Front Strut Insert ID

[86 911]

I am doing a suspension and brake refresh on my '76 911. I ordered replacement Bilstein B6 strut inserts as I thought they were the correct types. It turns out they are not. Looking at the other options from our host, Konis appear to be similar. However, the Konis come with a yellow or orange housing while the ones I took out are bare steel.

I also had to remove the roll pin at the bottom to get mine out. Anyone care to elaborate how this roll pin design works? It appears the roll pin does not actually go through the insert but somehow holds it in?

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere but I can't find the necessary info. Just want to order the correct parts this time around.

[86 911]

Nevermind - It appears Pelican lists these as the B6 insert. The green ones I ordered are also labeled B6 inserts which is a bit confusing.

[mepstein]

Koni inserts only fit into Koni and Boge struts. Won’t fit into Bils. Bilstein only fit Bilstein inserts. The roll pin holds the shaft where it’s notched. If there was a hole for the pin, you would need to line it up. The notch guides the pin into place while holding the shaft to the strut.
If I remember correctly, the inserts differ between the struts that have a bracket for the brake sensor and the earlier ones without a bracket. I don’t recall the actual difference of the part. I believe you need the 84-86 model vs the 86.5-88 year type.

[blucille]

It sure looks like the bilstein inserts I have used.


The roll pin slides in along the area just under the end of the insert, in your photo you can see where the shaft narrows just a 1/4 or 1/2 inch down from the (non-threaded) end of the insert.

I suspect the insert you took out will say ‘bilstein’ on it if you look closely.

Any chance you were sent a bilstein insert for some other application? How about you post a photo of the new insert?

[mepstein]

Originally Posted by blucille

It sure looks like the bilstein inserts I have used.


The roll pin slides in along the area just under the end of the insert, in your photo you can see where the shaft narrows just a 1/4 or 1/2 inch down from the (non-threaded) end of the insert.

I suspect the insert you took out will say ‘bilstein’ on it if you look closely.

Any chance you were sent a bilstein insert for some other application? How about you post a photo of the new insert?

Right. Maybe a Bilstein insert for a Boge strut.

[86 911]

Thanks guys. I ordered this (which is too wide to fit in the housing):
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/34001158.htm?pn=34-001158-M512&bc=c&SVSVSI=0561

Looks like I'll need this instead:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/34050019.htm?pn=34-050019-M512&bc=c&SVSVSI=0561

There is a compressed metal cap & seal on the housing where the strut insert came out. The seal is shot. Blucille - did Pelican supply you with a new seal? The product photo only shows the insert and the roll pin. I can always call tomorrow but thought I'd ask..

[mepstein]

Yea, you bought the Bilstein insert for Boge strut.
The seal at the top of the strut is not included with the replacement insert. There’s a second seal in the strut body that also wears out.