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    Strut Parts Identification

    Apologies if stoops question, noob here, appreciate info.

    Refreshing my front struts, can't figure out what this degraded black foam thing is. About 1" in height and was stuck to Upper Spring Plate but also remnants of it were at the bottom of the assembly too. The whole thing obviously very rusted and sticky altogether.

    It is not stock shock but a Bilstein B4 black, fairly new from the previous owner as far as I know, 2 years old according to records.

    Having trouble identifying where the bump stop (#11) and the dust sleeve (#12) go or if I need them at all because its a Bilstein?

    If so, what should I replace that 1" foam thing with?


    Big thanks.



    '89 E30 Touring, '85 911 3.2 Coupe, '89 GB500, '96 XR400

    #2
    The degraded 1" foam thing is most likely what's left of your factory bump stop. The bump stop pushes into the end of the black sleeve. If you look closely you can see the grooves that interlock. Then that pushes onto the strut assembly on the bottom of the spring perch. I am pretty sure the Bilsteins all have internal bump stops. So you would not use item 11 but you would use 13 and 14 that would come with the new shocks. Item 14 will snap into the lower sleeve same as the bump stop would. The blue sleeves are available directly from Bilstein for around $7 or so. MOST important step is to make SURE you reinstall the two washers (7 and 8) under the top hat. One is a flat washer and one is cupped. If you do not install these the struts will not pivot on the bearings and will drag, not return to center steer during a turn, etc..
    sigpic
    Steve Corbett
    1983 528E Scrapped
    1983 528E Sold
    1984 745I
    1984 325E - Sold
    1989 325I Bronzit-Sold
    1989 325I Zinno
    1988 635CSI

    Comment


      #3
      sigpic
      Steve Corbett
      1983 528E Scrapped
      1983 528E Sold
      1984 745I
      1984 325E - Sold
      1989 325I Bronzit-Sold
      1989 325I Zinno
      1988 635CSI

      Comment


        #4
        great info steve thanks.

        what is the accordion black sleeve that is underneath that metal piece where the degraded bump stop looks like it has touched?

        does the blue bilstein piece replace this?

        unclear on whether this bump stop / sleeve combo is meant to be ABOVE or BELOW that metal ring?

        other advice on washers is clear thanks.
        '89 E30 Touring, '85 911 3.2 Coupe, '89 GB500, '96 XR400

        Comment


          #5
          ok followed this thread and called bilstein.

          they told me the B4's never came with blue dustboots or any bilstein supplied bump stop for that matter.

          still debating if i need to install the OEM bump stop + OEM black dust boot upon strut reassembly or not.

          any thoughts?
          '89 E30 Touring, '85 911 3.2 Coupe, '89 GB500, '96 XR400

          Comment


            #6
            I've installed a couple of sets of those (Aka Bilstein Touring) and we have them on our eta. Have never used an external bump stop and there's no harm in using the black shield. Bilstein says they aren't necessary but they did come on the car that way from the factory so why not.

            The degraded foam piece looks to be what's left of your spring pad. Although some,people eliminate them I'm not a fan of that approach especially on a stock replacement intended for comfort and a bit of fun rather than all out performance.
            Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

            https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
            Alice the Time Capsule
            http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
            87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

            Comment


              #7
              these are front shocks so no spring pad here but yea i agree with you — keeping pads in is better for me as well and i have refreshed my rears with new upper and lowers.

              i think im going to run the yellow bumpstop and black sleeve in the front strut assembly on top of the nut glad on the B4. i think for the same reason, i want to keep it close to oem as possible, not looking for any tricks.

              this video is in german but looks like he shows a B4 install / assembly and is including it as well.

              thanks for the input

              '89 E30 Touring, '85 911 3.2 Coupe, '89 GB500, '96 XR400

              Comment


                #8
                The perches have spring pads
                Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

                https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
                Alice the Time Capsule
                http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
                87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

                Comment


                  #9
                  oh yea the thin curved rubber/plastic rings on the front, yes, those came out just fine and in one piece. im replacing those top/bottom both sides. i don't believe that is the 1" degraded foam cylinder.
                  '89 E30 Touring, '85 911 3.2 Coupe, '89 GB500, '96 XR400

                  Comment

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