# Shock leakage **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** toyota, camry\ **Created:** [October 3, 2009, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469 "2009-10-03T00:18:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rxcaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f9ae1b/32.png) [@rxcaro](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rxcaro)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/1 "2009-10-03T00:18:47Z")
I took my car for an oil chg at Midas, and the guy told me that the front and the back of my shocks were leaking and b/c it was a low mileage 26,000 miles that i should take it to the dealer and have it fix under the warranty. I did so but the dealer said that it was normal to have some oil leaking and it was only 10% and they dont fix it until it’s about 25% filled. I dont know who to believe because 1) my warranty is about to expired 2) i read about this problem to other ppl who own a camry any advise ? ---
**Author:** ![Beadsandbeads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c57346/32.png) [@Beadsandbeads](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beadsandbeads)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 12:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/2 "2009-10-03T00:23:33Z")
I find it very hard to believe that is it allowable for Toyota shocks to leak even a little bit. ---
**Author:** ![rxcaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f9ae1b/32.png) [@rxcaro](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rxcaro)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 12:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/3 "2009-10-03T00:58:33Z")
well unfortunately that’s what the guy at the dealer told me. do u have any advice? ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 1:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/4 "2009-10-03T01:43:47Z")
What Model Year Is This Camry? CSA ---
**Author:** ![rxcaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f9ae1b/32.png) [@rxcaro](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rxcaro)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/5 "2009-10-03T01:53:28Z")
It’s a 2007 ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 2:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/6 "2009-10-03T02:03:03Z")
You Can Try And Talk Toyota Into New Shocks/Struts, But They Probably Won’t. At least get it in writing on a Repair Order that shows the specific complaint of leaking shocks/struts, front and rear, miles, date, etcetera. Toyota issued a Technical Service Bulletin for 2006 & 2007 Toyota cars with pictures and descriptions of how much seepage and leakage is “normal” and “abnormal” for their shocks/struts. Light to moderate seepage is “normal”. “Abnormal” leakage calls for replacement. Generally the oil wetting the strut has to extend beyond the spring seat or in the case of a shock, beyond about a third of the shock’s length. Most seals have a little seepage. A totally dry seal would probable “burn up”. I’m not sure these are covered by warranty, anyhow. What does the warranty say that came with the Camry? CSA ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/7 "2009-10-03T02:16:13Z")
Some car makers do state a tiny bit of oil weepage is acceptable but this amount should be nothing more than a small, faint oil film that is only noticeable due to dust adhering to the oil film. How do they determine this 10% figure? They can’t and this bit about waiting until it’s 25% sounds like a brush off. Based on what Midas says and even using that 10% figure, sounds like it’s time for a warranty repair. Maybe you need to contact Toyota Motor Compnay’s regional office and drag them into this because you can bet your bottom dollar when the warranty expires those 10% faulty shocks may instantly become 100% faulty on your dime. Ask Toyota about this alleged 25% figure and see if they know anything about it. What the dealer makes on a shock/strut job varies, a LOT, depending on whether it’s warranty or customer pay. Warranty only allows a reduced labor time and rate along with limiting the parts markup to something like 25% maximum. Customer pay means the shop charges the full flat rate labor charge (time and rate) along with a larger markup on the parts. ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 2:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/8 "2009-10-03T02:27:39Z")
OK4450, Take A Look At Toyota’s TSB For 06 - 07 Cars. I think that’s what they’re going by for seepage and leakage. It might be like fighting City Hall. CSA ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 4:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/9 "2009-10-03T04:08:33Z")
I would not trust the Midas guy, one tricked my wife (before we met) into replacing shocks that were perfectly good. I also can’t imagine how the Toyota folks know what % full the struts are…I guess you might try to find a good independent mechanic for a 3rd opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 11:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shock-leakage/37469/10 "2009-10-03T11:53:28Z")
I suspect you are at a dead end for warranty work. However my question is: How are the struts working? If they are doing fine and do not show any problems more than that Toyota indicates is OK, I would stick with them. Keep watching them and if you have a question have them checked by an alignment shop. Sometime along the line they will start showing evidence of wear and then you replace them.