Shocks - how to test
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Wesley Chapel FL
Shocks - how to test
How do you test shocks? I have the Z 51 package, with Bilsteins (sp?), but wondered how you can tell if shocks are working well. Do they leak? Not rebound, wear out internally or ??? :D
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Shocks - how to test (Fla87)
according to an article I read recently, the only way to test a shock is to put it on a shock dyno.
modern gas shocks are so hard to prove dead by the old bumper test, the only thing proven is ones ignorance.
a rule of thumb, shocks start to deteriorate after 30k miles. by 90k. they are toast.
of course, driving style has a lot to do with it.
here is the rub... for normal street driving - ie, Honda Accord - shocks will last 100,000+ miles with no problem... but when you depend on your cars handling dynamics, then consider replacing or rebuilding every 70k miles or so...
now, this varies. a bit... those HAL shocks? I suspect they are ok for more... but you never know.
what I would do is send the Bilstein's in for rebuild, and fit a cheap set of KYB's on. then, save the KYB's for temp use while the Bilsteins are getting rebuilt...
[Modified by bogus, 6:13 PM 8/1/2002]
modern gas shocks are so hard to prove dead by the old bumper test, the only thing proven is ones ignorance.
a rule of thumb, shocks start to deteriorate after 30k miles. by 90k. they are toast.
of course, driving style has a lot to do with it.
here is the rub... for normal street driving - ie, Honda Accord - shocks will last 100,000+ miles with no problem... but when you depend on your cars handling dynamics, then consider replacing or rebuilding every 70k miles or so...
now, this varies. a bit... those HAL shocks? I suspect they are ok for more... but you never know.
what I would do is send the Bilstein's in for rebuild, and fit a cheap set of KYB's on. then, save the KYB's for temp use while the Bilsteins are getting rebuilt...
[Modified by bogus, 6:13 PM 8/1/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,638
Likes: 326
From: Greenville SC
Re: Shocks - how to test (bogus)
I remember reading that Bilstein claims 99% performance after 100K miles. Just ad hype or not on Vette's? I have about 73K on mine and I don't notice any problems or lost performance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 253
From: Little Elm TX
Re: Shocks - how to test (95wht6spd)
I replaced the front Bilstiens at 110k and the rears at about 140k. On the highway the car felt like a boat and wondered when the fronts went. The rear felt real loose over speed bumps and the ASR was always coming on when the rears went.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Wesley Chapel FL
Re: Shocks - how to test (Fla87)
Thanks for the replys.............. not noticing any problems at 114K, just wondered how many miles a set of Bilsteins will last?
Seems that Bilstein re-builds are very close to price of new shocks, with shipping both ways, and I had no luck trying to reach a rep at Bilstein? Any one had a good experience with Bilstein re-builds or is new a better deal?
Seems that Bilstein re-builds are very close to price of new shocks, with shipping both ways, and I had no luck trying to reach a rep at Bilstein? Any one had a good experience with Bilstein re-builds or is new a better deal?
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Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: Shocks - how to test (95wht6spd)
Can you go direct to Bilstein for the rebuilds and how long does it take?
Yes you can go to bilstein for a rebuild. But if it's just the standard shocks. Buy new ones.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: Shocks - how to test (95wht6spd)
I have the FX3's. How many different variations of settings o they offer and will I have to get a new FX3 controller? How much $?
The setting I am running is the Morocca. It eliminates the stock touring mode, the sport then becomes tour, performance becomes sport....and the new performance mode is pretty stiff. The cost was 100 per shock. A standard rebuild to factory setting is 55 bucks per shock, unless the rod is broken.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,638
Likes: 326
From: Greenville SC
Re: Shocks - how to test (Jeffvette)
Is that the highest performance seeting you can get? I guess they can't make a real soft and real firm setting in the same shocks can they?
How long did it take them to rebuild? Did it raise your ride height after you reinstalled?
How long did it take them to rebuild? Did it raise your ride height after you reinstalled?
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: Shocks - how to test (95wht6spd)
Is that the highest performance seeting you can get? I guess they can't make a real soft and real firm setting in the same shocks can they?
How long did it take them to rebuild? Did it raise your ride height after you reinstalled?
How long did it take them to rebuild? Did it raise your ride height after you reinstalled?
There are a few other settings. Talk to Peter at Doug Rippie to get some answers. I haven't adjusted the ride height yet, as I have coilovers going on. Ride height will be adjusted then.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Beach Cities SoCal
Re: Shocks - how to test (Fla87)
For me the test was a visual one. I could see a oily film on the shock. I replaced all 4 Saturday morning. Good gracious, my car drives with much better response over bumps. My car began to over-react to the smallest of road bumps while driving. Now I've got a more pleasant car to drive. I got my set from VBP and have saved the original Bilsteinsl.
Does anyone have the contact info for Bilstein to send them out for revalving?
Does anyone have the contact info for Bilstein to send them out for revalving?
