As the subject says, do Bilstein shocks fail and if so how has your luck been with returning under warrantee?

 

Everything will fail.

 

I had my 1st set for 5yrs, I just changed my set of 5100s cause i bottomed out the rear ones when i towed a buddies SUV

 

So far so good w/about 20k miles in 1yr. I was thinking about installing some on the Jeep GC but not if they won't stand behind their product.

 

35,000 miles on mine, fronts only... and they felt the best the first year. Currently waiting for a response from Bilstein on warranty coverage.

 

I have 31K on my Bilstein HD's. I can bounce the front end 5 or 6 times and get 5-6 bounces after I let go. I'm going to put some Monroe Mags on and retest. Depending on the results, I will send the shocks back to Bilstein for warranty coverage.

 

Contacted warranty@bilstein.com and received this response when I listed my specific shock (5100) and the part #. So it sounds like they are covered under warranty - but will require that they verify:

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You can take advantage of Bilstein Lifetime Warranty in one of three ways:

1) Contact the original place of purchase for details on how to process the warranty directly through them.

2) Send the product in question with a copy of the original proof of purchase to Bilstein for testing and evaluation. Upon inspection, if your product is found to be defective, we will either repair it or replace it.

3) Use Bilstein Deposit/Replacement program, which is ideal in the situation you need a replacement before Bilstein has a chance to evaluate the product in question.

Supply Bilstein with your shipping address and complete credit card information including the expiration date and 3-digit security number on the back. Bilstein sends the replacement part you need and applies the shipping cost and a deposit of 50% of the list price of the product to your credit card.

Return the old product to Bilstein and include a copy of both your original proof of purchase and the packing slip you received with your replacement part.

Bilstein will test the product in question. If upon inspection, your product is found to be defective, the deposit will be applied back to your credit card. If the product tests within Bilstein specifications, your deposit will be retained, and your product will be returned to you at your request.

Please remember that Bilstein requires an original proof of purchase to honor the Lifetime Warranty. Once you have had the opportunity to read over your options, please let me know how you would like to proceed.

Bilstein does not warranty shocks or struts purchased from E-Bay or E-bay affiliated sites (Explain why; i.e. lack of accountability/traceability of sale etc). If an issue has arisen with an E-bay purchase, you will need to contact the place of purchase/vendor in order to potentially obtain a warranty. If the vendor is an authorized Bilstein distributor, then either the distributor or Bilstein will be able to process the warrantee. Valid Proof of purchase will be necessary to process the warranty directly with Bilstein.
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wow....any more red tape and I'll buy "Snap-On" or "Craftsman" shocks if they make them. So really in actuallity if and only if after testing the shocks they do not meet their criteria, decision is made to replace. Please keep us informed on your progress and the outcome. Thanks.

 

I think my 5100's are shot after less than 10,000 miles.

 

I have about 40k on mine, no omplaint. All shocks wear out, these seem to work the best. Thesee trucks are hard on any shock. I suspect most other shocks willlast like OEMS, 6 montths or so. The Rancho 9000 are suppose to be good, but can provide a stiff ride.

 

My OEMs lasted 160K and I did not experience the "WOW" factor after installing my Bilstein HDs. I'll see how the truck rides after I install my Monroe Mags.

 

I just ordered a set of the HD's from tirerack. I will see what they feel like after install. I always run Bilsteins on my BMW's and have had good luck with them. My truck has 46k on it and the shocks have started to feel weak over bumps and I get too much bounce. I bought it at 25k and it didn't feel like this. Tires are new Michelin LTX 10 ply with 400 miles...

 

My LTX were the same until I changed to Toyo and they didnt bounce as much with my 5100s

 

I just spent an hour on the phone with Bilstein customer service today. Prior to the conversation I have changed everything on the front end due to wear but, the truck continues to not ride like it used to. After speaking with local automotive performance store I was informed that Bilstein 5100 series are on national back order and they don't plan on getting any from the manufacturing plant until the end of the month. I have also always run Bilstein products on all my vehicles. Although after speaking with customer service at Bilstein I tried to have them admit that even though they have a product which may be superior to others they can not honor their warranty because of their inability to keep up with supply and demand. I even offered to go two different routes (1) was there another shock in the bilstein line that exceeds 5100 specs (to which I would have gladly paid the difference)... answer No, (2) If I need to go with brand X will Bilstein refund my money for purchase of new shocks.... answer No. A third option was pointed out by bilstein that I could remove the shocks and send them for a rebuild. I informed him once again that this is my only vehicle and do not have the ability to do so. Besides I think if there was a issue with the bilstein shocks I would want a replacement not a rebuild.... geez for what you pay for you should be entitled to new not refurbished.

Finally, I discussed that with a production order set to be complete at the end of the month I asked if they would guarantee delievery to the automotive store where original purchase was made.. answer... No. So here I am, what should I do? I have thought about buying two new front shocks but, do not like the fact that it should come out of my pocket with a lifetime guarantee on bilsteins.

 

OK, so I got my Monroe Gas Mags on. Remember from my posts above, at 160K, I replaced my stocks with Bilstein HDs and did not notice much of a difference. I only have 31K on the Bilsteins. I replaced all 4 this weekend with Monroe Gas Mags. So far, this is a much better ride than I have ever experienced with the Bilsteins. Of course, I don't know how they will hold up over time, but if they last 31K, they've outdone the Bilsteins. Also, if I have problems, all I have to do is go to my local auto parts store and swap them out. No need to worry about shipping them back to the mfg to test while my ride sits in the driveway.