Folks,
I just spent over $2000 for new rack and pinion steering on my 1998 Accord LX. *More than anyone would normally pay, but it's mom's old car and in amazing shape (garage-kept in dry Las Vegas). Just under 124K miles.
Before this work, there was a thud, clunk sound from front passenger wheel (I think). It got worse since I got the car back. Turned wheels and took these pics. It's leaking grease. Probably both are. Pics are Front passenger tire.
Not a mechanic. Is this a struts issue or shock absorbers, or worse? :-(
Thanks in advance. Hard to see how they didn't catch this, when they found the rack and pinion leaking and replaced...

front passenger wheel close-up.

front passenger wheel

 

Your struts are dead, replace on both sides. I replaced both my front struts last summer(DIY) with Duralast from Autozone. It not too difficult of a DIY if you are good with hand tools.

 

Thanks. Will do. not handy or a mechanic but a friend is. Also, it got a lot worse after the garage did an expensive rack & pinion job, alignment... Going to see what they'll do first.
Fine on smooth roads or highways.
*Can I drove slowly, locally with these until I get it repaired?
I will check those shocks at AutoZone. Appreciated!

 

Usually strut leaks don't cause that much much grime, so, double check if the struts are really shot before going ahead and replacing them. You can try a bounce test, poor vehicle braking performance, front of the car dips while braking and does your car see-saw while turning at moderate speed are few tests you can try to confirm the struts.
Yes, there is no danger to drive the vehicle but got to be careful since you never know how the car performs during bad weather or sudden braking.
BTW, rack & pinion job should not have any impact on struts, may be it is just a coincidence.

 

Thanks for the info!
Bounce tested by sitting on the front fenders was fine. New front brakes and axle last June. Sudden braking also fine. No see-sawing on turns at all.
I can at least have the garage look at this grease/ grime. Certainly a squeaking thud type sound from front end on bad local road. Smooth as silk on good roads and highways...& pinion work.
At least I know they're honest, not cheap, though.