seat. We put heat to the rear struts, and it dropped back down.

[Jonn]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

When I worked in a garage, we ran across that from time to time, when the weather got really stupid cold out. One guy came in, he'd driven in the sleet and rain, got to work, the temp dropped well below freezing, and when he parked, he'd parked on a severe slope, and locked the e-brake, letting the car roll back against the brake, making the rear end hike up. He came in looking like a old hot-rod, with the back jacked up. When you hit a bump, it would about knock you outta the seat. We put heat to the rear struts, and it dropped back down.

LOL, all jacked up in the a$$ end was it, LOL yeah i have worked on cars since i was 12, now 49. And my Lumina struts were the first i saw freeze up, so since i was here i figured i might as well post it, maybe someone else is trying to figure out why their cars is riding worse than a 1800's horse and wagon... Man! what a ride....

[cnilkyrclit]

My Lumina Did This, It Was The Most Harshest Ride Ever!!! Felt Like I Was In An Old Wooden Roller Coaster. Ended Up Replacing Both Struts. Im Now Trying To Figure Out How Raise The Rear End Of The Car. It Sags A Little, I Was Told That I May Need A Bigger Leaf Spring. Im Not Sure Wether This Car Has A Leaf Spring, If It Does I Will Look Into Replacing It. 93 Lumina 4dr Eurosport.

[Jonn]

Originally Posted by cnilkyrclit

My Lumina Did This, It Was The Most Harshest Ride Ever!!! Felt Like I Was In An Old Wooden Roller Coaster. Ended Up Replacing Both Struts. Im Now Trying To Figure Out How Raise The Rear End Of The Car. It Sags A Little, I Was Told That I May Need A Bigger Leaf Spring. Im Not Sure Wether This Car Has A Leaf Spring, If It Does I Will Look Into Replacing It. 93 Lumina 4dr Eurosport.

yes. I wish mine sat a little higher in the rear, it really isnt sagged, just about level, but takes little weight to put it down. I cant see of anyway other than a new or maybe stiffer spring to raise it either.