Try the soapy water trick. Can't hurt, might answer your question. Try to keep it only in the area in question so as not to mask a problem elsewhere. Don't use oil. It will deteriorate the rubber even more. Good luck with it!

 

I had to fight the repair shop that put in my struts to put in the spring seats for no charge, but I am going to make sure they do it correctly. They tried to tell me that the struts they put in my car did not need the spring isolators. I had to call them out. They should do it anyway because I have a warranty on the shocks anyways. I will let you know how it ends up. Thanks for the input. You showed me the issue and allowed me to stop a mechanic shop from ripping me off.