rebuilding shocks vs. replacing cartridge

Anup Pahari (apahari@erols.com)
Wed, 29 Jul 1998 21:06:43 -0400

A friend recently bought a 85 505S wagon and asked for my opinion on
something that the dealer brought to his notice when they did a buyer's
inspection. According to the dealer (former) the car needs new front
struts to replace the existing ones which they say is rusted out at the
spring seat. they also told him that the struts are under warranty as
the car has less than 100k miles. However, they do not want to rebuild
the shocks using new seals, oil and o-ring on the claim that "rebuilt
shocks leak prematurely, and then customers want us to replace them for
free." Instead their practice is to put a Gabriel strut cartridge for
which they want to charge my friend roughly 350.00 parts and labor.

I have rebuilt two sets of struts, so far without any sign of leaks. I
am thus puzzled by the dealer's recommendation and reluctance to
rebuild. My first question is, are rebuilt shocks/struts a problem
compared to sealed strut cartridges? Second, when I rebuilt my shocks I
used new seals, o-rings, and oil, but NOT the compensator valve and
sealing ring. the old ones looked and functioned ok so I cleaned and
reused them. Should I have replaced those as well?

The other thing my friend the new (and first time) Peugeot owner asked
me is about how hot the car should run at highway speeds with and
without AC running. Since I do not own a car with the XN6 engine i did
not have a definite answer for him. My ZDJL runs at or below the half
way mark on the coolant temperature gauge with AC running. He says his
gauge stabilizes at about 3/4 of the way up. Is this about right for
that engine? i am thinking perhaps the previous owner put in a hot
thermostat to deal with the new hampshire weather.

Anything to shed light on these questions will greatly help the new and
proud (but nervous) Peugeot owner.
Thanks

Anup Pahari