Archer911

I am replacing shocks and struts on my 87 Carrera. The rear shocks were easy once I removed the heater fan and air filter/MAF assembly from the car BUT the struts on the front are a different issue. Mine are BOGE. The strut dropped away OK after removing the nut in the engine compartment but the cartridge itself needs to be released by removing a threaded cap from the strut housing. Looks like it will take a special tool to fit inside the 34mm inverse hex cap. I think the tool may be called a "spindle nut socket"m but have had no luck locating one. Anyone here ever do this job? Thanks

Note: in the pic it's that black cap just below the shiny piston section of the strut.

r911

like this?

Archer911

Not sure what that is except for "Bilstein" and a torque setting printed on it. My guess is it fits over Bilstein struts and you put the ratchet extension into the square receiver.

That would not work on Boge that are in my car.

UPDATE: Was able to find a few posts about this and it seems that everyone has the same problem and just uses pipe wrenches. I will be trying that very soon!

Spyerx

r911

That device works on Bilstein inserts but the ones in Boge struts, which is what I have.

You want to slit some tubing and protect your fender lips.

Archer911

The right front is done. A pipe wrench on the nut and a strap wrench to hold the strut did it. Taped the nut first.

So what the books (101 Projects for your 911, Bentley, PELICAN) and web sites don't tell you is that if your struts are original they are filled with hydraulic fluid. This fluid comes out when you pull the old hydraulic cylinder. When you put the new "self contained cartridge" in the rest of the oil comes out.
It can make a real mess so have a container ready, cover your caliper, and get a box of shop towels at hand.

Now I have to do the left side damnit!

Spyerx

oh yeah that part :-) I stuffed rags down there to soak it all up before putting the insert in there. Used a grabber thing to pull the rags out. It's a messy job.