davethewheel wrote:just replaced mine on the offside, it came with a gaitor the dealer reckons that the replacments are slightly different, it does look a little thicker but it's hard to tell as the one that came off is in such bad condition, it even had a hole in the metal plate at one point
The new strut tops that got fitted to mine (I didnt do the job unfortunately so I didnt get a close look) look quite a bit more beefy than the original - the rubber block in particular looks stronger, and it also came with new gators which have a different lip attachment, so I think the replacement parts strut tops are redesigned somewhat...
(Maybe they didnt "discover" the problem until after the Xantia finished in 2001, but have since modified the new replacement strut tops...)
The new gators are MUCH better than the original types too - they're longer, with more ripples, and a much softer more flexible material. The original type are stretching too hard at full suspension height which probably contributes to them falling down with age. The new type are not under strain even at full extension, and are attached more securely.
one thing i did wrong tho the rubber bumpstop must have fallen off and i didn't realise untill the car was back on it's wheels, presumably this will be ok for a few days untill i get time to do the other side
Drive carefully....the bump stops are there to prevent you bottoming the hydraulic ram.... which if you did at high speed it may cause some damage...
Regards,
Simon