How To: Installing Bilstein Front Inserts on 89 Carrera with Boge Struts

[Lyle O]

Originally Posted by S15508g

Does anyone grease the shock insert or add oil into the strut tube? I seen some people do this. It doesn’t really make sense to me.

No, not necessary with Bilstein in the Boge strut. Cannot comment on other brand inserts, but I doubt it. More important is getting the old oil OUT of the strut tube before you put the new insert in.

[S15508g]

Thanks!

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by S15508g

Does anyone grease the shock insert or add oil into the strut tube? I seen some people do this. It doesn’t really make sense to me.

The theory is that the oil helps transfer heat from the shock to the strut and keep it cooler. Like thermal paste does, one it is a liquid so it stays in place.

[rokemester]

Has anyone experienced a spacing issue with Bilstein inserts? The left Boge strut and Bilstein insert are happy, but the right side I'm getting a rattle as there is a bit of a gap. How best to tighten up the spacing?

[Jmeg8237]

I'm just getting back in the 911 game after about 30 years, and it's been a long time since I changed strut inserts on anything, so I have a few questions. I just got an '87 Targa and am making my list of what should probably be done to it, and all the suspension pieces appear to be original, so shocks and struts should probably be on the list.

1) Do all the late-80s Carreras have Boge as their OEM strut housing? Is there something specific to look for to verify that? (Mine are pretty much covered with grime, so I'm assuming they've never been replaced. I suppose I could clean off the housings and see if there are any identifying labels, etc.)

2) Despite the word "carpet" in step 2, I'm assuming that refers to the trunk liner, and not interior carpet.

3) Maybe I just missed this in the original steps, but when the top bolts are disconnected from the body, will the entire housing sink down far enough for the top of the housing to pivot out from the wheel well without having to disconnect the lower bolts, to allow the insert to be removed while the housing is still attached to the vehicle?

4) I didn't see any mention of spring compressors, but I would assume that's one of the required tools for this. That's what I recall doing in the past, and it's my understanding undoing the top bolt while the spring is still exerting force would make one a potential Darwin Award winner.

5) What is the solution (or is there one) to the ride-height issue (raised by 1/2 inch) that was pointed out? I was actually hoping to lower mine slightly, not raise it up. Is there a particular reason to go with the Bilsteins even though they apparently introduce this issue?

6) Finally, is it worth replacing any bushings during all this? Again, I suspect mine are original, meaning they're 33 years old at this point.

Thanks for any information.