| [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #367574] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 10:34  |
fbhtxak
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2006
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My experience with Bilstein shock absorbers is apparently an outlier with that of most GMCMh owners who have used them. I replaced the OEM shock absorbers with Bilsteins almost 30 years ago and more than 100K miles. I have experienced none of the breakage reported by many owners. There appears to be little change, if any, in ride control and static stability since new.
I HAVE had to change the shock absorber/trailing wheel/driver side twice due to leakage (it IS a hassle working with Bilstein warranty service). 'Have been unable to define the cause of the leakage at that location and none at the other locations.
I elected to use the Bilstein product on my GMCMh as they were the OEM shocks on my high performance German cars. I have never had to change the shocks on those cars, including one I bought new a couple of years before buying the GMCMh (I still have that car!).
My perception is that the KYB product is comparable in performance to that of Bilsteins (with none of the breakage reputation of the Bilsteins) - AND is less expensive. My favorable Bilstein experience notwithstanding, I recommend the KYB as the more practical shock absorber for the GMCMh for most owners.
Fred
Fred Hudspeth
1978 Royale (TZE 368V101335) - Tyler, TX
1982 Airstream Excella (motorhome) - Cooper Landing, Alaska
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #367579 is a reply to message #367574] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 12:31  |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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I agree Fred. No problems with the Bilsteins. My theory is rear eye breakage may be from improper jacking sequence (not releasing air spring pressure before lifting). I only know of KYBs from other applications. They are as a rule very stiff shocks. This gives good control and firm ride, but on washboard surfaces can cause the tires to get skittish as they can’t respond fast enough to maintain tire patch contact. The TZE probably has enough GVW for this not to be an issue. GM AC Delco partnered with Bilstein back in the day as Delco Bilstein. My 93 S15 Jimmy SLT with factory soft ride package had these shocks
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #367580 is a reply to message #367574] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 13:02 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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My experience with Bilsteins is almost parallel to Fred's with one big exception. Back in my car racing days, that was the only thing we would ever run...
Yes, we would blow one up from time to time, but our local rep was good about it.
Chaumière came to us with the Odo just over 100 and complete set of Bilsteins. Before we got another 10K, one of the rears was leaking. When I took it off, the gas charge was gone and so was the damping over part of the travel. I replaced that pair with KYB. A short time later another started leaking and had lost its charge as well. So, I reinstalled the better of the two removed. Then another leaked. I bought a pair of KYB for that set and another set for the front as I now had no remaining confidence in Bilstein. The newest of the KYB has about 50K on it and they are all doing just fine.
I am afraid that I do not agree with all of the wrong jacking being an issue. Our rear shocks compress with the suspension unloading. As that compression should be handled, it cannot be an excuse for breaking the mount off or starting a leak in my opinion as a automotive engineer for many years.
Unlike some other concerns, I have no family for a direct connection to Bilstein, if I did I would have used it to my advantage.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #367582 is a reply to message #367574] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 13:59 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
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Matt usually there is a formed “land” at the end of the rod where it ends before the eye. Hard to see with the dust sleeve in place but think of a typical GM RWD front shock threaded upper. I can see where jamming that into the seal on compression would compromise the seal on end of tube.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #367585 is a reply to message #367582] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 17:06 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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JohnL455 wrote on Mon, 15 November 2021 14:59Matt usually there is a formed “land” at the end of the rod where it ends before the eye. Hard to see with the dust sleeve in place but think of a typical GM RWD front shock threaded upper. I can see where jamming that into the seal on compression would compromise the seal on end of tube.
John,
That is exactly the kind of issue that should be accounted for in the specific design. Mine that leaked had not been driven to full compression in the time I owned them. As most shock absorbers do like in a world where the suspension can be counted on to be fully extended at some point, the design for such a specific part should have accommodated that. KYB seems to have managed to do that.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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