Ok.

The front left wheel is off.

I look at the strut from within the wheel well and lift the boot upwards.

I see a small quantity of red rubber shavings near the top of the strut.

Has some kind of rubber component worn off?

Is it necessary to change the whole strut assembly?

There is no leakage from the strut.

At the same time, the front passes the bounce test but when going over speed reducing strips, the bumps are significantly felt - very un-Merc like and i just noticed this quite recently.

Anyone?