What are These Struts?

[Mash3]

I'm trying to replace the front struts inserts on a friends '73 914. These struts do not seem to be correct for this particular car. It has some 911 components from the previous owner.

Does anyone have any idea of how to proceed from here?

Here's what's on the car. Note marring from failed attempt to remove insert (if there even is one):



What we bought:



Bilstein inserts

What's up with this "gland nut"? It was a beeotch to remove. There are no threads????!!




Thanks for your help. We are really stuck, and would hate to have to take it to a shop for such an easy repair.

Greg

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[J P Stein]

Slow down, dude. Those are Bilstein struts and appear to be 911 units...judging by the 5 bolt vented rotors. The calipers are either A or M .....the 'A's have a 3.5 inch bolt spacing and the 'M's, a 3 inch spacing. They could also be 914/6 struts witch have the 3 inch spacing.

Ther is no need to remove the "gland nut"....which is a pressed on bit.
Dunno if you've permanently destroyed this piece. It may be possible to press it back in *gently* (with a press, no hammers) after removing the insert.
To remove the insert simply remove the roll pin at the bottom of the tube.....a drift & hammer does the trick. With the roll pin out (save those) pull up on the insert and it will come out. Don't confuse the roll pin with the wedge bolt that holds the strut to the ball joint.....there is a nut on that.

[jhora]

here is what a pair of bilstein inserts look like out of the strut

[Mash3]

Thanks for the reply!

I guess we found an online DIY that was completely wrong.

Greg

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[jhora]

Greg...there really should be a "dust cover" over the shock cylinder... the silver part
why are you trying to replace them...the bilsteins usually last for ever
they may be stiffer than what you are use to...but don't let that fool you...

[Mash3]

Yes, the dust cover is still there. I just didn't put it back on for the pics. The suspension is re-assembled right now (had to drive it home), minus the "gland nut," or whatever that thing is.

It's not my car, I'm just working on it for a friend. I haven't driven it lately.

So, to recap. What we need to do is remove the old insert from the old strut, which is held in by the roll pin. But it seems that the gland nut must be removed, in any case, to get the old strut out.

Since that "gland nut" thingy seems to be merely an additional wiper seal, I don't see how it will be a problem tapping it back on with some red Locktite after the new strut is inserted.

Or, am I missing something? I don't see how it takes any load, other than at full drop, which never occurs, except on a lift. It is a tight, low tolerance interference fit, though, and installing it with correct alignment without a huge, industrial press may be impossible.

What becomes of our new insert's green outer housing and that nice, big threaded nut at the top? What the heck did we buy, anyway, if the insert is merely the inner gas strut?

I'm still a bit confused, I guess.

I'm thinking that we should just get the entire assembly...

Greg

[jhora]

No you are ok with these struts...
the bilsteins are just upside down shock inserts...
when the roll pin is removed you just pull them up and out....

When you say "big threaded ring at the top"
It sounds like you have purchased a new set inserts for a boge or koni strut...
you can only use the "upside down" bilstein inserts with the bilstein struts...they are not interchangeable....you can get bilstein inserts for the boge or koni...they look like your inserts they just fit with the big part down into the strut and are secured with a large threaded nut at the top to hold them inside the tube...

Can you take a picture of your new inserts and give me the part number

[Mash3]

new insert:



Part #:

P36-0112-M12

description:

Bilstein inserts

Thank you for your help.

Greg

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[jhora]

Sorry I didn't catch that in the first pictures...

What you have is a Bilstein insert for a Boge Strut...it will not work with your Bilstein struts
You will need a pair of inserts that look like the ones in the picture I posted or have the inserts you have rebuilt...or the most aggressive is to replace the whole strut assembly...

I don't think that would be the best route as the current Bilstein struts have the 3.5 in brake mounts with larger brakes and vented disc....the regular 73 914 brakes are smaller and have solid disc...what you have is a musch better set up than stock..
The previous owner did you a favour with this upgrade...
Again I have to ask why are you replacing them...are the current ones weak....the reason I ask is Bilsteins just plain almost last for ever...

Hope this helps...now you know what you are dealing with...

[Mash3]

Thanks for the great info, John!

Know we have a clear understanding of what is going on.

The owner says the wheels are bouncing on the freeway over bumps, and it feels floaty. They aren't completely shot, but they sure aren't new. I forgot the mileage on it.

It's a sweet 914, with tons of 911 upgrades on the drivetrain. CA car, no rust, and looks new, inside and out. He should join and post some pics of this beauty. He got if from the original owner a few years ago, and has taken nice care of it (well, at least until he let me work on it).

Cheers

Greg

[jhora]

You're very welcome Greg...glad to help...

See if you can return the new inserts and exchange them for the correct ones..
Just tell the supplier that you have Bilstein struts....not Boge or Koni struts...
by the way Boge was the normal strut used on the 914....what you have was used on the SC models starting around 78'

Or get the inserts you now have rebuild.... Bilstein and Elephant Racing do this...and you can have them custom valved to your application on the 914
http://www.bilstein.com/services.php
http://www.elephantracing.com/service/installation.htm

Good luck on the project!

[Mash3]

We got them through Pelican, and they are kind enough to allow us to exchange them for the correct set! I'll let you know how the installation turns out.

Thanks,

Greg

[jhora]

That's great....good guys at Pelican!