What's wrong with these Bilstein's?

[E30stan]

When I compress these rear struts, one of the struts compresses about 2 inches further than the other. The pressure required to compress and the rate at which they decompress seems identical, what could account for the difference?

[E30_fiend]

Same part numbers?

If they are, remove the black dust covers and see if one has an external bumpstop installed.

That's my guess.


Taylor

[kronus]

The internal bumpstop may have disintegrated in one of the two, in which case it's probably on the way out in the other one, as well.

Alternatively, you have a Bilstein Sport and a Bilstein HD. Check the part numbers.

[E30stan]

Same part numbers?

If they are, remove the black dust covers and see if one has an external bumpstop installed.

That's my guess.


Taylor

Part numbers are identical, i already disassembled both units and they both have the chicken patty bump stop, and both looked fine. On a side note, one of the rear sway bar mounts had broke off, so im thinking the uneven geometry could have had an effect on the struts. I wonder if these struts are ok to drive on?

[e30leigh]

nope. send them in and have them rebuilt with new seals and internal bump stops. your car will be handling like crap with those in atm.

[E30_fiend]

^^^^
What he said. Unfortunately they have internal bumpstops so you can't take them apart up check them.


Taylor