* Uneven handling and ride: Having one new strut and one worn strut will create an imbalance in your suspension. This can lead to uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, and a less comfortable ride.
* Premature wear on other suspension components: The imbalance can put extra stress on other parts of your suspension, potentially causing them to wear out faster and requiring more expensive repairs down the road.
* Compromised safety: An uneven suspension can affect your vehicle's stability, especially during cornering or emergency maneuvers.
While it *might* be acceptable to replace just one strut in a very specific circumstance (like a single strut being damaged in an accident), it's almost always better to replace both struts on the same axle (front or rear) at the same time. This ensures a balanced and safe ride, and is the recommended practice by most Cadillac mechanics and repair shops. The cost difference between replacing one and replacing two is usually relatively small compared to the potential problems caused by only replacing one.
