Bilstein shock question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Bilstein shock question
I'm installing new bilstein shocks and noted that the gromments for the upper front mount (the one on the left in the photo) are flat acrossed the bottom while the OE style have a flange to center the shock in the upper mounting hole. What keeps the bilstein centered?
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
The raised portion of the two grommets face each other when installed. It helps center the shock in it's mounting hole preventing squeeks, etc. Odd, that the new grommets don't take that into consideration. But, you'll be ok.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I can't see how the shock will stay centered and not hit the sides of the mounting hole with the supplied grommets. I'm disappointed in Bilstein, maybe the shocks are good (haven't tried them yet), but the mounting hardware and directions are worthless. Not that I needed instructions on how to install shocks, but what came with it was a one page legal CYA in at least 7 different languages.Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 891
Likes: 243
From: Green Valley Ca
I used the OEM bushings, to installed my shocks. You should have a metal washer that come with the shocks. Its used to center the shock in the control arm. Per Bilstien, the washer is installed on the bottom side of the control arm.
Bob
Bob
Last edited by boat196; Aug 29, 2009 at 10:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Well, I guess I'll have to take them back off because I didn't use the metal washer. These shocks sure aren't worth the price. They even have a cheesy blow molded boot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,787
Likes: 3,182
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I almost bought Bilsteins. But I ended up getting Edelbrock performer IAS shocks & I love 'em. They're an active shock that gives a smooth ride on rough roads & a firm ride on smooth roads. High quality too. Edelbrock makes them in house & the design is unique.....
At $400 a set they are not cheap. But they're worth every dime..........
At $400 a set they are not cheap. But they're worth every dime..........
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I almost bought Bilsteins. But I ended up getting Edelbrock performer IAS shocks & I love 'em. They're an active shock that gives a smooth ride on rough roads & a firm ride on smooth roads. High quality too. Edelbrock makes them in house & the design is unique.....
At $400 a set they are not cheap. But they're worth every dime..........
At $400 a set they are not cheap. But they're worth every dime..........
Gary
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,028
From: eastern NC
I'm installing new bilstein shocks and noted that the gromments for the upper front mount (the one on the left in the photo) are flat acrossed the bottom while the OE style have a flange to center the shock in the upper mounting hole. What keeps the bilstein centered?
Gary
Gary
You can just pick up a new set of the standard shock bushings if you need more or contact Bilstein, I'm sure it was just an oversight. You can also pick up a set of poly grommets/bushings from VB&P for about $12...
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=347
Since poly doesn't compress like rubber ones, you can trim them to fit if that's a problem.
I think you will like the Bilsteins once you drive on them. I have them on my C2, C3, C4 and C5 and have been very pleased with them. And yes they are made in Germany.
Good luck... GUSTO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Gary, the shocks should have come with three rubber bushings/grommets. Two of the one pictured on the right that are used at the top to center the shaft. The rubber bushing on the left is actually the bump stop for the shock and is installed on the shaft before you install the boot. Once the bump stop and boot is installed the rest installs like any other shock.
You can just pick up a new set of the standard shock bushings if you need more or contact Bilstein, I'm sure it was just an oversight. You can also pick up a set of poly grommets/bushings from VB&P for about $12...
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=347
Since poly doesn't compress like rubber ones, you can trim them to fit if that's a problem.
I think you will like the Bilsteins once you drive on them. I have them on my C2, C3, C4 and C5 and have been very pleased with them. And yes they are made in Germany.
Good luck... GUSTO
You can just pick up a new set of the standard shock bushings if you need more or contact Bilstein, I'm sure it was just an oversight. You can also pick up a set of poly grommets/bushings from VB&P for about $12...
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=347
Since poly doesn't compress like rubber ones, you can trim them to fit if that's a problem.
I think you will like the Bilsteins once you drive on them. I have them on my C2, C3, C4 and C5 and have been very pleased with them. And yes they are made in Germany.
Good luck... GUSTO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,787
Likes: 3,182
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm kind of surprised Bilsteins didn't come with poly bushings like my Edelbrocks did in the first place.....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Gary, the shocks should have come with three rubber bushings/grommets. Two of the one pictured on the right that are used at the top to center the shaft. The rubber bushing on the left is actually the bump stop for the shock and is installed on the shaft before you install the boot. Once the bump stop and boot is installed the rest installs like any other shock.
You can just pick up a new set of the standard shock bushings if you need more or contact Bilstein, I'm sure it was just an oversight.
Good luck... GUSTO
You can just pick up a new set of the standard shock bushings if you need more or contact Bilstein, I'm sure it was just an oversight.
Good luck... GUSTO
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,028
From: eastern NC
Gary, any place that sells shocks should have them. I would call Bilstein ...
AFTERMARKET & MOTORSPORTS
HEADQUARTERS - WEST
14102 Stowe Drive
Poway, CA. 92064
1-858-386-5900
or
AFTERMARKET & MOTORSPORTS - EAST
293 Timber Road
Mooresville, NC. 28115-7868
1-704-663-7563
I would bet they'll have them in the mail to you ASAP.
I've only seen the bump stops on C5 shocks as well, however you did say they have the covers on them. If there are no covers on the front shocks, I would not bother to install them.
Good luck... GUSTO
AFTERMARKET & MOTORSPORTS
HEADQUARTERS - WEST
14102 Stowe Drive
Poway, CA. 92064
1-858-386-5900
or
AFTERMARKET & MOTORSPORTS - EAST
293 Timber Road
Mooresville, NC. 28115-7868
1-704-663-7563
I would bet they'll have them in the mail to you ASAP.
I've only seen the bump stops on C5 shocks as well, however you did say they have the covers on them. If there are no covers on the front shocks, I would not bother to install them.
Good luck... GUSTO
