strut oil

[speedo]

Just replaced the inserts in my son's Boge struts. Info that came with the new inserts stated "fill the strut with the manufacturer's recommended amount of oil". Ok...what oil do I use and how much is needed? And I guess I would also ask, as the insert is sealed, what is the benefit of oil in the strut? It doesn't move.

Speedo

[Trackrash]

This is a matter for debate. However some of the older struts were not sealed, so oil was needed.

Some say you should fill the space around the insert with oil or even ani-freeze. The idea is it will transfer the heat out of the insert better.

In reading the original manual it states "remove the old insert and drain the hydrolic fluid". It does not mention adding fluid when installing a new shock insert.

[speedo]

Thanks for the response. That parallels the other feedback I received. No fluid goes back in...

[r-mm]

I would ask the insert manufacturer. I did Konis on my BMW and they gave me specific answers. The grade of oil doesn't matter. It also contributes a little to preventing the insert/housing from rusting to each other.

[mepstein]

I called Bilstein and they said no oil goes in the strut for new inserts but I do put a dab of grease on the bottom of the insert since all my old ones always were rusty at the bottom.

[Hawkeye's-911T]

I recall Grady Clay's advice - he recommended a little oil in the struts - a search on his name,
as most folks here know, is a veritable gold mine.

Cheers
JB

[speedo]

Thanks for all the replies. We turned my son's 70 914 4 bolt suspension into a 5 bolt suspension with the help from manbridge 74. The inside of the strut was very oily to start with ...There will be no rust in there. And it will likely be evaluated in the next year or two as he helps the car "evolve".