ClassicStyle

While taking apart my failed and rusted early-style front struts, the cartridge came apart leaving me with just the shock absorber cartridge outer skin stuck inside the strut body.

I've beat the eve​​​​r loving snot out of the inner housing you see in the photo trying to get it out, and so far to no avail.

I'm open to, and pleading for, ideas on how to get it out of there. I see no means of retention, so I'm assuming it's just rusted in there like the top bushing was when I removed the threaded cap...

Thanks! ​

V2Rocket

Drill a hole in the bottom of the strut and stick a punch through?

ClassicStyle

Definitely considering it, but wanted to consult the RennGurus before doing anything that drastic. I'm also a little concerned I'll just end up punching a hole through the bottom of the cartridge skin, given that I was able to stretch open the top of the cartridge without getting the skin loose.

Any other ideas (hare-brained or rational) I can add to the list of options?

AZ520

Heat might help! Propane torch the housing!

V2Rocket

find a plumbing supply place (ferguson, if you have one local) and ask for an "internal pipe wrench"...maybe one you can rent?

Noahs944

Replace the entire strut housing, both sides at same time.

snb13

If you punch a hole in the bottom of the strut housing, won't that permanently drain it of oil?

tempest411

The strut housing do not contain oil, they just hold on to the strut cartridge, which contains the oil.

kevin12973

I cut the cap off the bottom then punched the old cartridge out. Then welded the cap back on and pained it.

AZ520

FiX it!

marc abrams

Actually you are supposed to fill the strut housing with oil before inserting the cartridge. Help's with heat transfer and rust.

V2Rocket

^^heard about doing that but...not required.

snb13

They do. If yours is empty, it's not supposed to be.

Noahs944

That's interesting! What type of oil? Hydraulic I assume.

V2Rocket

Think I read a Porsche bulletin/note that said to use ATF.