bilstein 2.8 inserts problem

**The_Brochures** · 10-07-2005, 18:07

Help-

how do you get the inserts out from the bilstein casing ?

i have removed the bottom retaining nut and stripped the strut to the springpan, however they refuse to come out ! do they unscrew or do i need to be more forcefull - does the dust seal need to come off, if so is it threaded or just pushed on

see pic

thanks................

**Clint** · 10-07-2005, 19:25

the nut is only the lock nut, the insert needs to be unscrewed through the bottom of the strut, use a fat screwdriver on the bottom of the insert

**2quick4u** · 10-07-2005, 20:54

Yep but they do tend to sieze, so soak them in WD40 or similar, and be prepared to get the mole grips and blow torch out

**Clint** · 10-07-2005, 21:37

Oh and I wouldnt hold the tube in the vice incase you squeeze it too hard.

**Roger Miller** · 11-07-2005, 02:01

Hi,

Id love some images of what holds insert in at top of strut and the bearing etc.
Perhaps as u get it apart, u can post images of all this.

Thanks

**2quick4u** · 30-07-2005, 08:57

Originally Posted by RMinOZ

Hi,

Id love some images of what holds insert in at top of strut and the bearing etc.
Perhaps as u get it apart, u can post images of all this.

Thanks

Roger,

here is some pics of one I have stripped, this is a 2.8 Capri one, a GP1 or GP4 is very similar but the skinny damper rod is thicker on them, you can convert these types to take the GP4 inserts by drilling and tapping the hole in bottom, but if you want tu use the "short" insert you would also need to cut the tube and fit bush lower down

Complete strut looks like this

Insert is held in by this section of the damper rod being threaded and screwed through bottom of casing, then has a lock nut

Damper insert when removed looks like this

The seal assembly (fitted) looks like this

And like this when removed, there is a felt split ring at bottom, then a soft plasticy dust wiper and a knock on retaining ring (bit like a motrobike fork), smear these really well with grease when assembling, (red stuff is normally used)

Then the top bush looks like this, again grease well.

Hope that helps

**Roger Miller** · 30-07-2005, 09:33

tip top there Mark,
buy ya a grog,
when u get here. !

**The_Brochures** · 10-08-2005, 18:12

thanks guys for the help.

i have mine apart and now intend to renew the inserts, however when you say grease them well (Red stuff) is ordinary grease ok? if so do you just give the insert a good smearing all over.
Also, the washers at the top, where can you get new ones ? mine are ok but as i have them apart i thought i just as well renew them while i am at it

thanks again,

Graham