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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Lap on 26 February 2009, 08:02

Title: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: Lap on 26 February 2009, 08:02
Fitted some front Bilstein gas struts to my 8V digi about 5k miles ago. Noticed last night that the driverside one is covered in oil.  :angry: Passenger side is bone dry.

I'm immediately thinking the strut is leaking oil BUT they're supposed to be gas struts. Might be a daft question, but do gas struts contain any oil?

I also wondered if it was oil/grease kicked up by something else but the plastic boot in the strut is damp too but the coil spring is bone dry. Would this suggest it is originating from the strut?

Cheers for any help.
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: Wayne on 26 February 2009, 09:00
Right the front shocks were they inserts or complete legs, if they are inserts then they have a tiny amount of oil in the shock to stop the insert rattling about.
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: Lap on 26 February 2009, 09:25
They were complete legs.
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: Wayne on 26 February 2009, 09:45
They were complete legs.

I believe they contain a small amount of oil.
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: danny_p on 26 February 2009, 10:23
they do contain oil , quite a bit actualy
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: Gene Hunt. on 26 February 2009, 11:49
Are they still under warranty  :angry: ?.If so take them back & demand replacment's.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: Lap on 26 February 2009, 12:08
Certainly hope so. Bought them round about Aug last year from ECP. Not sure what their returns policy is but I will be finding out!
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: Wayne on 26 February 2009, 12:54
Certainly hope so. Bought them round about Aug last year from ECP. Not sure what their returns policy is but I will be finding out!

Most shocks are 1yr or 12000 miles or 2yrs and 20000miles warranty so you should be ok.
Title: Re: Do gas struts have oil?
Post by: DarnPB on 26 February 2009, 13:49
You watch. There could be a get out clause that unless they were fitted by a garage, the warranty may be void. Car parts suppliers are very good at that sort of thing.