I just had my 2008 SS at the dealer because it was clunking and making griding noises from the front and they called me to tell me my struts were leaking and they are a wear and tear item and not covered under the extended warranty. Normally I could accept this but the car has less than 60,000 miles on it and it has been treated very well.

Long story short I ended up calling GM questioning why they denied the claim and explained to them that a car with less than 60K miles seems a tad bit early on struts to be worn under normal driving conditions because most mechanics say that 100+K should be fine for them. They questioned me on pot holes and off road driving and I got a bit insulted and explained to them this car is treated well and it hits the bumps in the roads that are part of normal driving and if it cannot take a few pot holes (not road craters) then they need better struts. They made a deal with me and agreed that it was a bit early for them to wear out and took my $720 bill down to $242 and that included a synthetic oil change and front wheel alignment so I ended up only paying $120 for the strut replacement.

I was just curious if anyone else had them go this early and if they would consider it normal?

 

Sounds like you got a decent deal. Owners have had bad struts anywhere from 20k to 100k. I too would question if they are a regular wear item, but your warranty should specify exactly what parts are covered.

 

I had a broken seal and it looked like it was coming apart on top so I had both replaced. thank god for tax refund. my car had 75,000 miles and no warranty. struts replacement $420. I had a clunk too, now I still have the clunk but not as often and My lowered ride feels a lot smoother. Didn't need a alignment thank god.

 

Yes. One of my struts started leaking before I hit 45k. I lived with it for a while until I had to start replacing end links, etc. Gradually replaced pretty much everything in the front end and she handles like new again. I now have over 90k on her and I enjoy her more now than when she was new.

 

we have only 30k miles (55000km) and the left rear shock was gone and i was suprised it to go so fast. i know those are good to replace frequently but still i wonder how fast those had gone. but i suspect wife has hit some road bumps too fast in winter when we had serious LOW temps like -15F or so for two weeks.
my other DD, 91 park avenue has 170 000 miles on it and now getting its second strut change, which seem normal frequency

 

When I had our 2009 2LT inspected for registration and titling in MD, the inspection station failed the car for a leaking right strut. It only had 47K on it, but I realize that in a 3 year time period, several "normal" potholes can be hit, so I wasn't too upset - other than the fact that I couldn't get tags transferred real quick and thus had to still keep my 2008 on the insurance.

Got 2 new struts from RockAuto and had my local wrench put them on for $80 (after a $120 quote from the same guy). Car went back to the inspection station this past Thursday ... passed... and then transferred tags on Friday. Solid feel with the new struts.

So, if you had 60K on your SS, I'd say you got one heck of a deal!

 

I had mine replaced shortly after getting new rims/tires. They did it under warranty. Not sure what my mileage was then.

 

60K .. they dont last forever..and I still stand by after 30k your on borrowed time with factory units..these are throw away parts and money makers for the parts guys..and the factory isnt going to be equipping you with the bestest piece out there, they usually use the cheapest piece they can that lasts standard warrenty........
What happens is they go gradually and you dont notice the slight changes until something happens or somebody points them out,,normal ops.