noise in front end after changing Boge Front strut inserts in Boge Struts

[geoff_k]

Hi,

I changed the strut inserts and now notice that with bumps etc that there is a noise in the front end. Only changed the strut insert from the top and loosened nothing else..
Followed the How To Article.

I did reinstall the rubber stop. Does the position of the rubber stop affect the shock somehow?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

geoff

[Lyle O]

Please add some detail: what year car? Bilstien struts or Boges? Bilstien insterts, or Boges? I ask because Bilstien inserts require and land nut and it is not easy to tighten without a special tool. Even with the tool, I had one loosen one time and it rattled like you describe.

[cabmandone]

I'd make sure the gland nut is good and tight.

[geoff_k]

Hi,

It is an 1983 SC. The strut is a Boge strut and replacement strut inserts were Boge.
Essentially took out the strut inserts that were on the car when I bought it and replaced them

[Franks89-911]

Did you put a little oil in the strut before you put your new insert in? Maybe things are too dry in the strut?

Did you retighten the metal cap on the strut all the way as far as it will go after replacing the insert? (You know the one, that beeyatch of a cap you needed a plumber's wrench to loosen?)

Can you repeat the sound when you're stationary and just pressing down on the car? Is it happening with both wheels or just one? Does it require a bump to hit before it will do it?

I did this job recently on my 89, replaced with Sachs inserts, and didn't have the problem you describe. I replaced all the hardware up top - incl the metal plate that goes below the nut on the top of the strut insert. I also bought those new long rubber stops that fit on the shaft of the insert. I tightened the strut nut down hard, until I couldn't tighten anymore. I 'think' I torqued it to spec, whatever the spec is? Basically followed these directions with good success. Porsche 911 Front Shock – Strut Replacement | RVB Precision

If everything else was done correctly, then it sounds like another suspension piece may be worn. Often times parts especially suspension kind of adapt to each other with age, and if you refresh one then that throws everything else off 'balance' as it were.

These are just my guesses. I'm not a mechanic I just play one on public forums. ;-)

[geoff_k]

thanks for advice.

I cannot get to the car for another week (offsite storage) but I can repeat the noise by pressing on the wing.
I will recheck it all out next weekend.

thankyou

geoff

[911Tfan]

hi do the Koni inserts have the same gland nut issue ? I have a similar noise.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by 911Tfan

hi do the Koni inserts have the same gland nut issue ? I have a similar noise.

For you and the OP,

There are several parts up front that can cause a knocking sound. The struts are just one. If you're certain you installed them right, I'd start looking at front sway bars specifically all of the rubber mounts, ball joints and torsion bar mounting.

The gland nut isn't necessarily an issue. It's the large nut that holds the strut in the strut tube. It can be an issue if it's not tightened or if something was left in the bottom of the strut tube and the new strut is resting on top of that.

[chris_seven]

In some cases the strut insert doesn't bottom into the strut casing and locate correctly.

This is quite common with some of the Koni Inserts and the cartridge can move radially.

The Boge insert normally locates quite well and as long as it is clamped tightly into place it should be OK.

If the nut is not tight any axial movement will generate a noise.

The practice of putting oil into the strut leg was to conduct heat away from the damper and provide some cooling.

Using oil so you don't hear the 'knock' is not the best idea.

[geoff_k]

Idiot me.

Returned to the car today and noted three threads either side. Tightened it correctly this time and problem resolved.

Not sure how I missed this last week. Maybe it settled with that second longer drive.

thanks to those who read it and responded.

[88911coupe]

I am installing Boge inserts in my ‘88 Carrera and removed the original “guts” then got the oil out. About to install the new insert but have a question. There was a large, heavy washer sitting on top of the old inserts…do I reuse that washer? The link to RVB description specifically says no parts reused so I assume I don’t. Thanks!

[PeteKz]

ditto chris_seven comments about oil inside the strut. Put it in there. It's there to conduct heat to the outside of the strut, other wise you end up with an INSULATING layer of air around the shock.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

I am installing Boge inserts in my ‘88 Carrera and removed the original “guts” then got the oil out. About to install the new insert but have a question. There was a large, heavy washer sitting on top of the old inserts…do I reuse that washer? The link to RVB description specifically says no parts reused so I assume I don’t. Thanks!

If you want to lower car leave it out.

[88911coupe]

Thanks for the reply but the washer is only 3-4 mm thick so not sure how much that will affect ride height. My real question is whether it is something I need or to install with the new inserts. I have yet to do the other side so can still take the other one apart and add it if needed. I’m assuming it’s not needed.