Bilstein Shock Not Compressing
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Bilstein Shock Not Compressing
Yes Sir; Bought a set of Bilstein shocks for my 1982 from Summit today. I have the backs on & one of the fronts on. The second front (F4-BE3-0946-H0) will not compress at all. I need it to compress in order to install my bolts. I put a jack stand under & let all the weight of the car down on the jack stand to the shock, nothing, will not go down at all. I've installed hundreds of shocks, never had this problem. Any suggestions. I will call Summit in the morning. Thanks. have a great day. Gene
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Bilstein's do require an extraordinary amount of effort to compress, but if you can't get it to compress at all, there is definitely something wrong with the shock. No doubt that Summit will take care of you. Their customer service is some of the best out there.
I have Bilsteins on all of my Corvettes except the C6 ZO6 and have never had an issue like that but it can happen. I still think you made a wise choice in shocks and don't think you'll be disappointed.
Good luck... GUSTO
I have Bilsteins on all of my Corvettes except the C6 ZO6 and have never had an issue like that but it can happen. I still think you made a wise choice in shocks and don't think you'll be disappointed.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; I read the return policy on the front & back of the Summit invoice. I followed directions & sent the shock back to Summit. I know that it will be at least 7 days, since the weekend is involved, before I get a new shock from Summit. I wonder if it would hurt driving on one old shock & three new ones. Just my luck, this weekend in Kansas is suppose to be nice & have 65 degree Temps. Oh well, you have to be a good Sport, when you drive a Sports car. LOL Have a great weekend, Gene
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I agree, if just cruising around town for the weekend, put one of the old one's back on. Think you're in good shape, as last time I checked Bilstein warranties their product's for long as you own them. Keep the original purchase reciept.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; I appreciate all the help, belonging to the Corvette Forum, has added greatly to my owner ship of a Corvette. I'm sure, Summit will handle their end, I have been buying from them for many years. Yes, I am going to go out & install one old front shock, just in case i want to use my car. Thanks again. Gene
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