As posted elsewhere, my front right airbag blew and I have sourced a replacement. Before getting to the fitting stage i need to confirm a couple of points. I have searched the workshop manual and on line but not getting what I need.

The car is a 2008 3.6 and the upper end of the strut is as the the attached picture.

What is confusing me is that, by my understanding, the front suspension is not variable damping. The photo shows two wires going to the turret at the top and also a black "cap" on the top of the strut.

I need to confirm that this is just standard suspension.

I changed both front struts on the Td6 some years ago when I had it and I don't recall it being as shown.

Any help appreciated.

Surely those wires screwed into the struts are just earth connections

I believe so but didn't have them on the Td6 (as I recall) so a bit unsure.

Had a further look on line and I'm pretty sure now that what I have is right.

Thanks for responding.  John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

As above the brown cables are earths, nothing more.

Thanks for that.👍 For some reason I got a bit nervous about it. Onwards and upwards, John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

what about the black top thingy on the strut, can it be discarded with the old strut. or any easy way to open it.
currently trying to change front strut on a 07, so same scenario as Weegie

"Black top thingy" is a vibration damper fitted to vehicles with Brembo front brakes. Page 134 of the WSM. They can be removed from the old strut and fitted to the new one. Be VERY careful removing it though, about £100 to replace!!!!

Thanks got it, but still have no idea how to open this, dont have an Allen key so big and it feels damn tight. Any easy way to open it without damaging.

I used a high impact 14mm Hex socket and an electric impact gun. It was not possible to just use a 14mm hex and a ratchet/strong arm as the strut turns as you apply pressure. I did drive my SC for a short while without the braking dampers whilst I figured out the best way to remove them.

Thanks for the info re the damper. Presumably the easiest way to remove it when the old strut is removed? John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Sorry to hijack I’m going to be doing this soon how did you depressurise the system? I assume access mode then some function in iid tool? Current stable:
2006 BMW M6
2007 4.2 V8 S/C FF
Gone:
2002 4.4 V8 FF

No problem Dan,

From page 108 of the GapiiD manual:

"Set tight / normal tolerance (All except L322-02)
CAUTION
The tight tolerance mode should only be used when a wheel alignment
is performed. Leaving the EAS ECU permanently in this mode
can lead to premature failing of components.
This will set the EAS ECU into tight or normal tolerance mode. In normal tolerance mode, the EAS ECU
will adjust a corner when it’s +/- 10 mm or higher than the desired height. For example, if the corner is
at +9 mm, it will not correct the height. If the corner is at +11 mm, the EAS ECU will make adjustments.
In tight tolerance mode, a tolerance of +/- 3 mm is used.
Transport Mode (L322-02) and Build Mode (All except L322-02)
This routine will activate or deactivate the Transport/Build Mode of the air suspension.
Usage
Use this routine when the suspension needs to be deactivated for maintenance purposes.
Note: This function may cause error messages to appear on the instrument cluster display. It may also
affect other vehicle systems. Upon exiting, the error will disappear. Use the same function to reactivate
the air suspension. L322-02 Use this routine to transport the vehicle. The suspension will be locked at
a defined height but not disabled." John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Weegie. I did it when the struts were removed from the vehicle, so not sure if it can be done when they are in position. But I think it is likely to be possible.

Thanks Classic, Yes I think it would be a lot easier - and safer. I am having a problem regarding sourcing the damper and, in any case, would prefer to use the existing one. You seem to be implying that it was a delicateitem or is it just that it is difficult to remove?

Regards John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

They are made of a dense metal and weigh 0.8kg each, so not a delicate item just expensive to replace if they happen to get damaged on removal.

There are two types:-

SEB500351 0.8Kg 72mm Standard fitment

SEB500480 1.8Kg 110mm Heavy Duty fitment (BR6 Armoured)

Good luck