Front Shock Insert Question

[UK Carrera]

I've convinced myself that I can cope with replacing the front damper strut inserts! I shall be doing the rears this weekend.

But - I know that Bilstein inserts (for Boge strut) do not ship in the UK with the wrench for the gland nut that holds the insert in the strut.

I have contacted Bilstein in the UK and they have a wrench thay can sell me. Problem is I need to confirm what the gland nut (or the wrench) looks like.

Bilstein described it to me as basically a 'C' type wrench with a couple of 'pins' to engage in two cut-outs in the gland nut.

Can anyone confirm, or perhaps even post a pic?

On another point, anyone know if it's possible to replace track rod end gaiters without replacing the track rod end itself? The PO fitted turbo tie rod conversion just over a year ago. I noticed that one of the gaiters is now split.

Many thanks.

[Jdub]

You might consider going to you local bicycle shop and purchasing a "C" ring used to remove the lock ring on a bottom bracket. This will engage only one notch of the four-notched lock nut, but it was enough for me. You may need also to resort to a cheater bar in some manner.

The bicycle wrench ought to cost you no more than about $15.00. You might compare that to what Bilstein is charging you (funny they should do that - it is supposed to be free?) and go from there.

John

[john walker's workshop]

a pair of large channel-locks does the same thing.

[UK Carrera]

Thanks guys.

I take it my description sounds like the right tool that Bilstein have? I don't mind paying a few pounds for the right tool, but wasting money is very irritating!

Interestingly, Bilstein told me that the gland nut doesn't need to be torqued to a high figure. Indeed using their tool I doubt that you can easily measure the applied tightening torque.

[echrisconnor]

Mine were almost hand-tight. If none of the above solutions work for you, you might even be able to use your fan pulley wrench if it's the c-type. I used a bottom bracket bicycle wrench which worked great. No need for a specialized tool.

It's also useful to have the same type of spanner/wrench to hold the top washers in place when torquing the strut after reinstallation.

[Zeke]

I thought it needed a fairly high torque. You can't see it and you don't want it coming loose. I went with JW's tool. Yes, it leaves marks, but again, you can't see it.

[golfnow]

Pipe wrench, its not pretty but it does the job.

[chuckw951]

Is this the tool you are talking about? It came with a set of front shocks I bought but not yet installed.

[golfnow]

So that’s what it looks like. Just a
little better than a pipe wrench.

[UK Carrera]

Just wanted to say thanks for the info.

The picture will be really useful in making sure I get the right tool from Bilstein here in the UK.

Planning to do the job in a couple of weeks.

[CHILI]

I too put Bilstein inserts in Boge struts about a year ago. Doing withought the tool was a big PITA. As for the torque, I think I guessed and used 65lbs. What do you guys think? Too much, too little.

I also had to undo my brake hose because it was just a smidgen too short to allow the old Boge insert out from under the fender. Even when I turned the steering wheel. Man, it was so close, but wouldn't make it. I had new "soft" lines from Pelican, so maybe the newer lines are a bit shorter than the stock lines, not sure.

[golfnow]

For what it's worth my KONIs said 89 ft.ibs on
BOGE struts