Both left & right struts I got from Arnott were great. No finish or fit issues whatsoever. They also were quick to refund the $ 100. core deposits both times. Could not ask for a better transaction.
As for depressurizing the strut before removal, all I did was unscrew the air fitting slightly and let the remaining pressure bleed out before removing completely. I also pulled the fuse in the rear compartment to disable compressor until new strut in place.

I got a response via email from arnott tis morning. They told me that these are refurbished and sometimes have a little rust on them. This was excessive and it sounds like there is water in the air strut. Not okay. As for the aluminum top cap. They say that majority of the struts they refurbish the original top caps are damaged and this one with fit proper. As well, the air supply hose will fit fine. I am sending this one back today and they will be sending me a new one.

I think arnotts product is fine but am very surprised they sent this one out.

Have the air struts others have bought from arnott come with this fabricated aluminum top cap? Reference the 3rd picture below.

Here are a few photos of the air strut I just received from arnott. I will be sending it back.

That rust looks pretty bad to me. It probably will only be a matter of time before it eats up the strut. I am afraid that the same thing would happen to me. I have a strut in mint condition, with the exception of the small left side strut leak. Almost would rather be without the car for 3 weeks and see if they can repair my old one. The car only has 46K miles on it and it has been taken well care of over the years.

Is Arnott taking care of you?

Yeah, i was very shocked that they even send that air strut out their door. I cant imagine how they would think someone would be satisfied with that part? My X is in perfect condition so I can relate to what you are saying. I called arnott and they are replacing this air strut. I sent it back last week and am now waiting for the new one to arrive. I told them to only send me one that is rust free and in good condition. We will see what I get. The first air strut I got when my left side went out was in perfect condition. I thought of sending the air strut that is on the X but it concerns me to leave my X on jack stands for so long. However, at the end of the day this process of return and receive is going to take close to three weeks. I hope to get the new one this week but im not sure when it will come. I think they don't have any ready to send out. They have to rebuild some cores is what he said.

Overall, I guess they are handling this pretty well. I wish they would expedite the shipping to get it back to me and that they had one ready to send out but I cant really control that.

Wow...those pics are pretty bad ! Don't blame you for rejecting it. Both the struts they sent me were like new condition. Hope they treat you right on the replacement.

A month ago when I replaced my front left the one they sent was in great condition. So, I was surprised!

What was the top cap like on the ones you received? Was it the OEM top cap or was it one of arnott's fabricated aluminum top caps? (I am referring to the top cap that has the slot for the air hose and the bolts that mount on top of the air strut under the hood/ Refer to my 3rd picture) This one they last sent had an aluminum fabricated top cap and the previous one I received from them did not have that.

Both top caps were like OE - had locating tabs and new studs. Left side came with new nuts and washers for top as well / right side not.

Interesting. This junk one had an aluminum top cap like you can see in the photo. I prefer having an oem top cap.

I just received and installed my Arnott struts today, and they look and work great. No rust or appearance issues, and they fit perfectly. The install itself is not too difficult for a DIY project. All you need are some basic hand tools, a floor jack, and jack stands. Took about 4 hours total to do both sides. An extra set of hands helps to line up the strut bolts. My X now rides and turns like new again. Boy, what a difference! Now I just have to figure out how to clear the SLS inactive warning from the computer.