Rear Shocks

[nemick]

Looks like I need to replace my rear shocks.... again. I have been using the Bilstein Sport shocks from Ecs, but they're only lasting about 2 years. Can anyone suggest a reasonable cost alternative to the Bilsteins?

[Bordom]

Bilsteins are lifetime warranty. How low are you?

[nemick]

I'm just on the standard H&R lowering springs, so still quite high. Probably an inch or so lower than stock if I remember correctly. I know these things are supposed to have a lifetime warranty, but I'm not sure I want to deal with it. When the warranty exclusions state that shock oil on the outside of the shock is "normal", I can't help but wonder if I'm just going to get the run around. Plus, ECS says to deal directly with Bilstein and Bilstein says to deal with ECS, HAHA

[Bordom]

^Yeah, that's pretty dumb. I think I'd just go Koni's for a more comfortable ride, although the shocks are more expensive.

[nemick]

Have you experienced the Koni's yourself? They are quite a bit more expensive, but almost bound to be better quality.

[tar]

Why are ur shocks blowing every 2 years is the real question. That's way off sounds like install error. I'd go threw bilstein over ecs. Why use the middle man when you could go to the source. Konis are great too.

[nemick]

Honestly, I think the problem may have more to do with the roads in Indiana than the actual shocks. I don't think there's an installation issue. I install them myself and I can't see much that go wrong, install wise.The car is my daily driver and sees about 400 miles a week. I don't beat on her or race the thing, so I'm at a bit of a loss.

[woolveren]

Honestly, I think the problem may have more to do with the roads in Indiana than the actual shocks.

[seanf86]

Why are ur shocks blowing every 2 years is the real question. That's way off sounds like install error. I'd go threw bilstein over ecs. Why use the middle man when you could go to the source. Konis are great too.

its pretty hard to screw up installing shocks, I'd doubt its install error. As for the konis, I have a set in my B6 and love them, they're a bit stiff compared to stock and I have mine dialed in at around the 50% front and rear. If you have a product with lifetime warranty however I'd try and get it warrantied and continue using it, I know a few guys with bilsteins locally and they have no complaints and I'd wager our roads up here are probably like your Indiana roads.

[redline380]

FYI Bilstien #24-026222 is $165 on ECS, $138 on Rock Auto.

Or, you could get the HD version, 24-062121 for $122 on Rock Auto

Because I buy so much shit from them, I could give you my 5% code if it works for you.

Ok, last edit. Get 24-062145, which is their B8 version (not the Audi chassis code, the Bilstein model number). These are their top of the line and are only $130 a piece. Rock auto, of course.


Edit- Gave front shcok number first time

[nemick]

Thanks for the great info. I'll check out the numbers you gave me. My thought right now is to buy Bilstein again even though I'd like the Koni's. Trouble is, with a 15 year old car, I don't want to put more into it than necessary because one never knows what tomorrow will bring. Who know's how long my old girl will last anyway.

One question though, will the spring perch height be that same on any of the Bilstein whether they're, Sport, Heavy Duty or standard?

[nemick]

Interestingly enough, the Bilsteins I have been buying from ECS are for a 2000. Since there is a specific Bilstein sport for the 2001, does anyone know the difference. I presume fitment is the same, so I'm wondering if it's the valving that's different. I also notice that Bilstein don't even make a sports shock for the front end, only Heavy Duty. That seems odd to me. Even though they're different part numbers, I can't help but wonder if the so called "sport" shocks aren't just renumbered Heavy Duty shocks. Anyone have any insight?