how to rebuild front struts
 

How do I get the cartridge out?

Do I bend back the housing?



Thanks


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169764411.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169764442.jpg

From the picture it looks like you have to replace the whole strut, not just the cartridge. The only rebuild type that I have seen are threaded, the cartridge is held in by a threaded cap which is usually so badly rusted it never comes apart anyway.

Jon

Thats kinda what I thought being it looked very sealed.

from paragon products tech article

The 911, 914 and some 944’s featured a rebuildable front McPherson Strut. Instead of having to replace the entire strut unit, you will be able to merely replace the strut insert that is on the inside of the strut housing. You will know that your strut is rebuildable by looking in the area where the shiny piston rod goes into the lower strut housing. On rebuildable struts, a screw on cap (gland nut) is used to hold the insert into the lower strut housing. You will know the gland nut is removable because you will likely see a few threads sticking up on the cap. 1965-83 cars used a male threaded gland nut, and 84-89 cars used a female threaded gland nut.

Auto Z sold me these inserts. I guess I should have done a little research first. (check with pelican buddies)
I was going to change them just as a "why not" kinda thing. The current struts seemed to have little resistance to bumps in the road. (bottomed out)

Is it true the only way to determine if the struts are bad is if its leaking fluid, or shaft scoring????

(If true, I may just put these back on )

I will start this by stating up front that I am not a suspension guru...but I think if the suspension is bottoming out, I would replace them (although I realize they are not cheap) and also check my springs to make sure they are not weak. I would think they play a large part in whether the car bottoms out from a bump in the road.