I never paid much attention to how much effort it took to turn the strut bearings before doing inserts on my son's 744T today.

I disassembled the struts, replaced the inserts and tightened the nut on the tube.

I carefully disassembled the bearings and washed them in gasoline. I cleaned the carrier and regreased it and then installed the ball bearings (46) making sure I had the space around them packed with grease. They were smooth when reassembled. I finished assembling the strut with new boots and bumpstops and released the spring compressor.

After putting the strut assemblies back in the car they seem very tight. Smooth but tight.

I am pretty sure they are assembled properly but am a little worried that they are not easier to turn. They certainly aren't like the 240's that spin freely that is for sure.

I guess what I am looking for here is someone who has perhaps had the same experience and can tell me to quit worrying about it- that is they way they are.

Randy

I noticed this too! :-)

I guess it's because the 740 bearings are squeezed in there pretty good, whereas the 240's bearings are effectively outside the system.

-Ryan
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Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars, GT Braces, Draco Wheels
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars

Randy I too recently did the same job when installing my new kyb gas strut inserts but didn't go as far as soaking in gas taking apart and repacking. I just repacked and figured that was why mine were a little stiff feeling. I ordered new ones which turn pretty easily but thought the originals would hold up longer.

I was told to wait and see how they felt when under load and while driving .....they feel good so I guess yours will be fine as well.

Mark
740gle wagon w/5spd 165k The Silver Surfer

It seems fine but they seem tight. This car had one insert that had blown and was leaking oil badly. The new gas inserts and recently replaced rear shocks made a remarkable difference in ride and handling.

Randy

I hear ya Randy.....my front end had to have the original struts and I have 165k. real bouncy. I also saw lots of gook and oil substance on strut shafts and strut bellows were shreaded into rings.

Nice tight firm ride now......I still have to get the surfer aligned though since just tied up the end rods to exactly where they were and I'm getting some shimmy when making tight turns .

Mark
88 740 gle wagon with 5spd 165k The Silver Surfer

Did you install them upside down? They fit into the recess on the strut mount and the spring seat: one side is curved.
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See the 700/900 FAQ at the drop-down menu above right.

No, but that certainly sounds like something I might do :-)

I went ahead and put it all back together and took it for a drive and it seems fine, but I never noticed how tight the bearings were on these cars.

I bought these (KYB Gas) inserts at Rock Auto and found that one insert had no gland nut or top nut in the box. Luckily I had purchased four inserts and rear shocks so I still am down one hardware package but I was able to finish the job.

Randy