Remove & Replace Bilstein strut top seals?

whackit · 06-11-2008, 05:04 PM

I need to remove the top seals prior to getting my strut bodies powder coated. Anyone know how these come out? I don't want to mess them up since I'm having a hard time with replacements (Bilstein says they won't just send me the part i need to send them the strut).

LM3929 · 06-11-2008, 06:43 PM

Sorry I can't help but I'm Interested as well.

LM

joefrantz · 06-11-2008, 09:32 PM

Mine were just a very light press fit. You should be able to pop it out with a screw driver and slide it back in with finger pressure.

Joe

joefrantz · 09:38 PM

I just noticed that mine had a different (smaller) cap on the top of the strut. Possibly an older design. I did have to remove the cap by taping it off with a drift before removing the seal. I haven't done one with the larger cap like yours.

Joe

whackit · 06-13-2008, 04:06 PM

I got someone at Bilstein whop tracked the part down for me. The seal is part # E4-B36-800A and they were $13 ea. I'm waiting to see what they look like but I'm assuming they are press seals similar to a crankshaft seal. I'll post pics when I get it all together.

LM3929 · 06-13-2008, 04:52 PM

Don't forget to order the lower split pins as I can't find anyone who sells them.

LM

cgarr · cgarr's Garage

When I rebuild them I use regular 46mm OD wiper seal you can get from any bearing shop for about a buck each, its not an uncommon size.

whackit · 06-14-2008, 03:03 PM

Okay, so removing the seals couldn't be simpler. Just get a small drift and place it on the side of the seal. The outer portion is metal like on an engine seal. Position the drift (or screwdriver, whatever) on the outside edge of the seal. Give a few soft taps making sure that the tool doesn't scratch the inside of the aluminum bore. The seal should just pop inside the strut at which point you can rotate it 90 degrees and pull it out. My seals looked perfect after this and I would re use them. To reinstall simply tap the new one in until flush.

Gretz · Gretz's Garage

I am also getting my struts blasted and powder coated. So I pulled out the wiper seals and ordered the ones mentioned above from Billstein. I just received the new ones today and they do seem a little bit different from the ones I removed. See the pictures attached below. The OD appears to be correct but the bottom side of the seals is not solid, almost like it is supposed to be pressed on the something.

Can anyone confirm this is the correct seal?

porschedude996 · porschedude996's Garage

If you order them from Bilstein, they are priced reasonably, but the shipping over the pond is wsy too much. $12 each and $84 shipping. I bought from summitracing.com for $20 each and $12 shipping.

Question, what kind of grease was used upon original assembly? It is off white and doesn’t seem to dissolve in my solvent tank. I’m using mineral spirits.

PeteKz · PeteKz's Garage

If it doesn't dissolve in mineral spirits, it's almost certainly a silicone based grease. Probably the same as what's used on brake parts.

porschedude996 · porschedude996's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteKz

If it doesn't dissolve in mineral spirits, it's almost certainly a silicone based grease. Probably the same as what's used on brake parts.

I was thinking like something from the 1800’s like Bear Grease.

The color and consistency are unlike any silicone grease I’ve seen. I think I may ask Bilstein the question. If they have a decent Customer service.

porschedude996 · porschedude996's Garage

Pete, as I recall it was more like a soap. I’ll be using Red line grease.