Problem with Strut Insert, My kyb insert won't uncompress Options

[mofu04]

Hey guys, I was working to replace my stock struts and springs with the KYB set yesterday, but ran into a problem. I started on the front and did the driver side with no problem. However, when I was putting the new insert into the strut on the passenger side I noticed that it wouldn't uncompress itself at all. The weather here in South Jersey's been really cold the past couple of weeks and as I'm typing this, we have about 2 inches of snow on the ground. Is it possible that the cold is causing the fluid within the insert to prevent it from functioning properly, or *knocks on wood* do I have a bad cartridge?

[ComaDave]

Let me modify that statement.

Unless it's below the freezing point of oil, which is considerably lower than anything most people who don't live in Alaska ever encounter. Ever try to start a car when it's 60 below? That's why cars in Alaska have oil heaters. By the way, I am originally from Alaska. Whether the oil is actually a solid, or if it has become so thick that it is practically useless for lubricant purposes is a relatively mute point in that situation.
On the subject of oil in a shock... as the temperature drops, the oil gets thicker, and contracts, thus taking up less space. This reduces the ability of the shock absorber to function within its design specifications. After having thought about the current situation more fully, it sounds like just a bad shock, because it would still want to expand even if the oil was practically solid.

This post has been edited by ComaDave: Jan 16, 2004 - 9:46 AM