Billy VS. OE Replacement. Is it just me? SOLVED

[eurotrash]

So I gingerly slipped in a set of HDs into a set of refreshed strut tubes. Knowing that a friend of mine had an issue recently with one sticking in a tube, I wanted to be careful. So I measured the tube depth at 17.5", but the insert will only go to 16.25" before stopping.

Comparing the BOGE to the Billies I noticed that the HDs were the same length overall, but then saw something else..!?

If you look closely at the line drawn on the paper you can see that there is a slight under sizing at the bottom of the BOGE insert!

This has to have created some issues for others over the years.. What's the remedy? Just make sure the tube is clean, spit on it and cram it in?!

SOLUTION: (for those coming after me)

Add a little oil, as usual, and lightly tap the bottom of the tube with the insert. Mark a line on the insert first so you can monitor progress. Don't ram it so hard that it sticks. It will work it's way in and still be able to be removed.

It took me a while, but this works.

[williamggruff]

I experienced this issue recently when I installed Billy Sports in a set of powdercoated strut tubes. Screwing down the gland nuts took some crazy amount of torque, which I assumed at the time was due to a bit of powdercoating in the threads. I suspect the problem was that we were jamming the insert into the bottom of the strut tube. Time to check my strut tubes for cracks :-

[c.d.iesel]

Yes - run a long sharp flat blade screw driver up and down in the bottom of the tube to clean the walls inside the tube - besure nothing is sitting on the bottom of the tube - and in some cases I''''ve had to emory the new insert clean of any paint, slather white grease on the insert and slam it down in to seat it. Your top collar nut will press it in fully when tightened.')

[eastsidebimmer]

"Just make sure the tube is clean, spit on it and cram it in?!"

"Add a little oil, as usual, and lightly tap the bottom of the tube with the insert."

"Don't ram it so hard that it sticks. It will work it's way in and still be able to be removed."

Let's try to keep this PG-13 next time.

[Harv]

"Just make sure the tube is clean, spit on it and cram it in?!"

"Add a little oil, as usual, and lightly tap the bottom of the tube with the insert."

"Don't ram it so hard that it sticks. It will work it's way in and still be able to be removed."

Let's try to keep this PG-13 next time.

Let's not forget ...

SOLUTION: (for those coming after me)

John

[eastsidebimmer]

I guess we should include this one too.

slather white grease on the insert and slam it down in to seat it. Your top collar nut will press it in fully when tightened.'

[jrkoupe]

the top collar nut...

is that the lt or rt one?..

[02Coastie]

So how far down should they sit? Are they supposed to be flush with the top of the tube? I think mine sat about 1/2" up, but I was still able to get a good number of turns on the nut.

-Lloyd

[eurotrash]

Thought you'd like that.. LOL

But check out my new tool..

Now I can get both holes at once. I wrapped it for protection and went to town with both nuts.

[Todd21]

Trash..... you got mad skills!

[eurotrash]

Trash..... you got mad skills!

word.

How's the T's fit? Pics please.

[eurotrash]

So how far down should they sit? Are they supposed to be flush with the top of the tube? I think mine sat about 1/2" up, but I was still able to get a good number of turns on the nut.

-Lloyd

I had about 5 threads showing after torquing.. sound right gents?