Necessary to Replace BOTH Strut Inserts?

[MattL]

My car came with Koni yellows all the way around. Previous owner installed them just 3 years (and probably less than 5,000 miles) ago. The front passenger side has developed a clunk and a leak, so I'm looking at replacing the insert. After replacing the diff and clutch, and a bunch of other projects, though, my war chest is pretty light...and Koni's ain't the cheapest things. So, I know the proper and prudent thing would be to replace both inserts, but is that really necessary? 

 

[Buckeye]

IMH, You can always go with one and see how it rides, functions, etc. then if needed replace the other one. They are totally independent of each others as you know. But they always say to change them as a pair when it comes replacing tires, brake pads, drums, rotors and suspension components.

[MattL]

Okay, that's what I was thinking too. Thanks for the vote of confidence! 

[jgerock]

Timely post.  When I built my 69, I installed new Bilstein HD rear shocks and a nice used set of Bilstein HD front inserts that I removed from my 73tii.  Investigating some steering wheel vibration the other day, @mlytle and I found the left front strut insert was loose.  The gland nut was tight and the strut mount nuts and center locking nut were also tight.   I'll be buying a set of Koni Sport inserts from @BLUNT when they become available.   

 

Still wondering why we cannot get Bilstein HD inserts which have been on a long time back order from many sources.    

[John_in_VA]

18 minutes ago, jgerock said:

Still wondering why we cannot get Bilstein HD inserts which have been on a long time back order from many sources.    

 

Achman was able to order them from the UK - see this post:

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/245776-bilstein-hd/?tab=comments#comment-1354618

Edited July 11, 2019 by John_in_VA

[jgerock]

2 minutes ago, John_in_VA said:

 

Weren't some here able to find them from the UK?  Believe I saw a post yesterday or earlier today.

Just read another post about them.  No clue about their limited availability. 

[BLUNT]

Jim koni says 7/11 availability. I scrounge up a pair for Doug Hitchcock yesterday after you decided to wait. Found 2 singles on opposite ends of the world. 

[jgerock]

2 minutes ago, BLUNT said:

Jim koni says 7/11 availability. I scrounge up a pair for Doug Hitchcock yesterday after you decided to wait. Found 2 singles on opposite ends of the world. 

Steve - as we agreed I will wait until you can get a set for me.  I'll drive the car to Saratoga "as is" and swap the struts after my trip.

 

I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR US STEVE!!

[M3M3]

and for clarity....i don't believe there is any such thing as new billy HD's anymore.  they are called "B6's".  B4 is the old touring version, B8 is the old sport version.

[MattL]

So, Konis are scarce now too? Terrific. I guess rebuilding could be an option.

[irdave]

It's not Blunt, but Ground Control seems to have their Konis in stock.  I'm using some of their 'street' valved shocks, single adjustable, and they're actually pretty nice...  The adjustability is very noticeable.  More expensive than the Bilsteins, but adjustable.

[worzella]

Friend just ordered Bilsteins from Walloth Nesch last month. Seems US supply is non existent?

[Conserv]

Maybe someone has a used Koni. Buy it. Send it for rebuilding. Replace your bad right Koni with the rebuilt one when it comes back. Or, if the clunk and leak are really bad, stick the used Koni in your car now and send out your clunking/leaking unit for rebuilding.

 

Koni’s are great shocks for an ‘02. They generally last a long time. Five thousand miles is nothing.

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

 

[worzella]

Friend just ordered Bilsteins from Walloth Nesch last month. Seems US supply is non existent?