I have been searching around a bit and found out that bilstein sp front dampers are THICKER than the OEM dampers, causing the struts to not to fit properly into steering knuckles.

I installed my H&R coilover (which uses the bilstein sp shocks..) a few weeks back I had some installation issues and I ended up hammering it in... (obvisouly, thicker shafts just doesnt slide in like OEMs.. )

Anyways, I might have to take them out again for a few tweaks soon or later... so could anybody who have experienced the installation issues with bilsteins chime in about how to INSTALL and how to TAKE it OUT without beating the fukc outta the knuckles and the struts.

Thanks in advance.

 

Look here for how to spread the knuckle’s slot https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=97532 . I installed PSS9s on a GP this past weekend and the struts went in fairly easy using the spreader tool, anti-seize, and some wiggling and jiggling; a ¼ inch drive extension will be similarly effective in lieu of the suspension spreader tool.

 

should i use the spreading technique when i'm taking the struts out also??

 

I had the same problem with the billstein front struts. A bigger hammer and knocked the knuckle onto the strut. A bit of wd40 and hammering did the job for me.

 

I had absolutely no problems with the install of my PSS9's. They went in super duper quick....

 

sprp85, yes, spread the gap to ease extraction.

 

i have done hammering so many times on fronts, (my last set was having the same issue.. and it was a different brand too ) i instantly know what to do. I was just wondering if there is a know-how for this

k-huevo// got it! thank you, i will try that 1/4 drive trick next time!

 

yeah, i had the same issue but didnt learn about the spreader until after. i ground off the paint and with corrosion x still wouldnt seat all the way so i had to put the wheels on and set the wheels on the ground to finish the job. removal required hammering but i set a baseball bat on the knuckle and hit the bat with the big hammer.

 

I spent time sanding some of the paint off the bottoms before installing my SP's - and then, a little coating of anti-seize made them slide right in after spreading the collar just a bit.