Bilstein strut insert replacement

[NickP]

Guys-

OK, I'm asking for some help in determining if I can replace the inserts (which are leaking) in my Bilstein strut assemblies. I read the section in Wayne's book and it looks pretty darn straightforward. 99% of the the time I just write checks to my mechanic, but I'd really like to do a few things on my own. I'm pretty handy, I've got some tools, so why not?

I see that the Bilstein's are inverted in the housing and held in place with a roll pin. Do I need anything special to remove and replace the roll pin? It looks like I jack the front end up, put the car on stands and remove the top shock nut located in the trunk. Then I compress the shock enough to pull it out past the fender, take off the dust shield, knock out the roll pin and remove the insert. I'll try and clean up any gunk in the bottom of the assembly and install the new insert reversing the process to remove the insert. Sound good?

I'm assuming my inserts are Sports vrs HD's as the rears are Sports, so tha's what I'll order.

Thanks, I'll only report a successful transplant. I won't tell you all if I end up calling AAA for a tow to the shop (which has happened before) on a botched repair.

Nick

[jameshtaylor]

Try a search here and at Pelican; I recall several threads on this subject. I think you pretty much have the concept; when I did it I had a devil of a time getting the pin out and finally took it to my local shop where they removed it for me.