Just purchased the car a week ago....
Prior to test driving the car, it had been sitting in a 65F heated garage and put on a lift so I could inspect the underbody etc. I specifically examined each strut for obvious leakage (nothing.) While on the 1/2hr test drive, the outside temp was 35F. No obvious clunking or rattling. On the 800 mile drive home, the temps dropped from mid 30's to as low as -20F... Suspension clunking and rattling then became apparent, and seemed to get worse and worse...
So, is it possible the colder temps or temperature gradient within the DRC system (warmer fluid in/near strut, very cold fluid near the actuators) caused the seals to just now start leaking?... Or, could it be slight volumetric shrinkage of the hydraulic fluid---resulting in a drop in DRC pressure?... I know hydrualic fluid is theoretically incompressible under load, but is it volumetrically stable with respect to temperature?
Does anyone notice suspension (DRC) rattles that are temperature dependant?...
Will replace the suspension either way in the next few weeks... Just was curious what other's have or have not noticed.
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