Trying to remove bilstein cartridge from 88

[joe88911]

I’m trying to remove a Bilstein cartridge from a Boge strut on my new to me 88.

The green outer sleeve slid out. But the inside part won’t budge. I’ve gently tried to tap on the reinstalled top washer/nut and smacked around in the strut with a dead blow. She seems really stuck. I’m afraid to get medieval on it and damage it.

I’m trying to get it apart because I suspect the cartridge is incorrect to the strut. There is side to side play in the strut/cartridge when the gland nut is tight.

Cartridge F4-P36-0114-HO
Boge 911 341 041 02


Any advice?

[Dpmulvan]

[joe88911]

These things are supposed to just fall out, right? Not retaining pins or anything?

Joe

[digdug]

The gland nut is the only thing holding it in. On mine I had the spindle off and for the side that was leaking I had to hit the spindle with a large mallet really hard while holding the strut. Eventually it released. However if the strut housing is bent or dented it’s nearly impossible to get it to release.

[Queefchief]

You need to remove the bolt that goes through the bottom of the strut as pictured to remove. This separates the insert from the housing/ball joint.

[GH85Carrera]

On my 85, I just removed the large "nut" that is a pain to remove on the top of the cartridge. Your photo shows it as removed. On my 85, the insert just pulled out with a lot of oil dripping off. I had to swab out the oil with paper towels.

Maybe the 85 does it different. I did NOT want to remove my strut, just the insert.





Many people just use a large pair of channel lock pliers.

I can't image what is holding your insert in place.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by joe88911

These things are supposed to just fall out, right? Not retaining pins or anything?

Joe

Correct, might be easier to remove it from car and put in a vice.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by Queefchief

You need to remove the bolt that goes through the bottom of the strut as pictured to remove. This separates the insert from the housing/ball joint.

It’s a boge strut there is no bolt holding the insert.

[jaxxon99]

I had the same issue, it was basically stuck in there due to suction and I could not remove it. Tried a method I found on the pelican board using a piece of PVC pipe that is the right diameter on the top part, put the bolt and top cap on and used an impact wrench and it pulled it right out.

[nickelplated5s]

GH85 - Some people use light weight oil to help with heat transfer from the shock itself. If yours wasn't leaking that's why it was there.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by nickelplated5s

GH85 - Some people use light weight oil to help with heat transfer from the shock itself. If yours wasn't leaking that's why it was there.

Actually, it was from the old leaking Bilstien insert. I installed it many years ago when I did a full suspension upgrade. Both front shocks were leaking. I saw oil on the struts and knew something was not right.

I just replaced the inserts with new Bilstiens.

I have owned my 911 for 30 years. I have a really hard time finding anything I can blame on the previous owner anymore.

[PeteKz]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I have owned my 911 for 30 years. I have a really hard time finding anything I can blame on the previous owner anymore.

Yeah, I hate that guy too. After 33 years, there isn't a part on my car that my hands haven't touched. I have to look in the mirror frequently.

[GH85Carrera]

Yep, and on occasion say what the heck were you thinking ya dummy.

[nickelplated5s]

OK, I like Jaxx's idea but I had to think about it. A PVC cap with a hole in and washers might work but might split. I'd suggest a cast cap instead. If you go that route get one big enough you can use the gland nut to protect the threads.