Bilstein insert silly Q.

[stv951]

Hi,

I have a 1978 911 SC upgraded to 3,2 specs (engine etc.). Car has Bilstein greens, which I am thinking of renewing. I asked my local Porsche dealer for prices and was told that there are no Bilstein inserts available through Porsche, so I would have to change the complete strut assembly. I searched through this nice site though and found out these were available. I couldn't find the procedure though. Can someone show me the way to this silly question? Can the inserts be removed? How?


TIA
Regards
Steve

[Mookster]

1. Get Wayne's book, 101 projects for your porsche. This will explain the process with photos to do the job step by step.

Basically you will remove the wheel, punch out the roll pin at the base of the strut, and remove the nut and lock washer at the top of the strut assy. While supporting the hub assy, you will reach under the fender and grab the top of the strut housing and compress the strut. Once the strut is fully compressed the threaded part of the strut will be able to clear the under side of the fender where the insert can now be removed. Reverse the order for reassy.

Replacing the new roll pin was a pain. Be sure the opening of the roll pin does not face up or down when reinstalled.

Let the inserts settle a few days before you wig out and feel you need to have your vehicle relowered.

2. The parts were available at Pelican last time I looked.

Some people will suggest you have your inserts revalved by Bilstein. The cost $80-$100. If the inserts are not available this might be the route to go. I am not sure what the turn around time is on this venture. Read some of the archieves on this recommendation.

I personally did not know about revalving at the time I did this project.

Have a friend help you. It does make it easier the first time. It is an easy job. The first side will take you 2 hours. The second side 20 mins. What can I say, it's a qick learning curve.

Good luck.

[Noel]

The cheaper and better alternative is to send the shocks back to Bilstein in CA to be rebuilt. If you have custom torsion bars they will also custom revalve them to match your bars. The cost is about $75ea per front shock and $65ea per rear shock, plus shipping there and back. THe turn around time is about a week, once they get the shocks. As such, if this car is your daily driver then this alternative may not work.

[stv951]

hey guys, that was quick !!! Thats a great site THANK YOU !!!
Unfortunately I am far away. I live in Europe, and don't have trust in any shop to revalve my Bilsteins. Last time I did this (in a BMW e30 m3) the results weren't great. I think I should get that book. Hope the inserts are still available. Were they out of stock. Have they stopped making them ?

[imcarthur]

Steve

I'm sure they are available through specialist shops. Here is a site in the UK Design 911.uk

ID911625330020
911 BLISTEIN INSERT S/ABSORBER for BLISTEIN LEG 74-88
FRONT ( REF No.7) € 130.50

Ian

[safe]

If your in europe you can by them from www.mittelmotor.de, they are about €110 each.

[masraum]

You can definitely get the inserts, that won't be a problem, and changing them isn't a problem either. You could probably search here and get a write up, and Waynes book also has a write up with pictures.

[Bill Verburg]

Do be aware that the lower part of the strut does go bad, on a '78 w/ oem struts you may be due. The more track use the car has seen the more likely this is so.

[jpahemi]

Noel:
Do you know what valving spec's you got from Bilstein?
J.P.