[cranelec]

My new B8 front dampers are unwilling to fully "seat" or better extend through the steering knuckle. My gut tells me I'm in far enough with the bottom of the B8's sitting flush with the knuckle...The catch: there appears to be depth indicating circumferential line that suggests I need to insert my damper deeper into the knuckle.

[bluewater328]

There is usually a metal tab on the side of the strut that touches the spindle housing and prevents it from going down further. If that's tab is sitting on the knuckle (not the nub or bump that guides the strut in the proper orientation between the knuckle's spindle housing gap) then you should be fine.

Let me go check on Bilstein B8s.

[cranelec]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Should be a metal tab on the side of the strut that touches the spindle housing and prevents it from going down further. If that's tab is sitting on the knuckle (not the nub or bump that guides the strut in the proper orientation between the knuckle's spindle housing gap) then you should be fine.

Wish it was that easy. Thanks for getting involved, will post 1-2 pictures of my predicament. Hopefully....

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by cranelec

Wish it was that easy. Thanks for getting involved, will post 1-2 pictures of my predicament. Hopefully....

That'll help, my B4 Sports had the tab.

EDIT: I see some models have the stop built into the guide that goes between the spindle housing gap.

[bluewater328]

EDIT: Ok so this is what I found on B8s. Those tabs circled aren't there? That tab sits on the knuckle/spindle housing

OR do the new ones have a ridge landing instead?

[cranelec]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

EDIT: Ok so this is what I found on B8s. Those tabs circled aren't there? That tab sits on the knuckle/spindle housing

Also threw in a pic of an old E39 (IIRC) [below pic with red springs] version so you could see that some have a slightly different nub that's based on the guide.

Yeah, that's why I appreciated your reply. I googled the sh&t out of this. Will reach out to Bilstien Support tomorrow. I've got one last option since the rear is completed. If Bilstien, NA is unresponsive, I'll pull the jack stands and set the front end down on ramps while loosening the knuckle

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by cranelec

Yeah, that's why I appreciated your reply. I googled the sh&t out of this. Will reach out to Bilstien Support tomorrow. I've got one last option since the rear is completed. If Bilstien, NA is unresponsive, I'll pull the jack stands and set the front end down on ramps while loosening the knuckle

You didn't buy them second-hand did you? I know a few people were cutting into them to lower their height a little.

Post pics if you can of your situation. If nothing else, so that others can get the info out there.

[BSM n54iS]

OP did you jam a thick flathead or pry bar through the steering knuckle to allow the B8 to slide down? If you did you shouldn't have any trouble getting that tab to sit flush against the steering knuckle

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by BdSM n54iS

OP did you jam a thick flathead or pry bar through the steering knuckle to allow the B8 to slide down? If you did you shouldn't have any trouble getting that tab to sit flush against the steering knuckle

As a side note, I'd recommend the Schwaben 1/2" drive spreader tool instead, but this is true (some anti-seize should help too).

But seems like he knows how to loosen the spindle housing, but the tabs aren't there for him to seat it...at least that's what he's alluding to.

[cranelec]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

As a side note, I'd recommend the Schwaben 1/2" drive spreader tool instead, but this is true (some anti-seize should help too).

But seems like he knows how to loosen the spindle housing, but the tabs aren't there for him to seat it...at least that's what he's alluding to.

Even if I managed to spread the knuckle without cracking the casting, the top of both my knuckles lack a sharp "edge" to act as a positive stop and the bottom of the knuckle insertion cylinder? has a "j" like inward ridge that acts as a positive stop.

My both of my steering knuckles contain a ridge on the bottom which prevents my new Bilstein B8 struts from full insertion based on the first picture below.

[bluewater328]

Is this an Xi?

[cranelec]

Originally Posted by bluewater328

Is this an Xi?

Yes sir. Bilstein Tech support provided multiple replies.
Reply 1. I ordered the incorrect dampers.
Reply 2. The Bilstein link to the correct dampers indicated I ordered the correct dampers.
Reply 3. The pictures I provided above match Bilstein's tech support diagram...

Thanks for all your support! Ironically/happily, they are meant to bottom out into the pocket of my knuckle. Looks like I can get my baby off the jack stands and schedule an alignment,

Once again, Thank You!

Mike

[BSM n54iS]

Op not sure what you're talking about exactly. See that space on the knuckle there between where the bolt is? Spread that apart, you won't crack anything... Just spread it enough to allow that thing to slide in down... Don't need to go pornstar on it

[BSM n54iS]

Oh an XI? uhh I dunno F it.. gl OP lol

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by cranelec

Yes sir. Bilstein Tech support provided multiple replies.
Reply 1. I ordered the incorrect dampers.
Reply 2. The Bilstein link to the correct dampers indicated I ordered the correct dampers.
Reply 3. The pictures I provided above match Bilstein's tech support diagram...

Thanks for all your support! Ironically/happily, they are meant to bottom out into the pocket of my knuckle. Looks like I can get my baby off the jack stands and schedule an alignment,

Once again, Thank You!

Mike

That's why pics (or more descriptions) helps!

Xi be a different animal and most of your descriptions make sense now. Although IIRC (could be wrong) a lot of them used to have that chamfered and reduced piping (or I've seen a ring stop) where it seats so you knew it was in there where it expected it to be. Maybe I'm overthinking/over-remembering it.

Either case, glad you got your confirmation and you're set to go.