Corroded strut top spring perch

[UhOh]

Daughter's wagon had some suspension noises going on. Here is what I found (I replaced everything not quite 3 years ago- all new parts from a reputable/sponsor):

I've never seen a top spring perch corroded like this. This isn't the rust belt! (and even my car, which WAS from the rust belt, didn't have anything like this after 15 years or so)


The moisture is just from the road: it was raining a bit.


The upper part of the spring broke. Not sure which compromised which here. A good friend and mechanic up in BC will be doing the repair work and I hope that his forensics shed some light.

 

[jokila]

Daughter's wagon had some suspension noises going on. Here is what I found (I replaced everything not quite 3 years ago- all new parts from a reputable/sponsor):

I've never seen a top spring perch corroded like this. This isn't the rust belt! (and even my car, which WAS from the rust belt, didn't have anything like this after 15 years or so)


The moisture is just from the road: it was raining a bit.


The upper part of the spring broke. Not sure which compromised which here. A good friend and mechanic up in BC will be doing the repair work and I hope that his forensics shed some light.

What brand of strut?

 

[JETaah]

Is it....Meyle?

Does not surprise me a bit if it was that brand. Imagine if you did live in the salt belt. Thanks for the heads up. I hope the vendor takes note...whoever it is.

I think that the OEM perches are plated, galvanized, or just plain quality steel before they are painted and what you have is not. That area obviously needs better protection.
Was the spring and perch separate pieces or a complete strut assembly?

 

[turbocharged798]

Coil spring broke, you can see the broken bit on top.

 

[gforce1108]

Coil spring broke, you can see the broken bit on top.

Common failure - then falls off the perch. Makes some horrible noises!!! I've had low and high mile cars, front and rear. Keeping a spare set on the shelf now for emergencies.

 

[turbocharged798]

Common failure - then falls off the perch. Makes some horrible noises!!! I've had low and high mile cars, front and rear. Keeping a spare set on the shelf now for emergencies.

Yep, happened on my MK5 backing down my driveway and bam front spring broke and I couldn't turn the steering wheel because it jammed up in the strut tower. Thank goodness it didn't happen when I was away from home.