Strut dust caps

[Harvanj]

Just had the front suspension refreshed.  Eibach springs all around. Koni struts & shocks. The rest of the bits BMW Parts, the dust caps don’t fit the new factory strut bearing.

 

Bought new dust caps from Blundt, same as my old ones, neither fit, just a bit to small diameter.

 

Where can I source dust caps that will fit the new BMW strut bearings?

 

JH

[ray_]

Mine were also tight. Lube them up a bit a have another try.

 

Cheers,

[halboyles]

Try warming the covers up with a hair dryer first.

[Harvanj]

Yes & Yes

 

Lube & heat, using both, already split one, stretched too far.

[Einspritz]

I took a screwdriver or pointed hook tool and then pressed the mount lip under the cap, going around a little at a time until it fit.

[Simeon]

Aren’t all strut top bearings supplied now e21 style which are dimensionally the same in all ways except... this one?

 

 Can you get the equivalent dust covers for an e21?

 

i fitted my old dust caps but it definitely took a bit of work to stuff everything in. 

Edited December 4, 2018 by Simeon

[Mike Self]

Discovered the same problem several years ago when I fitted new strut bearings.  Took some head scratching--and splitting a couple of irreplaceable black caps, but I came up with a solution involving a short piece of plastic plumbing pipe.  I did a column on the trick; PM me if you'd like a copy.

 

mike

[bianchini]

I used a tennis ball cut in half.... no joke, fits perfectly. (dont ask about everything else going on in the photo)

Edited December 4, 2018 by bianchini

[SteveJ]

On 12/4/2018 at 8:56 AM, bianchini said:

I used a tennis ball cut in half.... no joke, fits perfectly. (dont ask about everything else going on in the photo)

Would look right at home on a Golf car.

[jgerock]

On 12/4/2018 at 11:56 AM, bianchini said:

I used a tennis ball cut in half.... no joke, fits perfectly. (dont ask about everything else going on in the photo)

That wouldn't work on my tii with hood insulation. The stock dust caps and brake fluid reservoir cap leaves dents in the insulation.

[Brett]

Hi All!  I had the same problem and 3D printed a set and they work great!  I got so many requests for more that I decided to 3D print more sets.  If you need a set, they are $35 + shipping.  

 

Designed to match the look and feel of the OEM, but a little taller.  They make a great seal and are designed to handle the harsh environment under the hood.