Strut leaking?

[tommy914]

I have a 2000 Boxster S with 32000 miles. I noticed fluid leaking from the left rear suspension area. Starting at the last spring rung and going down the strut housing, there is caked dirt that is "wet". Are the stock struts gas or hydraulic? Do these commonly fail like this? Or is this something else? I checked the brake lines and caliper. The backside was covered with the same stuff as the strut, so I'm not sure where its coming from at this point.

thanks

Tommy

[Grant Lenahan]

Gas shocks are hydraulic. They have a small gas chamber that keeps pressure on the hydraulic fluid so that it does nto foam, and therefore is more responsive during the first small increments of motion. Both are filled with oil, and both can leak.

Next, do shocks leak oil? Yes. A little can be OK (not good, mind you, but they are old). A lot is a problem. You have to make that call. Are they working OK? That's the acid test.

Grant