Bilstein inserts won't fit.....yet.

[jchris]

Hey guys! I've run into an issue on my suspension updates my SC. I've discovered that my bilstein inserts are likely bottoming out before the gland nut can seat on the strut housing tube.

Some facts,
The old inserts appeared to be boge ( though I've chucked them and can't verify that) also the tubes were filled with oil as expected.

The inserts I have now are bilstein HD and are verified by bilstein USA to be correct for my 83 SC.

I had the strut housings upside down for about a week to drain the oil. Also inspected for debris which there was none.

When I tighten the gland nut it goes quite smoothly untill it feels like it has seated, but there is about a 2mm gap with the strut housing.

Is it possible there is something like a spacer in there that is causing this?
If so, how on earth can I remove it.

I have already inverted and tapped to no avail.

Thanks for your input!!!!!!


Chris

[Rusty 356]

Chris, I've run into this with bilsteins. They come with spacer taped to the bottom of the insert. Some years use them some don't. I was just given a pair of spacers as the shocks were used on an early, I think 67. If you need a set let me know and I'll send them to you. You can PM your address.
Rusty

[cabmandone]

My brother and I tackled this on his SC several years ago. Consensus seemed to be the gland nut not bottoming out was normal.
Bilstein Shock & Strut Install - '83 SC W/Boge Notes

[mepstein]

The 2mm is normal. Looks odd but it's correct.

[jchris]

Thanks guys and thanks for the link to your thread! I guess a torqued nut is torqued right?

I forgot to ask in my original post about the top end fastener situation.

The old hardware (one large dished indexed washer and one smaller)doesn't seem to work with the bilstein. It only came with a nylon lock washer. What is the best solution for fastening the strut to the bushing in the frunk?


Thanks again!