So, I finally manage to replace the RH arm control, RH inner & outer rods. I found other problems but not sure if they are bad.

1) I noticed the strut bearing has a little play when I rock it up and down, I would say about 1.5mm. Is this normal? I wish someone with a new one can take it out, with both hand and rock the bearing in the middle to see if it has any play.

2) My gas strut seems to be bad also, especially on the left side. If I can use my hand to press down on the strut steem (shock absorber), then it would be bad wouldn't it?

3) Follow up question: If bad, then should I replace the whole front strut or can I actually replace the shock absorber inside the strut housing?

 

Ok.. I'm going to answer my own questions.

I look at the brand new strut bearing. They are pretty firm, hardly any play. So the answer: mine are bad.
The strut should not go down by itself. So my strut is bad. Recommended replacement on both side.

So, if you happen to have yours out, make sure to check your strut and the bearing (which is to very top part of your strut assembly; remember my car only has 48k miles and I'm the original owner. I wouldn't be surprise at all if yours also bad. FYI, eEuroparts has the best price in my search. Got all my parts from them if available.

 

I had a customer come in with the right front leaking and ended up replacing the bearings and both struts. Seems like the struts on this model only last about 60,000 miles.