HD Front strut inserts.

[Mikesmalaga72]

There is an air gap within the strut tube, should it be installed dry in the tube, or?? Thanks in advance.

[Guest Anonymous]

where rust is a serious factor to pour a small amount of oil into the tube to try and prevent any rust from joining the bottom of the insert and the tube together ( I have seen this happen on parts cars).

shermanmartinez@hotmail.com

[M3M3]

in racing applications the tube are frequently filled with oil to leave no air. oil transmits heat away from the shock better than air.

[osbourne]

Back when I got my first 02 (a brand new, bright red '71 model) I used to hang out in our local dealer's service department, when I was on time off from my towboat. Since my work schedule was 30 days on/thirty days off (paid, of course), I had a lot of time on my hands.

I'd lend a hand, if needed and just generally soak up information on BMWs. One thing that I remember very clearly is that, any time a strut cartridge was replaced, the strut was swabbed out with a rag, on the end of a wire rod. Next, a measuring cup (can't remember how much oil, however) was used to pour clean oil into the strut tube, before the new cartridge was inserted.

So, yes, you should put a cup or two of oil in there.

[Arshloch]

I lubed mine up, hence the previous "dry" insert caused rust inside the strut, made it hard to remove/install etc. I dont really think these need a lot of it, just a touch at the bottom mostly where the strut makes the metal on metal contact.

[osbourne]

The BMW dealer mechanics, who I observed all those decades ago, used a measured quantity of oil (which I recall as being one or two cups) because they had been trained to do so at the BMW factory service "schools". I suspect that the reason for using that quantity is that BMW did not want to leave a lot of air in the strut tubes, where condensation would form and create problems (electrolytic action). Easy to use enough oil, so why go counter to BMW factory recommendation? Works for me

[pikeperkins]

That explains why I spent hours on attempting to remove my old inserts! I had to take them to a local shop and have them removed. I know when I'm licked.....