Oil on front dampers ?

r-mm · 05-16-2013, 04:17 PM

When I had the front ps wheel off today I noticed some oily dampness on the damper. Are these factory Boge's oil filled? Sign that it needs replacement? Car feels adequately dampened but parts are of unknown age. 100k on the close and I just got it from the long time PO.

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

thats overly damp and needs attention, no idea but look stock, they can be rebuilt.

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

Many don't realize it, but after the insert is installed oil is supposed to be added. It is for heat transfer.
Read the posts by Steve@Rennsport. He knows what he is talking about. Oil needed for Bilstein front struts?

JP911 · JP911's Garage

Any chance that's from a leaking oil cooler line?

Steve@Rennsport · 05-16-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP911

Any chance that's from a leaking oil cooler line?

Nossir,... not IMHO,..

Leaking shock, for certain.

A loose insert can leak (due to the oil inside the strut tube), however such things make a good deal of noise and a dead giveaway for that. This one appears to be a leaking shock shaft seal and that means replacement.

r-mm · 05-17-2013, 06:30 AM

Thanks for the diagnostics.

I read the procedure for replacing the inserts int he Bentley and was a little put off by needing to remove the wheel bearing, brake line (bleed brakes after) etc etc. Then I read Wayne's procedure which has been validated by a number of people on this site and felt much better. Looks like OEM cartridges are available arouns $100/ea which is the way I'll go..

If I order 2 front cartridges are there any $.03 parts I'm going to wish I also ordered ? Nuts, washers, bushings? NOTE TO WAYNE... it would be a great help if your site suggested these little parts.

Thanks