Stupid to buy used struts?

[thstone]

Same for me. When I replaced the original struts at ~100K mi with PSS9's they seemed to be working ok and passed the bounce test but after removal I found that I could push the shaft in and out by hand - they were toast!

As for buying used, if you can find some low mileage struts on the cheap, you might be able to get by. Its certainly not stupid, sometimes financially you have to do what you have to do.

[Viper10000]

I found these and am thinking about trying them out. My 2002 base is pushing 140,000 miles. My bump stops are rotted away and I think the upper bearings are shot. Going to replace those items first and maybe use these replacement inserts later. I see this post is a little old but figured I'd share this anyway.


Porsche 996 Boxster Strut Insert Shock Absorber: Steering and Suspension &amp Shock Absorbers and Struts

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Viper10000

I found these and am thinking about trying them out. My 2002 base is pushing 140,000 miles. My bump stops are rotted away and I think the upper bearings are shot. Going to replace those items first and maybe use these replacement inserts later. I see this post is a little old but figured I'd share this anyway.

Porsche 996 Boxster Strut Insert Shock Absorber: Steering and Suspension &amp Shock Absorbers and Struts

At 140K miles on the original shocks, they are ready for replacement.

Replacing the insert in a strut is common for some other cars and some older Porsche's. Nothing at all wrong there. Results and life depends entirely upon the quality of the insert. Vertex sells pretty good parts, so this would probably work quite well for a daily street driven car.

[EJ-Fresno]

Originally Posted by thstone

At 140K miles on the original shocks, they are ready for replacement.

Replacing the insert in a strut is common for some other cars and some older Porsche's. Nothing at all wrong there. Results and life depends entirely upon the quality of the insert. Vertex sells pretty good parts, so this would probably work quite well for a daily street driven car.

How difficult is it to replace the insert? Is it doable without a lift?
My 03 is turning 125K miles, so I am due for a struts job...
Thanks!