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jpab924 · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:07 pm Post subject: need some info on struts

I have acquired a 5 bolt suspension from an 84 924s for a future upgrade. I`m tearing it down, and re-building everything over time. It needs the calipers re-built, pad, rotors turned (or new), bearings re-packed, struts, and a whole lot of scrubbing and painting/powdercoating.

Anyways, I am confused on the front strut cartridge thing. The struts are dead. I was expecting a self contained insert to pull out of the lower strut ass. but to my surprise, I pulled it out and a bunch of shock oil came out along with it.

Now the question is, if I buy replacement, boge, bilstein, koni, or whatever, are they like what I pulled apart and come with shock oil to add? Or am I missing something here?

Stupified....

Porver9two4 · Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 104 Location: United Kingdom

Normally when this happens any replacement parts are 'strut inserts' and you slip a whole new assy into the strut (dont forget to drop some antifreeze in there first) before winding the strut cap back on...... one doesnt normally refurbish the oily bits inside the strut.

dgz924s · Joined: 03 Nov 2002 Posts: 592 Location: Kansas

Struts are cooled by the oil. Most use ATF. It takes very little too. Less than a 1/2cup. If overfilled the cartridge will push out the oil. So refill it just enough to barely ooze out when cartridge is inserted.

AF is ok but ATF is better. The only struts that are filled are the sealed struts and I believe your's are screw capped.
Dal
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Dal Glassinger

Porver9two4 · Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 104 Location: United Kingdom

Sorry, i probly should have clarified what i wrote above. I am familiar with strut insert replacements - these are basically a complete shock absorber unit all sealed up and working that you drop inside the strut once you have taken your old oily bits out. I have never come across a replacement part which is the oily bits (pistons, seals etc) that slip back into the old strut - i am in the UK though and it may just be that they arent supplied here.
When we put inserts in (the complete assy. jobs) we drop antifreeze into the strut for two reasons - one to assist in heat transfer from the strut insert to the strut and out to atmosphere and two to avoid any possibility of water getting into the strut and then freezing in the winter (possibly cracking the strut).
If we were able to replace the bits inside a strut with the same (ie new oily bits) then i would definately use oil to re-fill it. Just wanted to clear that up and sorry if i confused it.

jpab924 · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 12:46 pm Post subject:

Well, the struts i pulled apart were not inserts. They look like they are servicable struts, meaning the o-rings and such could be replaced and can be re-filled with oil. I assumed that all the struts with the removable cap were of the strut cartridge insert type. This suspension came from an 87 924s. Looking through the pet hasn`t revealed the type of struts from this 87 I pulled apart. ???

My basic concern is that when I do decide to get new "strut inserts" will they fit into this servicable type strut lower ass.?

Porver9two4 · Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 104 Location: United Kingdom

Basic answer - 'yes'. Normally 'strut inserts' fit inside servicable type strut lower assy.

jpab924 · Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 11:02 am Post subject:

ok, thanks. I didn`t want to spend the money on inserts to find that they would not fit.