5100 shocks are for lifted
trucks, Jeeps and pre-runners. They are designed for specific
manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock OEM mounting configuration.
Some cars (models) only have
one choice of shock type available based on that specific vehicle's
inherent handling and performance characteristics.
What do
you mean by a "Gas Pressure" shock absorber?
The BILSTEIN Gas Pressure Shock Absorber is a telescopic, mono-tube unit
filled with nitrogen gas and hydraulic oil. The gas, sealed in a special
compartment at 360 psi (25 times atmospheric pressure) exerts constant
high pressure on the oil column eliminating cavitation and foaming. The
absolute elimination of foaming (no air forming in the oil) results in
uninterrupted damping for even the smallest wheel deflections (2 mm):
a performance which no other type of shock claims or matches.
What do
you mean by "Rising Rate"?
Rising rate means that the rate of damping coefficient increases as suspension
movements become more rapid, such as on rough surfaces or high speed cornering.
With BILSTEINS, a smooth comfortable ride is provided at all times with
exactly the right amount of control for changing terrain, road and driving
conditions.
What are
the advantages of single tube design over conventional twin tube shocks?
The primary advantages are:
1. Better heat dissipation,
which means better performance. A shock is an "energy converter." "Spring
energy" has to be converted into "thermal energy" and the resulting
heat has to be dissipated as fast as possible. A shock absorber's effectiveness
is directly proportional to its ability to dissipate heat, since a ''hot"
shock quickly loses its damping ability. In conventional multi-tube
shocks the heat must pass through two tubes. The BILSTEIN mono-tube
design results in a cooler running, more efficient shock. A BILSTEIN
shock can perform at peak operation between sub-zero weather to 480
degrees F.
2. Much greater piston area:
greater sensitivity for small piston movements.
3. They are lighter; reduced
"unsprung mass" allows wheels and tires to respond more readily to surface
irregularities for improved control; also by reducing the unsprung mass,
wear and tear on suspension and steering components is reduced.
How long
will they last?
Like any precision machine they cannot last forever. Operating conditions
will determine their life. However BILSTEINS contain no ball check valves
or moving parts other than Pistons. There are no springs and no hinge
pins to wear out, deteriorate or get weak with age, use and heat. They
outlast any other shock absorber in the same application. If a BILSTEIN
is proven defective due to maternal or workmanship error, the shock will
be repaired or replaced at no cost (excluding labor) to the original purchaser
for the life of the vehicle. (For further details see explanation of the
limited warranty in Bilstein's application list.)
How does
BILSTEIN compare with other shock absorbers?
BILSTEIN "rising rate" shocks cannot be compared with any conventional
multi-tube reservoir shock. BILSTEIN worked with Mercedes Benz to develop
this revolutionary shock . The technology was so advanced that BILSTEIN
became original equipment on Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Saab.
BILSTEIN technology is so far ahead and so different that the performance
cannot be equaled.
Why aren't
BILSTEINS adjustable?
A BILSTEIN doesn't need adjustment to compensate for wear or for varying
surfaces. The shock responds instantaneously to the speed of suspension
movement to provide the exact damping characteristics required for maximum
control., safety and performance. As the terrain or road surface becomes
rougher, the speed at which the piston rod travels increases. The working
piston is velocity sensitive, so that as the piston velocity increases,
the shock internally and automatically becomes stiffer. A BILSTEIN works
with the road surface to provide the exact valving required. Conventional
shocks operate at one setting and require manual adjustment if any adjustment
feature is available.
What will
they do for my car?
Improve the road-holding characteristics: Better tracking, no pitching
or nose-diving when braking; increase cornering stability and reduce stopping
distance; reduce wind-wander; increase tire-surface contact, and provide
marked improvement in control. The life of steering and suspension components
and tires may also be increased. Driving fatigue is reduced because your
car is easier to handle and to control with BILSTEINS. BILSTEINS will
soften the bumps by aiding the tires to cling to the road regardless of
the size or roughness of the surface irregularity. The "seasick ride"
so often associated with larger vehicles is tamed and eliminated.
Do you sell new Bilstein parts?
Yes, we sell only brand new Bilstein products. We are an authorized Bilstein dealer and get all of our merchandize directly from Bilstein.
Oh No! There is red fluid covering my brand new P30- or P36- Strut insert. What's wrong?
If you find a thick red fluid oozing out of your shock, most common in the strut inserts with the P30- and P36- prefixes, do not be alarmed. This is assembly grease that has overflowed when the bare strut insert was mated to the strut housing, and is normal. The actual shock oil is an amber
color. Though it can be a bit messy, the red assembly grease overflow does not affect the functionality of the shock.
Do
I mount the shocks with the boot pointing up or down?
With the internal design of the Bilstein monotube gas shocks, it does not matter whether the shocks are mounted with the shock rod side up or down. There are some minor advantages in longetivity and overall suspension effectiveness with the shock rod pointed down, and there are many instances where Bilstein has changed the orientation to take advantage of these minor improvements where there are no clearance problems.
If there is an option, we recommend mounting the shock with the shock rod
and boot pointing down, but in the grand scheme of things, there is no
noticeable difference.
What
shocks do I need for my motorhome?
In
choosing the correct shocks for your motorhome, you need to know the make, model, year, and suspension type (air or spring suspension) of the chassis that your motorhome was built on.
Motorhome manufacturers can use different chassis for the same model of motorhome, as well as chassis that are one model year prior to the manufacture date of the motorhome, which can make a difference in which shocks your vehicle requires.
Our online catalog is based on the chassis make and model, not the
motorhome manufacturer.
Additionally, for GM P40 or Dodge B200 and B300 chassis you need to know the GVW of the vehicle to determine the correct shocks.
If you have the Spartan Mountain Master Chassis with Verst and independent front suspension,
you need to know the front axle weight rating to determine the correct shocks for your vehicle.
If you have the Ford E350 or E450 chassis, you need the length of the motorhome and GVW of the vehicle to determine the correct shocks.
What
shocks do I need for my Mercedes?
In order to
determine the correct shocks for your Mercedes, it is of great help to know the production series of the vehicle (e.g. W123). The production series is a letter followed by three numbers, and is the first group of characters of the chassis number (different from the VIN). This number can usually be found on the vehicle information plate on the driver's side door frame.
It is also necessary to know whether or not your vehicle has either the hydropneumatic or self leveling
suspension. The vast majority of the Bilstein shocks will not work on those vehicles.
Even if your model is not listed, the production series and suspension
type will provide a definitive answer as to whether or not Bilstein makes
shocks for your Mercedes.
Will
Bilsteins work on my Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe or GMC Yukon?
On the
2000-06 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and the GMC Yukon, GM offered three different suspension options. For the standard suspension, the Bilstein shocks will work without modification. For the Self
Leveling suspension, an auxiliary spring must be used (Bilstein Part 190020 for the 1500's, and 190021 for the 2500's), and if you have the Auto-Ride suspension, the Bilstein shocks will not work at all.
To determine if you have the standard or self leveling suspension, you need to look at the rear shocks. If the main shock body is about 2.5" in diameter, you have the standard suspension. If you the shocks are about 3.25" in diameter, you have the self
leveling suspension and need the auxiliary springs mentioned above.
In order to determine which combination will work, you will need to know whether your vehicle is 2WD or 4WD, 1500 or 2500, and which suspension configuration you have.
These springs are not available for online purchase, but we will be happy to take your order over the phone at 800-280-6966.
The
stock electronic or air shocks are too expensive. Can I convert them
to use Bilsteins?
Bilstein
does make a few select applications designed to either be used with
electronic or air suspensions, such as the Chevrolet Corvette FX3
suspension, the Porsche PASM system, and the GM SUV issue mentioned just
above. That having been said, in the vast majority of cases,
converting the shocks on a vehicle with either electronic or air adjustable suspension to a standard type is a far more complex issue than changing just the springs and shocks. If you are looking to retrofit the non-adjustable suspension on your vehicle, I recommend finding a parts vehicle with a standard suspension. In most cases, it is not simply a matter of changing shocks and springs, there are frequently issues of needing among other things, subframes, halfshafts, axles, and changing the electronics to get rid of any potential check engine lights that may pop up as a result of the conversion. It can be done, but in
most cases, it is a very large project, and it is recommend that you stay with the stock parts from your local dealer.
I
am not from North America. Can I order shocks from you?
Yes, we can sell shocks and ship outside of North America, however we can
not guarantee fitment, as frequently the North American spec vehicles and
the vehicles offered throughout the rest of the world have different shock
requirements. As a result, the shocks offered in North America may not
work properly on your vehicle. Shipping also can become cost
prohibitive, as it is usually a minimum of $150.00 US to ship a set of
four shocks overseas. Your best bet is to contact a Bilstein dealer
near you. A list of international Bilstein dealers can be found on
Bilstein's German website by clicking here.
If you are still interested, please send an email to us at info@allshocks.com,
and we will be happy to set up an order for you.
Am I ordering directly from
Bilstein, or are you a Bilstein dealer?
You are not ordering from Bilstein, you are ordering from AllShocks.com. We are an official
North American Bilstein dealer.
