Lube Strut Insert?

[2002spaceodyssey]

I'm rebuilding my front end, and I'm about to install new Bilstein HD strut inserts. When I took them apart, one side appeared to have oil in the strut housing, while the other side was dry (and rusty.)

 

What should I use to keep my new inserts from rusting in the tubes? Oil? I'm thinking about using anti-seize, just not sure. Thanks.

 

 

 

[Einspritz]

I have always filled them with ATF, it doesn't take much.

[Mike G]

I sprayed fluid film on a rag and wiped the inserts down with it. 

[Schnellvintage]

+1 for ATF. I have been using that with struts for over 30 years with no issues upon disassembly of struts..



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[Einspritz]

Some say that the tube filled with fluid serves to transfer the heat generated to the strut tube, however much that is.....remember, the OE shocks used the strut AS the outer tube.....and of course was filled with shock oil to begin with....so filling it keeps the inside of the strut from rusting and being problematic in the future.

 

 

[flagoworld]

I used some synthetic 5w40 oil but after seeing how much force it takes to push the extra oil past the cyls I would definitely say use a lighter oil. I would also use ATF next time.

[TobyB]

"Some say..."

 

The Bilstein is inverted, so there's not much heat transfer to the outer housing.  

 

Which seems like a good idea, until they fill up with water, and hydrolock.

 

I vote a bit of ATF, too, just for rust purposes.

 

t

met the stig in a bar once.

 

 

[Einspritz]

Toby, the Bilstein shocks are not inverted,  don't take up water, nor hydrolock

[TobyB]

Yes, they are, they do, and they do. 

Unless they're the 'touring', which may or may not be called 'B2' now.

 

Or unless things have changed in the last ten years.

 

That doesn't happen, does it?
 

Oh, I was talking about the front inserts- I had problems with the sports, in particular, but

I was sort of sure the HD was the same body construction with easier damping.

 

Sort of.

 

t

 

[Einspritz]

OK edumacate me.

 

I'm willing to be convinced.

[2002spaceodyssey]

Thanks for your advice, everyone. I believe ATF it is!

What a great website.

[TobyB]

4 hours ago, Einspritz said:

OK edumacate me.

 

I'm willing to be convinced.

I'm going partsdiving for Bill tomorrow- I'll take px.

 

t

[Lorin]

19 hours ago, Einspritz said:

OK edumacate me.

 

I'm willing to be convinced.

 

Toby is right, the bilstein front strut is "upside down". That is the reason the exposed chrome portion is so lage in diameter, it is actually the body of the damper. The thin damper rod is inside the painted outer shell that has the dust seal and bushings in it. The inner damper rod doesn't move as its attached to the bottom of the painted outer shell.