We've had lows around 8 degrees (15F) here in Georgia for the last 10 days now and I've noticed that my shocks seem to be very firm on cold mornings. It feels like I'm riding around on the bump stops. Does anyone elses Bilsteins do the same?
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Last edited by saltinot; 13 January 2010, 13:52. -
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If you 'google' it you will find others have had this problem...water ingress i believe.
Hope thats right.
Think there was a big discussion on Motorgeek.Carlos.
On the look out for less bits for my s2 saloon project. Now supporting myself by shooting for my food. www.airgunforum.co.uk -
This is interesting, i've had a similar problem which started 2 weeks back when it was really cold.S2Forum.com AdministratorComment
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I seem to remember reading that you should put antifreeze in the strut body before putting in the shock.Cheers'en, AndyC
1994 ABY Coupe - Projekt AlpinweissComment
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Wow it looks like it really freezes
RS for ‘Rennsport’ - ‘Motorsport’ in GermanComment
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Think most of it has been caused by water getting passed the 'protective boot covers'...
have they been fitted?Carlos.
On the look out for less bits for my s2 saloon project. Now supporting myself by shooting for my food. www.airgunforum.co.ukComment
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no problems here, and i have been up to scotland as well with quite a few lowsComment
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Interesting. I have the bilstein caps but my bellows are worn. I have bought new bellows but they are still on the shelf. I was going to put them on when I reworked the front suspension and tie rods.
Is there a way to get the water out?Comment
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Roy, I just noticed your diagram details a place to drill at the bottom. Is this to drain the water?Comment
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Hmmm...I put oil in the bottom of my strut..
before I installed the Bilstein HD cartridge. I got allot of flack about it. I have no problems here in the frigid US midwest with this type of problem.Comment
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Bilstein Frozen Strut Syndrome…
Hi Tom. All the best for the new year. Have a look at this page:
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friggin quattro crazyComment
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don't worry its a normal thing when dampers freeze in winter. just ride around, look for some bumpy road to faster the process, they will warm up and you will get your comfort back
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You should put some oil in the strut body before the shock absorber. I'd suspect that not only water ingress but moisture forming inside the body will play a big part in this.Jay - pug_life85@hotmail.com
1986 Audi UR quattro - WORK IN PROGRESS
1981 VW Mk1 Golf - "20v Jim, but not as we know it!"Comment
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Damming Damn Damp Dampers
Hi Saltinot
I had a similar issue, however my equipment may be slightly different. In North America we have swaged-top front struts which limit the O.D. of the damper that can be installed, in this case to a 30mm OD piston series Bilstein.
You may have larger O.D. bodied Bilsteins, and you may or may not have the self-draining capability of the UrS car's Bilstein's bottom cap. If you do have the UrS car's style, you may simply have water in the strut. I have drain-holes drilled in the bottom centre of my strut bases to prevent this build-up. If you don't have UrS style bottom caps on your Bilsteins, you may also have water in the lower damper chamber itself. This is what I had, see also the attached link, it details what i did about it.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by Lago Blue; 24 July 2011, 02:39.Comment
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