Ask an expert

I have a 1997 Toyota Starlet travelled 124,000km's. I took it in recently to get my tyres checked, rotated and wheels balanced.

This was a free service from the company concerned.

They then advised me that all four shock absorbers were leaking and required replacement.

I have spoken to 2 ex-mechanics and they both seem to think this is most unusual and I should get a second opinion. They said shocks tend to sweat and not really leak.

I have been quoted around $700 but don't want to spend this sort of money unless it's a real problem.

What do you suggest I do from here?

The car does need a service shortly.

Rachel

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 30 November 2009

It would seem unlikely that all four shock absorbers would fail simultaneously. It is not unusual to see a small amount of seepage from shock absorbers, but not for them all to be leaking.

If they are genuinely faulty, it is advisable to replace them as they can cause handling problems and the car may fail its next Warrant Of Fitness inspection however, there is no need to replace them unnecessarily.

If the car is due for a service, I suggest you wait and explain the situation to your mechanic and ask that he gives you a second opinion.

Often these free checks are not quite what they seem.