Leaking front struts

[Trident team]

My car has the original oil filled MacPherson struts and have been trouble free for years.
But now the left side unit has a significant leak. Oil spatter all over the inside of the guard [wing]
and dribbling down onto the tyre.
2 questions:
Can the seals be replaced without dismantling the whole thing?
What is the make and spec. of the 'shockoil' used?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers Geoff

 

[Trident team]

Found the correct oil...
Now the question is ... is the internal assembly really any different from a ''standard '' MacPherson strut?
The [official Ford Motor Co.] IPC I have, in the exploded view states that some parts are not applicable to LOTUS struts. I really can't see why.
Advice required please.
Geoff

 

[Pete G]

Certainly the springs were different but to check on the internals it's probably best to contact Gaz Shocks
https://www.gazshocks.com/

 

[Trident team]

Thanks Pete
Cheers Geoff

 

[Trident team]

Strut dismantled...
Nothing complicated, and it gives me a chance to clean it internally relace the worn out seals.
The piston shaft was worn and in a couple places was suffering from ''brinelling'' which is
indicated by severe indentations in the one spot.
Remembering that it hasn't been apart since 1965.
Plus it carried the car all the way from England to Australia overland in 1972....not a bad effort!
The piston shaft is away at the industrial hard chroming shop to be replated and ground back to original size.
So new seals and servicing with new oil and she will be good for another 57 years

 

[ray8829]

Don't you just love the 'old school' way of repairing the original rather than just buying a repro. alternative, full marks Geoff.

 

[David Baldock]

My sentiments entirely Ray.

Dave B

 

[Trident team]

Thanks for your interest gentlemen.
I must say in all the years I've been caring this beautiful car I have tried to maintain it's originality
where possible.
I'm very proud of the fact that she is still running
the original engine and cylinder head.
Cheers Geoff

 

[DAVE65]

Hi Geoff
Glad to see the details of strut repair, obviously the replacement seals are available in Oz.
It seems an age since we met up late last year. Thanks for the hospitality, tea and cake.
Happy memories.
Dave.

 

[Trident team]

Great to hear from you Dave
Kettle's always on the boil if you're passing.
I picked up the piston shaft from the platers today and the result was fantastic.
I'll put up a couple of pictures before I put it together.
Cheers Geoff

 

[Trident team]

Yes I did have some seals [NOS] I kept in a sealed zip lock bag with French Chalk as a rubber preservative.
But the guy from the plating shop has put me onto a Company in Sydney that will make any seals from the original spec. if you give hem a sample.
Cheers

 

[Trident team]

This is the piston shaft after it arrived from the plating shop

 

[Trident team]

Just a question
The top retaining nut has a small gland seal as part of it's assembly.
does this serve as a wiper only or does contribute to the sealing of the strut?

 

[Trident team]

While the whole front end is apart I've decided to dismantle the ball joints, clean and repack with new grease
My question.
Is there a specific grease that I should use?
Thanks in advance
Cheers Geoff

 

[Trident team]

Found the correct grease a Castrol Molybdenum/Lithium based product should be OK.
Please see markings on the MacPherson strut housing. My car was built in October 1965
and I noted with interest the struts were made in September, so they weren't laying around for long.
Please note a spelling error of mine on attached label, word should read ''subsequent''

 

[Trident team]

Finally found time to assemble the Macpherson strut assy.
I have some images of the process with some more to follow.

 

[Trident team]

Finally this job now completed and not without some challenges, please see a few images of the last
stages

 

[Peter Meyer]

They look brilliant!

 

[Steve 155C]

Great job and thanks for the photos of the rebuild. So great reference photos there.

 

[Trident team]

Thank you for your interest gentlemen.
Had a wheel alignment done today and now getting her ready in her Sunday best for All Ford Day NSW
this weekend at the trailer park at Sydney International Dragway