Lifespan of 3rd Gen front struts?

[914rrr]

Like the title says, is the average lifespan more mileage or age related?
Our 2011 Navigator seems to have led a pretty easy life as it was originally owned by a physician in FL and the tow hitch had never been used.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

It could be both or either, depending on the owner's driving habits & uses... depending on the mileage, in your case, I would say that if the rest of the suspension (tires, wheels, hubs, brakes) were well maintained, then you should have some life left on your struts...

As a side note: My '011 EL was an off-lease corporate exec transport, with light city driving & some moderate-length road trips only. It currently has ~86k on it and drives almost as well as my brothers '24 Max....

 

[eddytheexpy]

I'd say it's something like: wear = (mileage*average duty level) + (age*environmental factors)

My expy is a 2011 and spent its whole life in Phoenix. I picked it up with 155k miles and it was the kid carrier for a large family since 2013. Lots of road trips and in-town driving so this thing had only seen nicely groomed roads. However, the shocks in that rig made it feel like boat on semi-calm waters even on flat roads. That seal for the piston rod probably got broken down over time due to the constant regional heat plus the valves within it had seen better days after hauling around an 8 person family for nearly a decade. Also, don't forget, the bottom of the piston rod where it connects to the LCA has a rubber bushing in it.

If you don't mind doing a little wrench swinging, I'd recommend swapping them out for new ones since you're asking the question. That means you're probably going to be doing it this year or next year anyway haha. Might as well enjoy the nice ride sooner rather than later!

 

[mr_dave]

I noticed mine starting to degrade around 80k miles. I'm at about 95k right now and they need to be replaced. I'm going to replace all 4 with Bilsteins.

 

[bloodhound]

I sold my 2009 Limited with 115,000 miles and the original fronts. The rears had been swapped out to replace the air suspension, My 2014 Limited has 85,000 on it, still original and rides great.

 

[inmanlanier]

My 2012 front struts were discovered leaking at 36,500K miles, just outside the mileage warranty, but less than 36 months. We had returned from a 1500 mile trip. Ford wouldn't do squat for us. I replaced them with Bilsteins. We now have just under 114K miles and they have been great.

 

[RobE]

Like the title says, is the average lifespan more mileage or age related?
Our 2011 Navigator seems to have led a pretty easy life as it was originally owned by a physician in FL and the tow hitch had never been used.

2011 Expedition King Ranch 188k mi with rear air suspension. I replaced the rear air with non-air about 1.5years ago. Front are still original shocks/struts and ride is still smooth.

 

[MAC1]

2016 - 122K miles, inspected annually and maintained by Ford dealer; originals still in place.

 

[JerryT]

1998 replaced at 200k miles, the originals were fine but thought it was time to replace. Expy does ride better and I could tell a before after difference.

 

[MikeL867]

2017 Expedition Max/Extended Length - I've replaced my fronts once due to leaking and used Bilstein's.

As for the rear, I have replaced three times due to leaking; they typically have a hard life towing the max capacity. When they leak, it's always in the winter at -40 (I live in Northern Canada beside Alaska) when I hit a pothole (build up of ice snow or ice near a sewer and then a drop to the sewer grate) or speed bump too hard. I always replace with Motorcraft OEM since I have the load leveling Nivomat struts and don't want to lose that functionality. I have just found cheaper places to buy the OEM struts - Motorcraft Part #ASH-24550 (Rock Auto and online Ford dealers that undercut my local Ford dealer).

 

[ediddily]

Like all parts, they don't last forever. Everyone's driving habits also affect the lifespan. My 07, has 306k miles and still has the originals and rides fine. I also like to partake in light off-roading besides the usual pot hole suspension eaters.

 

[rollinstone]

2014 LTD with 86k+…I’ve towed a 3500 lb trailer about 5000 miles annually since 2016. Never noticed any problems with front end. It was purchased used from Enterprise.

 

[mrlakeview]

I recently purchased my '13 XL limited with 28k original miles and the front struts were gone. So.....

 

[914rrr]

2017 Expedition Max/Extended Length - I've replaced my fronts once due to leaking and used Bilstein's.

As for the rear, I have replaced three times due to leaking; they typically have a hard life towing the max capacity. When they leak, it's always in the winter at -40 (I live in Northern Canada beside Alaska) when I hit a pothole (build up of ice snow or ice near a sewer and then a drop to the sewer grate) or speed bump too hard. I always replace with Motorcraft OEM since I have the load leveling Nivomat struts and don't want to lose that functionality. I have just found cheaper places to buy the OEM struts - Motorcraft Part #ASH-24550 (Rock Auto and online Ford dealers that undercut my local Ford dealer).

Thanks for the advice!