Rebuilding Bilstein Shocks

[al83s]

Hey everyone.

I tried searching existing threads on this topic, but did not find anything.

My 2002 2.7 has 112K on it and both rear shocks are leaking oil. I bought this car used with 70K on it so I am assuming they are original.

I am not looking forward to spending 1000 dollars on 4 shocks, so I did some research and found that Bilstein has a facility in CA that rebuilds shocks.
They can also custom valve them for extra charge to match different spring rates.
ROW m030 is a good value, but for 75 bucks a corner, I think I will give rebuild a shot.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/search-service/service.html

Has anybody used this service before? Stock shocks or PSS9/10?

Alex

[mountainman]

I thought bilstiens had a lifetime warranty against leaking. At least the ones I used to buy for british cars did.

[rah rah 986]

I recall reading a post by Wayne from Pelican that a leak in itself will not necessarily deem a bilstein eligible for replacement. Apparently, Bilstein claims that some leaking is normal.

[al83s]

Some leakage on shocks is considered normal by many manufacturers when it comes to basic warranty claims on their cars.

Both of mine have big leaks and air in them that makes hissing noise as I go over bumps. I am not an original owner of the car, so I don't expect Bilstein to warranty my 112k mile shocks.

Unfortunately, shipping alone will be around 200 dollars one way, which makes it cheaper to buy new ones.
It may however be a good option for someone who lives in CA.

For now - I orderer 2 new rear Bilstein HDs, front engine mount insert and some other goodies.

Regards
Alex

[grubinski]

Originally Posted by al83s

Unfortunately, shipping alone will be around 200 dollars one way

Wow, get another bid. I've shipped shocks for rebuild/revalve on my old MR2 several times, and it was never anything NEAR that expensive.

[navair]

I live 10 miles from the plant in Poway, CA-and my rears are leaking and hissing (69K, plenty of AX). I plan on going this route!

[berty987]

Would be interesting to hear how you get on. I was under the impression that only the aftermarket and motorsport shocks fitted to the Gt3 were possible to rebuild. The standard shock is a budget product , even the PASM shock on the 987 isn't serviceable, its a sealed for life item.

[thstone]

I was under the same impression as Berty that the stock shocks are not rebuildable. Checking the website, it says the following:

Offering Complete Rebuild and Customized Valving of your Aftermarket Dampers for Motorsports use

This seems to imply that only aftermarket (non-OEM) shocks can be rebuilt. You might want to contact them before shipping anything.

[Brad Roberts]

They*will* rebuild/revalve ANY Bilstein shock. I send in PSS9's 1-2 times a year (technically I don't send them in.. I drop them off) and we have had lengthy conversations about revalving PASM shocks for SCCA use.

DO NOT go to the front door.. goto the will-call door behind the building. Step inside and ask for help. Tell them you need some shocks rebuilt. DO NOT hand them greasy nasty crap.. (simple green and a scrub brush)

If you want revalving? contact me offline and I'll provide you with a super deep tech sheet that you will need to fill out (unsprung weight of each corner/sprung weight of each corner/corner weights) etc.

Offering Complete Rebuild and Customized Valving of your Aftermarket Dampers for Motorsports use

This is to keep the amount of foot traffic and tire kicker phone calls to a min. They have to say it politely I don't.

[thstone]

Brad - PSS9's I understand, but how do they rebuild the stock shocks? They look permanently sealed (to my untrained eye).

[Brad Roberts]

All shocks "come apart" The issue is: not everyone has the tools to "reload" them and put them back together.

Spec Miata guy's send their generic shocks in all the time for *custom* valving. The shock they use looks like the one on used on my crew cab (Bilstein)



B

[rah rah 986]

My original rear struts are leaking. Hoping to get them rebuilt, I contacted bilstein last week. After a couple exchanges of information with Juan from Bilstein, it was determined that my struts are not serviceable. There are a couple things to check that automatically put a strut into the NOT rebuildable category. If the top cap is crimped, it is not rebuildable. If the rod is 22 mm rather than 40 mm., it is not rebuildable.
Beyond that, they may or may not be depending upon the particular model.

[rah rah 986]

Originally Posted by al83s

Some leakage on shocks is considered normal by many manufacturers when it comes to basic warranty claims on their cars.

Both of mine have big leaks and air in them that makes hissing noise as I go over bumps. I am not an original owner of the car, so I don't expect Bilstein to warranty my 112k mile shocks.

Unfortunately, shipping alone will be around 200 dollars one way, which makes it cheaper to buy new ones.
It may however be a good option for someone who lives in CA.

For now - I orderer 2 new rear Bilstein HDs, front engine mount insert and some other goodies.

Regards
Alex

Alex, I am getting close to doing something with my struts...especially the rears. I am interested in knowing if you have installed the heavy duty Bilsteins, and if so, what do you think of the ride quality.

Thanks