Shock Absorbers & Washers

Hi.

Here's the translation:

"It's about a T3 model from 1989."

On the new Bilstein B4 shock absorbers, these dust covers were located on the piston rod.

However, on the one hand, this disc was too thick to be accommodated in the buffer, and on the other hand, the piston rod was already thicker than the old one (presumably an original VW part).

I had no other choice but to install the shock absorbers without those discs.

Is this a devilish creation, or is it simply the only way to do it?



Greetings.
m;

The T3 has been manufactured for a very long time. Perhaps something was changed in the recording process at some point.

I assume you've already checked to see if it fits properly.
Possibly, you are now missing 10mm of suspension travel .

Have you checked to see if the spacer might be getting stuck under the fitting (nut), or if that would even make sense?

You need that disc (or bushing?), otherwise there won't be a counter-bearing for the piston connection at the top of the bearing. The piston will then come out from the top.
Ich würde Dämpfer, Scheiben, Buchsen, Puffer fahrzeugspezifisch (AKTE) im Satz kaufen. Für die Dämpfer gibt es verschiedene Ausführungen (Schlechtwegeausführung, aufgelastete Fahrzeuge,...). Es mu"It doesn't match."
Sure, here's the translation:

"Best regards," or "Sincerely,".
Herbert.

Herbert wrote:

You need the disc (= bushing?), otherwise the counter bearing for the piston connection at the top of the bearing will be missing. The piston will then come out from the top.

No, he doesn't.

A buffer (reference: additional spring) (with a protective tube at the bottom) is placed on the threaded part of the rod, and this buffer also contains a bushing. This bushing sits on the ledge of the piston.
And this combination (protective sleeve, buffer, and socket) fit perfectly onto the bare piston rod, BUT NOT when the Bilstein sleeve was on it.

According to the documents, there are only 2 shock absorbers.

BM: It's not 10mm, because the ferrule is like a cap, so it can only be a maximum of 5mm high.

There are indeed different types of shock absorbers, as Herbärt mentions. The VW documentation likely only lists a few that are specifically matched to the vehicle's chassis number. Several shock absorbers are listed in the aftermarket parts catalogs! For example, I installed heavy-duty van shock absorbers, and it worked fine; that was about 10 years ago. The important thing is that the thread on top fits, as well as the bump stops.

What exactly is the problem, which I may not be recognizing, besides the thicker piston rod of the new damper?

Hi,
The piston of the new damper appears thinner than the disc on the piston of the old damper. Without this disc, a smaller surface area on the bushing above it is loaded (does it perhaps have a slot?), and this could become a problem. This is all related to the vehicle's suspension system.
At the very least, the disc should be removable from the old damper; it's probably just stuck. Otherwise, you'll need to obtain a new one. A construction plan (RLF) would be helpful, as the spare parts diagrams are often misleading.
Sure, here's the translation:

"Best regards," or "Sincerely,".
Herbert.

Quote:

At the very least, the seal should come off the old damper; it's probably just stuck. Otherwise, you'll need to get a new one. A construction plan (RLF) would be helpful.

Do you mean the disc with the groove on the underside?
This only makes sense if there is a clamping ring/split ring (like on older starters) on the damper, which secures the disc.

If that were the case, he would need to contact Bilstein. Unfortunately, the photos/sketch don't show what's important.