Bilstein insert install questions

[The Turk]

I'm getting ready to install some new Bilstein sport inserts into my Bilstein struts, but I have a few questions.

1. Can I clean the strut housing in an automotive solvent tank?

2. Do I put anything into the strut housing like molly lube prior to inserting the new strut ?

3. These struts are brand new in the box but only came with a new roll pin, no instructions or anything else, does that sound right ?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[livi]

Hi Gary,

Since you have no answers to your post this far, I though Iīd mention a few things. Donīt take them for granted - I am a total newbie.

Firstly, I put Bilstein inserts in Boge struts - which means I did not have to struggle with any roll pins.

I just emptied out the old hydraulic oil from the strut - soaked it up with a rag. As I recall Bilstein do not recommend putting any new liquid /oil in the strut before installing the new inserts.

The fact that you did not get any instructions does not surprise me. I did not get any neither. Not that helped anyway.

Regarding the roll pin, I am pretty sure this has been covered several times before and should show up on a search. I believe Wayne covers it in 101 projects too.

Good luck!

[The Turk]

Thanks Markus.

The roll pins came out easy, I didn't want to take a chance with the solvent tank so I ended up using a pressure washer to clean out the inside of the strut housing, it was obvious that there was some kind of grease or moly lube in there, so I'm down to one question.

What lubrication goes into the strut prior to installing the new insert ?

[livi]

Great!

Like I said, I am not completely sure you are supposed to install any lubrication at all.

Better informed will surely chip in shortly. You did not find any old threads on that particular issue ?

[Dan in Pasadena]

Better use the Search button and check, but I know there is a right and a wrong way to orient that roll pin.

[Icemaster]

The roll pin needs to be installed with the groove or opening facing away from the center of the strut insert.

Save you the trouble with the search button...although it is your friend...

[The Turk]

I searched a little, but there's lots to do so I'd rather wrench that read.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hmmm....you realize that "less reading" = "more wrenching" don't you? Sort of the equivalent of "measure twice, cut once". YMMV.

[Icemaster]

...what Dan said...

real men read directions.

[The Turk]

Iceman, I'm not opposed to reading instructions, the problem is there was none in the box (see question 3 in original post)

I know there's a few guys on here that like to jump down peoples throats for not searching so I did do a search, but after 15 minutes I thought it would just be easier to ask.

More searching today... still no answer on the use of lubrication in the Bilstein (not Boge) strut housing prior to installing the new Bilstein inserts.

If anyone has the answer to this question it sure would be appreciated.

[911mot]

Some inserts require a small amount of oil in the tube to allow the heat to dissipate

[rnln]

Theturk,
I know someone will hate my response, someone might even tell me "go by a Civic" but...
In the past, I replace strut several times, on diff cars. Some people told oil, some don't. I would think, if one manufacture recommend oil while other don't, then it will not hurt if you put a little oil in all of them. I have forgoten to put oil in the one which I suppose to. But when they come out, there were no problem.

[joefrantz]

Gary

There is a bushing at the top of the strut tube that extends about 2 inches down the tube. It should be greased before the insert goes in.
There was a post on this about 2-3 weeks ago, with pictures

Joe

[The Turk]

Thanks everyone who responded.