Carrera Boge Struts Shock Removal

Britain Smith · 01-11-2005, 09:28 PM

I have a set of '87 Carrera struts for my '69 Turbo project and I can't seem to find a way to get the shock out of the strut without using a large pair of channel locks. I am sure that there is a specific tool for this job that will damage the metal but I haven't been able to locate it...does anyone have any ideas?

I am going to be powdercoating these struts and I do not want to damage the paint during reassembly. Do something fit over the shock and inside the hex part of the strut to remove the cover?

Also, since these are Boge struts am I limited to my shock choices down the road?

Thanks,
Britain

randywebb · 01-11-2005, 09:30 PM

New Bilstein inserts usually come with the tool - you could always make one with a milling machine -- or borrow one.

Britain Smith · 01-11-2005, 09:33 PM

The Bilstein inserts come with a tool to remove the old shocks from Boge struts? Does anyone have a picture of this tool or better yet, can I borrow it?

-Britain

Dutchie · 01-11-2005, 09:36 PM

Britain did you take of the top of the shock ? It,s the part marked with the yellow arrow. You can get it of by using a big wrench. The best is to take them off while in the car btw.

Cheers,

Ed

Britain Smith · 01-11-2005, 09:37 PM

I understand that I could get them off with a big wrench, but I don't want to put them on that way because I will be powdercoating all the suspension and I want it to stay nice looking.

I bought the suspension already taken off a car.

-Britain

UK Carrera · 01-11-2005, 10:44 PM

Bilstein can supply the tool for the gland nut (the one you've arrowed) that comes supplied with their new inserts.

When I recently replaced my Boge inserts with Bilsteins I was surprised by this 'rouns' nut. I went down to my local Machine Mart and bought what I think you guys describe as 'channel locks' and it was then a simple job to remove this gland nut.

When originally assembled they must have used an 'internal' form of socket spanner. Never seen it though.

HTH

Rot 911 · 01-12-2005, 05:26 AM

Just use a pipe wrench. Yes it will leave some small marks, but keep in mind the strut cover will slide down over the strut housing covering that nut up.

aj88cab · aj88cab's Garage

Use a pipe wrench. If you are replacing with Bilsteins you will not use this cap. I wrapped the shock in a towel and put it in a vice to hold it, use the brake line "tabs" to keep it from rotating. Be careful not to crush the housing or bend the tab. The tool that came with the Bilsteins I installed last year was for installing the new Bilstein cap not removing the Boge cap.

Edit - I re-read your post and I am not sure if you are replacing the Boges with Bilstiens. If you are not replacing why are you opening the shock. The Boge is a complete sealed unit. It uses the housing as the shock tube and is filled with oil. If you open it, it will be a mess and I don't know how easy (or possible) to reassemble it yourself it will be.

Good Luck
Andrew