The dreaded BX front strut.

tomsheppard · Unread post by **tomsheppard** » 03 Sep 2003, 16:23

I have just bought the rebuild kit for my somewhat laggardly front struts. I have a slide bearing and two seals. The dealer very kindly printed out the parts page and diagram which shows three seals in the kit and not two... there is also a second kit of bump stops and spacers. Should I get this too, or am I ok to recycle these bits?

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 03 Sep 2003, 17:20

Where did you get the kit - I tried Freeborn in Southampton a couple of months ago and they didn't want to know! - bought a new one from GSF as freeborn wanted about £166 + VAT.
Have you had a look at the japanese site and the parts catalogue there? Seem to recall only one kit is shown. I suppose its really a case of stripping it and having a look and seeing how bad it is.
I think there are detailed instructions on the DIY site as well.
I think Anders is the expert on them.
Replacing mine has made a world of difference and for once i don't begrudge spending the money!
jeremy

tomsheppard · Unread post by **tomsheppard** » 03 Sep 2003, 18:39

The DIY site gives part numbers and as I live in Southampton, I used Wyatts in Winchester who were helpful, having used Freeborns in the past who seemed to think that a BX was a bad smell under their noses!

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 03 Sep 2003, 18:50

I'll give wyatts a try next time I need something. thanks
jeremy

bernie · Unread post by **bernie** » 03 Sep 2003, 21:26

So how much was the kit Tom?

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 03 Sep 2003, 21:38

Tom -
In most cases you only needs the 2 O-rings kit (1 white tephlone, 1 black rubber - both some 20mm dia). The tephlone ring is in direct contact with the cylinder piston rod - the rubber ring is used as a spring for the tephlone ring - to aid in tightening against the piston rod.
These 2 O-rings are responsible for leaks from the strut - if worn out. Ususally the tephlone ring has worn out completely.
All the rubber/plastic bits that goes on the internals are rarely worn to the replacement state.
The most important extra bit you may need - is the slide bearing bushing - the top of the outer tube that screws in. This slide bearing is responsible for groaning, creeks & jumpy raising & suspension.
Please note that it may be necessary to polish the inner piston rod - using a polisher - don't rub with sandpaper.
It is highly recommanded to lube up the outer piston that slides in the slide bushing - with standard grease.

tomsheppard · Unread post by **tomsheppard** » 04 Sep 2003, 02:49

Thanks, guys. I went ahead and bought the whole kit anyway so I hope that nothing goes wrong from here on in. THe struts themselves seem to delay when selecting another height and can stick up or down although the suspension travel seems ok when driving. I am a little puzzled that I don't seem to be getting any leak back from them but I guess that it will all work better next week! The parts came to £109 including VAT for 2 slide bearings, 2 seal kits and 2 cylinder kits so with Citroen wanting £332+VAT and even our hosts £220+VAT, I think that it is worth a little work as I have more time than money, but I reckon that the AS parts represent good value for those less inclined to do it the hard way!

Linegeist · Unread post by **Linegeist** » 04 Sep 2003, 04:10

Would it be politically incorrect of me to ask for an email address or telephone number as I too need to 'strut my stuff'!!
"strut my stuff" Geddit!!! [:D][:D][:D]
Okay, okay, I'll get my coat, then......[:(][:(][:o)]

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 04 Sep 2003, 05:31

Bob -
The stuff to stuff your strut you may need are (Citroen part no's) :
Inner piston O-ring set : 95 597 221
The slide bushing : 96 004 372
The return hose assy : 95 622 818
Clip for return hose assy : 96 127 591
The other parts are :
Bump stop bits : 95 650 941
The inner piston rod : 95 607 545
Also available :
O-rings for top strut mounting in sphere base - don't have the part no though.
- pr strut -

Linegeist · Unread post by **Linegeist** » 04 Sep 2003, 12:55

Thanks Anders - Vous are une totalement gentleman, Sir! [:D]

tomsheppard · Unread post by **tomsheppard** » 04 Sep 2003, 14:40

It would be interesting to compare French parts prices If you would kindly let us know, Bob. Used cars being dear over there, I wonder if spares are, too?
BTW, I an unable to find your location in this year's Michelin. Please satisfy my curiosity, Which department are you in?

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 04 Sep 2003, 14:56

Tom
just been looking at Bob Smith's site for another reason and see that there is some strut information. File looks massive so haven't had a look yet as it will probably take until lunchtime to open.
Jeremy
http://www.rwbsmith.plus.com/citroen2/

Linegeist · Unread post by **Linegeist** » 04 Sep 2003, 19:56

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by tomsheppard
BTW, I an unable to find your location in this year's Michelin. Please satisfy my curiosity, Which department are you in?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hi Tom. 78 - Yvelines. If you can find Montfort L'Amaury we're about 6 klicks South on the D191 as it crosses over the N12.
Re the prices - hideous! So far I've bought stuff from Partco and our BBS hosts here - their prices are far more realistic even given shipping costs.
I'm presently trying to find a local scrapyard that I can haunt but apparently this is a 'posh' area and 'one doesn't have THAT sort of thing heah dahling......etc, etc' [:D]

tomsheppard · Unread post by **tomsheppard** » 05 Sep 2003, 00:39

Plenty in 53, (Mayenne) a couple of hours drive, though. Poor farming people, so all is said to be relatively cheap.