Is the oil coming from the shock, or?

[Paul K]

All:

I noticed light colored oil on the garage floor under the car the other day, and decided to investigate. Here's what I found...



Is the oil coming from inside the shock, and is it therefore in need of replacement? I am fairly sure the shocks are original. And if I replace the rears, should I do the fronts at the same time?

Thanks in advance,

Paul.

[livi]

Even if they were not leaking, I would change them all anyway if they are original. They are most likely pretty tired by now and a new set of, for example Bilstein, will more or less transform the ride.

[azasadny]

Yep, looks to be leaking from the shocks. Replace them, it's not too difficult and it really improves the ride.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Paul,

You need a new pair of rear shocks.

[Paul K]

All:

Thanks! I can't see any identification on them- any idea which ones I need, or did all '89's have the same shocks?

Thanks in advance,

Paul.

[livi]

Here you go, Paul.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/POR_911M_SUSshk_pg1.htm

[Paul K]

Thanks guys- this really helps. It turns out I have Boges on the car- is it standard practice to replace them with the same shocks? I don't track the car. Also, I was told I can basically replace the insert as long as they're not sealed. Not sure what that means? I'll take a look around at Livi's link and see if I can figure it out...

Thanks,

Paul.

[azasadny]

Paul,
I replaced my front struts with Boge inserts and the rear shocks are Bilsteins. I'm very happy with this combination, but I have a'74, so I'm not sure this would be the same for your car.

[Paul K]

All:

Okay, final question. Can I swap out the inserts myself or are special tools needed?

Thanks,

Paul.

[azasadny]

Paul,
Pretty easy to do yourself with basic tools. I replaced the bolts too and the old ones were pretty beat up and bent, so I'm glad I did. Wayne's book (101 Projects) covers the procedure quite well...

[livi]

Paul,

I am a complete tech ignorant and I managed to change them after reading threw a number of threads on the subject here, together with 101 Projects and Bentleys manual. Pretty straight forward. I had Boge and changed to Bilstein. Very happy with the result.

[911s55]

Originally Posted by Paul K

All:

Okay, final question. Can I swap out the inserts myself or are special tools needed?

Thanks,

Paul.

Yes you can do this yourself.

A large adjustable wrench, channel lock type or pipe wrench for the strut flange nut and an impact driver for the upper strut nut if you have air.

Bilstein HD's should be your choice all around for replacements.

[Paul K]

911s55:

I can't find the HD ones listed. Also, can I put HD inserts into boge bodies?

Thanks,

Paul.

[HarryD]

Paul,

The job is easy. Just be careful.

The rears are a 100% replacement. The fronts: you can put Bilsteins in Boge struts, be sure you order the correct ones. Steve can help you get what you need.

Gotta run, we'll talk later.

[Paul K]

Thanks Harry!

Hoping to have her back together before the October 11th Arrive & Drive...

Cheers,

Paul.

[SteveinTO]

Not sure it was clear, but the rear shocks don't have inserts, at least on my '82.

The fronts do have inserts and are a bit more complicated to replace. Before you attack the fronts, read up on it in Wayne's book or Bentley or somewhere. There's a special secret trick to getting the upper strut out of the wheel well with out getting it all jammed up. It helps to have a 300 lb neighbor with vise grips for hands.

[livi]

Originally Posted by Paul K

911s55:

I can't find the HD ones listed. Also, can I put HD inserts into boge bodies?

Thanks,

Paul.

As you see in the link, there are two models for front and rear respectively. One is green, the other yellow. One is called sport, the other used to be called HD or Standard (in Europe). I am a bit confused too however as it seems the green is sport at one end of the car and yellow at the other??

This is all from memory and I might be wrong, it could have changed, so please double check with Wayne.

Good luck! Its a great DIY job.

[Paul K]

Markus:

I'll call Pelican Monday morning and see if they can help. It sounds like Boge inserts in the front and Bilsteins in the rear is the way to go...

Thanks,

Paul.

[livi]

I had original Boge all around and changed all for Bilstein ie I put Bilstein inserts in the Boge struts up front.

[Paul K]

Thanks for the clarification Markus. So is that the consensus, Bilstein instead of Boge?

Thanks again,

Paul.