deep freezing struts

[virob]

I have new front Bilstein struts and need to install new spacers on the spindles. I was going to try heating the spacers to get them on easier. I also have access to a -80 C (-112F) freezer and my initial thought was to pop the strut in there first and then that spacer should just drop on no problem. Any reason not to cool strut/shocks that low?

[KTL]

Do the struts have the shock inserts in them? That'd be my only fear- unknown if the oil in the shocks would be affected by the super cold temperature.

You have the right idea about installing the spindle collars/spacers. I have removed these a few times and a two jaw puller, along with some short bursts of heat from a propane torch, allowed them to draw off nicely. For re-installation I heated them up with a heat gun (an outdoor grill or the typical kitchen oven would work good too) and they slipped right on.

Don't forget to put an o-ring behind each collar. The o-ring seals the filleted transition on the spindle and prevents wheel bearing grease from migrating out of there.

[Iciclehead]

No reason I suppose, but heating the spacer is pretty easy.

Barbeque's are a wonderful thing...as are heat guns. Just did two sets of struts a short time ago, heat gun did the job with a little tapping....

Dennis

[Ian Comerford]

I did mine 3-4 years ago and used the oven in the kitchen to heat to 190 degrees c for twenty minutes. They slipped on most of the way and then I used a hammer and length of copper pipe the same diameter to seat it flat. Really easy

[virob]

Originally Posted by KTL

Do the struts have the shock inserts in them? That'd be my only fear- unknown if the oil in the shocks would be affected by the super cold temperature.

Yes, and that is also what I was wondering. Maybe better to not risk it, or just us a standard freezer.

Sounds like just heating the collar works for most. That s easy enough to do.


Thanks all.