There are usually four problems associated with the operation and effectiveness of the rear struts - well, there are probably more, but it depends on how far one wants to get involved with the replacement of any leaking strut.
Ideally speaking, of course, if you have a unit that leaks and you have plenty of money, you just go out and buy a new one. In my case, I can respond in the affirmative on the first named, whilst the second option attracts a huge negative, especially as a new unit would probably set you back the best part of one and a half K.s - I think, although I haven't checked for a while - like several years. With Gleaming Beauty, I had two quite badly leaking rear units (first problem), torn rubber boots (second problem), I wasn't sure about the bottom ball joint mounts, nor did I have any idea regarding the top mounts - these are very unique, and no substitute will do the job. With the bottom mounts, I have those reconditioned and I have sold them on an exchange basis. So obviously I was well prepared mentally speaking once attention would be required, and some two to three years ago, I rebuilt (with the assistance of an engineering firm) four rear struts and five front struts. They have just been sitting in boxes, standing up to see if there was any apparent leakage. It all seemed fine, although it is not easy to check, and also I have no means of pressure testing a rebuilt unit.
The time had come for some real action - in other words, I needed to put my practice and theory to the test, i.e., to fit them to Gleaming Beauty. The top mounts were only fair, thus I replaced those with two good used units, but now my stock is depleted - there are no mounts left. I also fitted two rebuilt bottom ball joint mounts, together with new BMW rubber gaiters. The original MB units are quite expensive. The question now is - how did it all turn out ? Well, right at this moment, after 4 days and a fully pressurized system, there are no leaks and I am beating my chest like an old Silverback. Whatsmore, it took next to no time to pump up the suspension and furthermore, the car has not sunk a single millimeter since the struts were fitted. Regards Styria
BTW, as of know, we have six members active and I am the only one to post. I am sad - quick, get me that birthday girl.......
Ideally speaking, of course, if you have a unit that leaks and you have plenty of money, you just go out and buy a new one. In my case, I can respond in the affirmative on the first named, whilst the second option attracts a huge negative, especially as a new unit would probably set you back the best part of one and a half K.s - I think, although I haven't checked for a while - like several years. With Gleaming Beauty, I had two quite badly leaking rear units (first problem), torn rubber boots (second problem), I wasn't sure about the bottom ball joint mounts, nor did I have any idea regarding the top mounts - these are very unique, and no substitute will do the job. With the bottom mounts, I have those reconditioned and I have sold them on an exchange basis. So obviously I was well prepared mentally speaking once attention would be required, and some two to three years ago, I rebuilt (with the assistance of an engineering firm) four rear struts and five front struts. They have just been sitting in boxes, standing up to see if there was any apparent leakage. It all seemed fine, although it is not easy to check, and also I have no means of pressure testing a rebuilt unit.
The time had come for some real action - in other words, I needed to put my practice and theory to the test, i.e., to fit them to Gleaming Beauty. The top mounts were only fair, thus I replaced those with two good used units, but now my stock is depleted - there are no mounts left. I also fitted two rebuilt bottom ball joint mounts, together with new BMW rubber gaiters. The original MB units are quite expensive. The question now is - how did it all turn out ? Well, right at this moment, after 4 days and a fully pressurized system, there are no leaks and I am beating my chest like an old Silverback. Whatsmore, it took next to no time to pump up the suspension and furthermore, the car has not sunk a single millimeter since the struts were fitted. Regards Styria
BTW, as of know, we have six members active and I am the only one to post. I am sad - quick, get me that birthday girl.......
Last edited:
