oil leak at bottom of strut

[nerdorama]

This is actually on my E23, but this forum seems to have better tech discussion. My son recently clipped a curb with the right front wheel. I've replaced the bent lower control arm and am reinstalling the strut. Once I had the strut in place and the bolts all loosely installed, I noticed oil seeping from the bottom of the strut where the tube joins with the lower interface plate. I assume this is the oil normally used in the strut to cool the shock.

Do I have a failed strut which I should replace? If it's leaking, I wonder if the mechanical integrity of the strut is compromised.

Thanks,
John
'80 528i
'86 735i

[Mike W.]

If you were in the rust belt, this would be an easy answer, which would be yes. But I see you're not. It's probably ok, but I'd look for a replacement. Maybe wait until the local yard has one for a reasonable price, but I've had lots of high mileage BMW's and I've never had one leak. Jack it up and see if you can see any movement, if you do, you're in trouble. If not, I'd still be a little nervous, but I'd still drive it.

[nerdorama]

Thanks, Mike.

My reason for asking is that after the incident when it hit the curb and while it's been sitting on my garage floor, there wasn't any sign of a leak. Almost as soon as I put it back in the car the oil started leaking out the bottom. It seems to be around the area where the strut tube joins with the lower mounting part that bolts to the rest of the suspension. It just surprised me to see a leak after this time. I don't think it's the shock cartridge, it suspect it's the oil that is recommended to be used in the strut body to transfer heat. It makes me worry that the strut tube and lower piece may not be structurally intact now.

Thanks again,
John

[Mike W.]

I didn't quite follow the first time thru, I thought you had replaced the housing. If you haven't, and have a leak, I would definitely replace it. It might be just fine, but on front end parts it's kind of critical, it's nice to be able to steer.