I just went to check progress on my 96SE. They'd already changed the strut so I was able to inspect the old one. The previous owner told me he'd just changed both struts so I was surprised at having to replace one immediately.
The stud at the top of the piston had sheared completely off, so no damping whatsoever, and the item was slowly destroying the mount at the top. The mechanic reckons that it wasn't properly tightened in the first place, causing early failure.
Apart from that the engine was back in, and all the rest of the gubbins being put back on it; but there was one added downside, they found the PS pump was leaking so that added another $60 to the job.
The major oil leak was from the timing chain cover, as suspected. The other one was even harder to get at; but my Spanish isn't good enough to decipher the location.

 

had the same thing happen to me with the struts. Except a "friend" did it and screwed it up. I payed him and havn't seen the money back even though i have been asking for it. I let it go cuz christmas was comming up, but now i am thinking about resorting to mob style reactions if he doesnt pay me willingly.