front Bilsteins were full of water(conclusion)

[Konstantin Bogach]

After talking to Bilsteins, memorizing events and even thinking I can
draw the following picture what happened:
Putting auto tranny oil into strut housing was first mistake.  HD
cartridge bottom actually resembles a bicycle pump. There are 2 ~4mm
holes which suck in and pump out air when shock works.  First the
rubber  sealing lip on shock securing nut was damaged by high pressure
when shock pumped out oil and air.  Excess of oil leaked out and
intenals of strut housing started to work as air pump - air in/ air
out.  When moisture got onto shock in was sucked into strut housing
through the sealing lip.  Eventually the housing got full of water
making shock work almost as good as piece of steel rod.
Repair:  clean strut housing, clean inside of Bilstein cartridge
(through 2 small holes), re-install cartridge.
Did not do the last step yet.   Waiting for good weather.  This Friday
probably.

DO NOT ADD OIL  INTO STRUT HOUSING WHEN ISTALL Bilsteins!

Konstantin.