BX front strut return pipes and attachment.

DLM · Unread post by **DLM** » 22 Apr 2003, 18:41

Have acquired some known good"" secondhand struts to try substituting for current graunching items, but may need to renew return pipes. Also, some of the struts available to me have had the return-pipe fixing removed from the lower section of the strut (the one with the metal band around the strut).
Do replacement return pipes include this fixing? is it available from Andyspares/citroen new, or will I have to go scrapyard hunting?
Is the metal band an integral art of the assembly - and what are good alternatives for strapping if it's not available/convenient to fit?
Lots of questions, I'm afraid - thanks in advance to anybody who replies......
David

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 22 Apr 2003, 19:52

The return pipes are available from specialists like andyspares - about £7.50 and the clip is also available. The clip is nearly impossible to fit and I ended up using a large jubilee clip. I have heard of others using cable ties. The clip is available - guide price £2.
jeremy

algieuk · Unread post by **algieuk** » 23 Apr 2003, 05:00

Yup, the clip is virtually impossible to fit properly. Go with cable ties. Get the right thickness, and use the square location plate off the clip you remove.

DLM · Unread post by **DLM** » 23 Apr 2003, 05:20

Same sort of thickness as the metal clip, or do you mean the width?

mark_sp · Unread post by **mark_sp** » 24 Apr 2003, 03:05

I replaced the return pipes on my bx 19trs in 1995, used parts sourced from main dealers. The clips were integral and I don't remember any problem fitting then. I do remember how difficult it was to do the pipes that run front to back though, which I had to do shortly after.
Mark_sp

algieuk · Unread post by **algieuk** » 24 Apr 2003, 14:08

Yup, sorry, width.

Unread post by **Jon** » 24 Apr 2003, 15:12

re, using the original clip, you can use some bullnosed pliers to attach the new (correct) clip if you lack the special clip tool (which I'm sure most of use do).

Unread post by **RichardW** » 24 Apr 2003, 16:50

I put the clip back on with a pair of nail pulling pincers (wood nails not finger nails - although I nearly removed a couple of those too). The clip is (necessarily!) VERY tight, but you can fiddle it on eventually.
Richard

DLM · Unread post by **DLM** » 26 Apr 2003, 16:53

Thanks all for the replies - I found myself in a helpful GS&F branch this week 200 miles away from where I'd normally be, but they don't hold the clips/pipes in stock. Perhaps my local and larger branch will have them.
David