Front shocks

[vinny c]

Replacing Bilsteins up front. There is mention of adding 50ml of oil for cooking purposes.
How is this done without purging oil when inserting new shock?
Thanks
Vince

[Steve@Rennsport]

Hi Vinny,

Its not for "cooking" (I'd do that using the exhaust manifolds), but its to help the shocks transfer heat to the strut tube. This makes a significant difference in performance and well worth the effort.

I don't usually bother purging the old shock oil; I simply pour 2-4 oz of either 10w oil or anti-freeze into the strut housing before inserting the new cartridges, letting any excess to simply self-bleed over the top as you tighten the nuts securing them into the strut body. Clean everything up and you are done.

[vinny c]

Steve,
If I put the oil in and insert new shock, the oil is forced out thru split pin opening and pretty much a waste. What am I doing wrong?
Vince

[Steve@Rennsport]

Do you have Boge (black) or Bilstein (green) struts?

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by Steve@Rennsport

Do you have Boge (black) or Bilstein (green) struts?

What he is saying is that the Bilstein inserts pass through a hole in the bottom of the strut housing , thus any oil will just pee out the bottom.

[na2ub]

I believe the Bilsteins are "upside down" inserts, meaning the hydrolics are on top and the non-hydrolic shaft is in the housing. There is no need / advantage to oiling the strut housing. They are fine as is.

[vinny c]

Yes, they are Bilsteins.
Thanks to all for the help.

Vince