I just had a tire center install new Bilstein 5100s on the front of my 2011 SL. I just couldn't stand the "bunny hopping" of the front end one more day.
Here's the rub.... now every time I hit a bump I hear "pop pop pop" or "da da da" depending upon how you want to put that in writing. It's not a banging or a clunking, but it is awful. Instead of cruising along like a supreme off-road bad *ss vehicle, it sounds like my wheels are going to fall off.
The noise coincides with the shock activating, so every bounce at every bump.
My installers can not figure this out.... can you? Is this a faulty set of 5100s? Is this standard for 5100s?
NOTE: These are at stock height, not lifted... I bought the 5100s for the silver color more than for the 2" lift ability.
Thanks,
~ Rick in Denver, CO
I also put some new BFG A/T KO2s on the Mada. Can't wait to put some miles on these bad boys.
Did you buy the shocks at the tire center? If you did they need to figure out if is an install problem or a bad shock and re-do it or replace them.
Installing shock is very simple (maybe a little tricky if you keeping same coils but still simple) there are not many ways to mess up the install so it could very well be the shock(s)
I am wondering if it is a bad set of shocks... they had to order them in as they do not carry them. The first time I brought them back, they found a bushing was upside down on one side. They thought that was the issue. Nope, it was not.
Now they are "researching" the noise online, and they are wondering if it is the O ring that adjusts for the different ride height options. Basically, they don't have a clue. I'm kinda stuck with them as I am already half way down the path, but I thought surely the guys on this forum would know more about the Bilsteins than these professional car mechanics....
Its likely the mechanic installed the Bilsteins incorrectly. Bilstein is very specific regarding the orientation of the where and how the large washer is placed.
Here's a pic from TT which shows the correct placement of the large washer.
Also, make sure the large washer is sitting on the metal sleeve that rides along the piston and seals the boot. My bet is this was left out allowing the shock to over extend and provide almost zero compression for dampening/rebound.
The bilsteins require two bushings, upper and lower, in a sandwich configuration, at the top. They also require two metal containment washers, one upper, one lower. The factory struts have the lower washer welded on, so you only install one.
In each bilstein box, there is a set of instructions and a diagam specifically detailing the correct install. It specifically states, or it did on my diagram, that failure to pay attention will result in clunks.
My install shop hired cave men mechanics. They opened the boxes, dumped the strut, nuts, and one washer (you need to use your factory asher for the upper one) and threw away the instructions. On the second install, to get rid of the clunks, 24 hours later, I asked them if they read the instructions and kept the old washer? (Sound of crickets and tree frogs came out of the air). Before I picked it up after the second install, I showed the manager a printed copy of the instructions, and asked him to confirm to me the correct complete install. No one sells just the washers, so another 24 hours later, I had a less than 24 hour old really really new set of bilsteins with all required parts used and instructions followed. Result- no problems or clunks since, and the repair shop has one face missing from their line up. Attention to detail-attention to detail!
What would be a better strut choice, Bilstein 5100 or 4600 series? I'm not into lifting the car, however, I'm asking to know the best series that accomodates for mainly on-road driving with non-frequent offroad activitiy.
for the 4600 type I'm considering the 24-197656 64mm monotube. Is there a better fit?
Thanks
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