Suspension Strut Repair?

[JPB]

Hello Ray, Thanks to you, I now know more about Hyundai Stellars. (Any new, car-related information gratefully digested here)!
I have replied to your PM from the other forum. Small world, isn't it.

[alfaSleep]

is this a STRUT?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1x-KYB-G-Shoc ... 331wt_1139

alfaSleep

[JPB]

The middle one from the three in the image is, yes.

[alfaSleep]

The middle one from the three in the image is, yes.

...err, YES...& does this advert mean he can get one

alfaSleep

[Raymk]

The middle one from the three in the image is, yes.

...err, YES...& does this advert mean he can get one

alfaSleep

Unfortunately, many of shock absorber suppliers on the net use generic pictures of shock absorbers i.e. if you are lucky, the one you want may be similar to one of the items pictured. The listing for a shock absorber covering 1984 to 91 Stellars is a bit suspect because it spans the changeover from wishbones (Cortina style) to McPherson struts (totally different). If the price is in the range £20 to £30, the item is usually for wishbone equipped Stellas. Struts, even strut inserts (shock absorber which fits inside the strut) are normally much more expensive, £80 to £200 per side being typical for inserts and struts respectively. I think this seller also lists CV joint boots for the Stellar. Presumably these are to hang under the mirror instead of furry dice - the Stellar has rear wheel drive through a propshaft and live axle. Not a CVJ to be seen, just conventional exposed UJs .

Nevertheless, thanks for keeping an eye out. I'm still looking and won't give up too easily.

[Raymk]

The saga continues.... A very helpful guy in the spares department of a Hyundai dealer has gone out of his way to try to find a front offside suspension strut for my '88 Stellar. Korea told him that the part is listed as obsolete and thus no longer held within any Hyundai franchises. He contacted a UK supplier who said he had two Stellar suspension struts in the shelf. These arrived at the dealer today but turned out to be two shock absorbers for the earlier Cortina/wishbone equipped Stellars i.e. not what the dealer requested and no good to me. It seems that many parts suppliers are not too good on their knowledge of terminology and will swear they have the item even though it doesn't match the detailed parts or description. I can also report that 30 breakers yards do not have a Stellar and have not seen one for ages. I expect those that have got one will not find it because it has rusted away. Stellars rust as spectacularly as early Vauxhall Victors! Mine is remarkably sound, apart from the damned spring cradle on the suspension strut. During my ever decreasing circles of frustration, I did discover that the McPherson strut on my Stellar is probably the same as used on the RWD variants of Mitsubishi/Colt Galant, Mirage and Sapporo and maybe on some Plymouth and Dodge badged Misubishi models for the USA market. Of course, this has proved to be of academic interest only.......no-one does struts for these either. Next step is to see if the suspension leg can be stripped down and rebuilt.

[oldfordman]

i know this might be a daft idea,and shoot me down if you want but how about converting the struts to 2.25 inch coil overs,you have to weld the threaded sleeve to the outer case of the strut,or another daft idea how about a capri front strut

[Raymk]

i know this might be a daft idea,and shoot me down if you want but how about converting the struts to 2.25 inch coil overs,you have to weld the threaded sleeve to the outer case of the strut,or another daft idea how about a capri front strut

Not daft at all. If a rebuild is not possible, the garage and I will look at adapting Ford components from the Capri or RWD Escort or fabricating something from aftermarket suppliers e.g. a coilover as you suggested. Much will depend on cost. Spending a thousand or so is out of the question but a few hundred is ok.

[Raymk]

This afternoon I ordered a pair of Koni aftermarket struts from Europarts and my wallet is £190 lighter. They insist that they are struts specifically for the '88 Stellar, not just shock absorber inserts, and checked by actually looking at the items in their store. They will arrive in the next few days. Let's hope they are indeed the bits I require.

[Raymk]

This afternoon I ordered a pair of Koni aftermarket struts from Europarts and my wallet is £190 lighter. They insist that they are struts specifically for the '88 Stellar, not just shock absorber inserts, and checked by actually looking at the items in their store. They will arrive in the next few days. Let's hope they are indeed the bits I require.

Excuse the monologue - it helps me to stay sane! Following my order for said Koni items, thought I'd check the Koni product code to see if they were struts (required), strut inserts or just simple telescopic dampers. After much digging on the net, a disappointing picture emerged. The bits I have ordered are for the double wishbone suspension of the earlier Stellar, in fact identical to and interchangeable with Ford Cortina MKV shockers. This order was placed over the 'phone with me supplying the year, model, registration and a detailed description of the part I needed. The sales chap even 'phoned the warehouse and got someone to confirm that these were strut legs, not inserts or teles. Looks like more frantic calls on Monday to try to stop the order before it gets into the delivery loop. WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND SIMPLE THINGS??? The long suffering and extremely helpful Hyundai dealer had exactly the same problem with a supplier. Oh well, life goes on.