leaking struts ?

[cacaolat]

My trusted garage has fixed the front height adjuster problem I had. They have pointed out that my front struts are a bit oily, so they need changing, although the suspension feels perfectly alright.
I am hoping this could be fixed somehow.could this be a leaking return pipe. Could it be because the front end of my car was at the lowest point for about 2 weeks (see my separate forum entry) and when I drove around the speed-bumps where rather hard on the front suspension.

[MULLEY]

See my response to your other post about ths.

[cacaolat]

Thank you Mulley, I am happy that I may not have to replace the whole struts. I will look into the return pipe issue.

[cacaolat]

so I will be ordering these return pipes. are they straight forward to fit ? will any LHM leak when the old return pipes are removed ?
http://www.aepdirect.com/strut-return-p ... ory_id=639" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mat_fenwick]

You may get a little dribble of LHM but not much. Not a difficult job but the clip can be fiddly - a pair of carpenter's pincers helps. Best to buy new clips in case the old ones are damaged during removal.

[RxBX]

so I will be ordering these return pipes. are they straight forward to fit ? will any LHM leak when the old return pipes are removed ?
http://www.aepdirect.com/strut-return-p ... ory_id=639" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Why don't you just do the repair/mod 'In-stu' then you don't have to disturb the S/S clamp which holds the rubber saddle to the strut-leg

I've done an 'in-situ' repair/mod many times on many different BX's/XM's/Xantia's in the past with no real problems, saves loads of time pi$$ing around with the original set up and usually last much longer too !

Here's the LINK for the repair/mod (with many more helpful info/links too), if you changing both, I've got a new pair which are still sealed in the poly-bags from 'GSF' (£20 the pair + postage @ cost) PM me if you would like them ?

All the best in repairing/modifying them, which ever way you decide to go.



.

[MULLEY]

The metal clip is a barsteward to fit without the correct tool or a decent equivalent, i've tried & failed Damn annoying as it shoud really be a very simple job that just takes a few minutes, but oh no.....

[citronut]

after removing the old clip and remains of the leg pipe,

clean the area were the block fits against the leg, then lay the block centrally over the small hole on the back of the leg,
and whilst holding it in place run some sticky tape like masking tape around the two pipes just the keep it there while you fit the clip,

i use a pair of carpenters nail pincers like these
( http://www.wickes.co.uk/carpenters-pinc ... rce=123_74" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)
that i ground the jaws so they fit into the lugs for pulling the clip together,

but fit the clip firstly by hand locking it together on the first latch,

regards malcolm

[MULLEY]

I've got some similar to those, i don't suppose you could take a photo closeup of your amended jaws on your one & post it up please? That'll give me the info i need to try & modify mine, as they didn't work that well when i tried using them last.

[citronut]

i will try and post picy's in a couple of days,

but all i did was to gringd/thin/sharpen the edge's of the jaws from by grinding with an angel grinder the inner edge/face's,

just to allow the jaws to fit into the lugs on the clip for pulling it together,but without hindering the clip from closing,

electrical side cutters will do the job, but not quite as easy as the modded pincers,

regards malcolm

[MULLEY]

Nice one, i can visualize what you are saying, but a piccy is worth a 1000 words

[mat_fenwick]

Also, a small notch in the centre helps stop them from slipping off. Or, you could buy the proper tool - I think Todd posted a link to somewhere it was about 16 Euros, which is probably about a quid now given the way the exchange rate is going

[MULLEY]

Link? please find asap

[docchevron]

I use side cutters, like these:


But in fact you need some other tools aswell:

in order of importance, fag, lighter (for the fag), diet coke, side cutters, new clip and the new pipes!

In use:


closing the clip:


Job done:


Less than 1 minute a side.

[MULLEY]

Do you normally give the clip a slight tap with a hammer to ensure the lip section won't come undone through vibration?