Rep Power: 812

if i look at the front struts from under the car, there is a thick rubber ring around the very top of the shiny metal shaft and both sides this piece is torn. i tried to pull it out, but the rest of the ring seems to be connected to the top piece. i have no idea what they are or if it matters that theyre torn. any ideas?

i also have auto trans fluid leaking out of the dipstick hole and all over the trans housing and sensor wires. not sure why thats happening either, the fluid is right at the top line and not overfilled. the dipstick is extremely loose tho so maybe its seeping out. it doesnt drip fluid, but its wet all over that area and sticky with dirt. come to think of it, most of the stuff under the hood is messed with fluid residues. the oil pan has some stuff leaking too, and i think some of it from the rear main seal. welcome to having an 8 yr old car i guess.

 
Rep Power: 0

I think the problem is salt on the road... Since u live in reno.. 8 Years here and no leaking, and we dont have salt on our roads... Salty roads = eat every single rubber under ur car and wheels, even metal... If i was u i would go to junk yard and get a new dipstick..

 
Rep Power: 812

all the dipstick are like that, its a defect. still wondering what those rings are that tore. and it looks pretty clean up there too i dont think salt made it that high up. and struts are only a year old maybe

 
Rep Power: 253

They are probably just part of the dust cover boots. My dust cover boots have also ripped and are just dangling there. I Find it to be too much work to replace them. ( I also asked if I should on this site and was told not to worry about it)

The dipstick is a common problem I have it happen too. I guess you could maybe put a big o ring in it or tape it. I bought a brand new transmission dipstick from Honda and it happened again.. how gay