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Re: Shocks/struts - Blistein B6 of Koni yellow ? ? Posted by English Bloke [Email]  (#2317) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from English Bloke) on Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:59:14
In Reply to: Re: Shocks/struts - Blistein B6 of Koni yellow ? ?, Steven, Sun, 15 Dec 2019 09:14:59 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I have finished a massive overhaul of a very nice 1995 9000 Aero. For the suspension system I fitted the Koni sport struts. I am very unimpressed with the package for the following reasons.
Most significant issue is caused by the kit's large washer, lock washer and bolt that are used to hold the base of the strut in the old tube. I've found that as the suspension approaches full reach, the clip on the drive shaft boot hits the bolt (see pic) and will likely trash the boot. I took the OE clips off and wrapped wire round the boot cuff as a possible solution.
The front struts use the old strut body - seems like penny-pinching to me. If the old struts are in fair working condition the destructive process means you can't go back
Locking the top nut to the recommended torque has me stumped - the damper adjustment is a peg on the top of the strut, the piston rod has an external hex feature and the lock nut is way down inside the bearing mount. All these parts are subsurface so need concentric hollow tools to grip them. So the nut got blasted on with an impact gun.
The rear struts are also adjustable but I think the process is totally impractical: To adjust, the strut needs to be fully compressed in order to engage an internal feature. With that done the strut is turned relative to the piston to alter the damping. This means that the foam bumper on the piston has to be omitted or removed. To alter the settings you have to either completely remove the strut or unbolt either the top or bottom. To unbolt the top you have to either strip out the trunk interior or cut open the trunk liner's strut-top access portholes. If you want to leave the top attachment in position then you unbolt the base from the suspension system but as mentioned above, the foam bumper has to be left out of the assembly.
The adjustments are completely analog. There are no indexes and altering the rear struts is a battle of strength and patience. There can be no on-the-go tinkering with the rear struts.
I have a 9-5 Aero with Bilstein B6 struts and sorely regret not fitting the same to the 9000. I have only positive views of the B6 and the ride quality is superb.
_______________________________________ English Bloke
, Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:23:53, Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:59:14 <-- Viewing This Message
, Sun, 23 Apr 2023 09:25:28
, Thu, 5 Dec 2019 07:30:36
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