help: BOGE struts & bilstein inserts

[85carrera]

hey all,

I recently purchased the bilstein sport inserts from my BOGE struts. I've got an 85 carrera. The 101 projects book does not describe how to remove/install the insert into the strut. There appears to be threads in the middle of the strut, so I'm assuming it screws in and out, but It looks like i would need a special tool? Can anyone give me some tips or at least point me in the right direction?

Thanks
David

[Rot 911]

Big ******* pipe wrench on the cap, part #4.

[tonythetarga]

When I bought my Bilsteins they gave me a wrench (spanner, actually) that you tap with a hammer to get the retaining ring off and also tighten when the new inserts are in.
Have you bought your inserts yet??

[Tut]

I recently purchased Bilstein inserts from our host for my Boge struts. No wrench to install the threaded cap for the Bilsteins. I called Bilstein at 858.386.5900 to order a wrench. They sent it to me at no cost. Should arrive today.

[85carrera]

ahh...ok. I'll give bilstein a call today. I just recieved the inserts and no wrench came with them.


I don't know about you guys, but my insert has threads on it...does that make sense? In the picture the insert does not appear to have threads. So in my case...the insert is threaded AND there seems to be a threaded cap as well. So what i'm thinking is the insert threads into the strut and then the cap also screws down.....so the strut has both threads on in the inside (for the insert) and on the outside (for the cap)? Here's some pics to help understand my question...

[john walker's workshop]

the insert slips in and then use whatever retainer relates to your strut and toss the other one.

[ja78911sc]

I believe pre 85 Boge use the exposed threads and post 85 use the cap with the threads on the inside of the cap. You will use only one cap depending on what year your Boge housings are.

[85carrera]

well....the threads which are located ON the insert I cannot remove. So it appears there must be threads on the inside of the strut.

So, I just got off the phone with pelican parts and they told me to just use a hammer and a chisel/punch to thread down the cap/insert into the strut by hitting it in the little notch.

[85carrera]

oh also, you guys didn't have to remove the WHOLE strut did you? Just unscrew the top nut and pull out the insert?

david

[tonythetarga]

Sounds easier than it will be doing it. Unscrew the top nut in the trunk. You will then need to get the top of the insert compressed enough to slip under the fender lip. Be VERY CAREFUL not to damage the paint. Once you get it out of the fender well, then you can pull the insert out of the strut. You do not need to remove the entire strut. Unscrew the strut after you get it out of the fender well so you don't make the strut any taller than it is.
There will be oil dripping out of the strut so be prepared for that. You do not need to replace it when using Bilsteins.