Tool and procedure for lower bed strut replacement

[lunatic]

Since we purchased our JC in Germany in May and now have it in Canada, everyone on the forum has offered great suggestions and been a big help.

I thought you may find interesting a solution for replacement of the lower bed strut. Maybe someone has already used this process?

One of the tasks I had to do in Canada was to replace the almost worn out lower bed strut. The thought process took many days, but once I had the process down and the right tool, the job took 10 minutes!

Attached is my procedure and a few photos that may help.

As we know, a new strut is not extended, so will not reach the second ball connector on the lower bed, even with the socket balls screwed out. I connected with Manfred and he told me about the tool he made. Still not good as how do you pull the new strut apart to get the tool in place? I came up with the idea of making an extension piece out of 2 bolts to temporarily attach to the strut and then use the strength of the lower bed to pull the strut apart. Placing the tool in place, removing the extension piece and reconnecting the ball end and voila, job done. Very satisfying to push the bed up and down a few times.

If anyone wants more specific details just let me know.

Many other tasks to do before the JC is "Canadianised", but we are almost there.

Cheers,

Ian

[rainerd]

Great one, did almost the same. But instead of that black helper I simply took two metal plates and screwed them together from both sides wile the strut was extended.

[Oyambre2000]

Good solution. Question to Rainerd: What do you mean with "I simply took two metal plates and screwed them together from both sides wile the strut was extended." I have to repair our lower bed strut, too and I have the same problem: to extend the gas strut a bit and fix, so I'll be able to mount it. Do you have a picture of this helping construction?

[rainerd]

No pictures but simply to metal plates from two sides and 4 screws, one on each corner to tighten the plates to prevent the strut from moving.

[Oyambre2000]

Thanks to Rainerd. I just took your advice and found 2 little metal plates and some screws in my workshop. So for people, who will need this advice in the future to repair the main gas strut of the lower bed I will post some pictures. Actual price for the gas strut at Hahn Gasfedern is 386 incl. shipping cost (march 2024). Maybe Manfred Ermel have some left.

[Oyambre2000]

I hope this pictures could help a little bit.

[rainerd]

Great, exactyl how I did it.