Need Koni Adjustable Front strut help!

Cornpanzer · 03-01-2008, 03:53 PM

I have a pair of Koni struts on the front of my car that have started to leak. I was trying to get the drivers side apart today and it doesnt appear to have an insert.

Anyone have any experience with these?

It is PN#911 341 9250

jpnovak · 03-01-2008, 04:08 PM

There are two versions of the early Koni struts. One has a sealed insert as most people expect. The other has a bath-type open insert such as you have. If you pull the insert out you will find all the guts open and the strut tube filled with oil. pour out the oil into a container that you can measure the volume. Then replace the o-ring seals that will find in several places on the insert. Simply clean the internals and strut tube, fill with new shock oil and bolt it back into the car. Easy to rebuild. you can get shock oil in various weights (viscosity) at any motorcycle shop. motorcycle front forks will usually use the same type of system. I don't recall what the stock oil weight is. btw, if you want to valve them a bit stiffer, use a heavier weight oil. I think a heavier weight oil, combined with a more open adjustment position runs a bit smoother.

Cornpanzer · 04:12 PM

Thanks Jamie,
How do I get the guts out and where do I buy the new seals?

Also, I can feel the adjustment engage when I collapse the piston and turn, but after it engages, it spends indefinatly. Shouldnt it stop eventually?

This is all new to me!

jpnovak · 03-01-2008, 04:31 PM

Just pull them out. yes, there should be 5 (or 7) turns. If it just spins this means you might have more work to do. Is there still a detent every 1/4 turn or so? If not, look for a ball bearing when you drain the strut.

If could be that the strut inserts have started the lift out. They must engage a plastic plate at the bottom of the strut.

I suspect the top gland nut was leaking. This is a square cut o-ring and should be available from Koni-NA.

Cornpanzer · 03-01-2008, 04:43 PM

I tried pulling the guts out by putting a llarge box end wrench around the top of the shaft and reinstalling the washer and bolt. I used a hammer to hit the wrench and nothing budged???? Should it be that tight or is there a clip or something that I am missing?

Thanks for your help