B8 AVANT rear shock lifespan

[116SA4Q]

How long should the shocks last on the cars, front and rear. Starting to notice a vibration in the rear after expansion joints like tire is out of balance, but on smooth roads all is OK.
I am suspecting it is the rear shocks. Car has Bilstien sport shocks with about 55,ooo miles.

[jamesinger]

Is it lowered?
Are the Bilstiens stock? ...like the stock shocks that came on the car?
If not, are they the correct shocks for the Avant?

If your car is lowered, it kills the shocks much faster.
If your shocks are aftermarket, check the product number. If it is not Avant specific shocks, the rear end is much heavier than the sedan, and your shocks are probably dust.

If your car is not lowered and shocks are stock or correct shocks for the avant, I would assume it is something else but check with your local suspension guru for further details. I don't know about MN but in CA, there seems to be so many self proclaimed suspension messiahs that you cannot throw a rock without stoning one.

I hope this is helpful. I just replied because no one else did. Hi.

[kdaffy]

I've had my stock avant shocks on for close to 80k miles. they are just now starting to show some signs of wear. Will be replacing them with the bilstein b12 kit soon. Bilstein offers a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of the shocks. did you buy them? if so, contact your retailer/bilstein and see what they say about replacement under warranty.

[116SA4Q]

I found that the left rear is leaking and am the original purchaser. I am getting a replacement set and then sending the others in for evaluation from Bilstien for warranty.

[kdaffy]

^good stuff. Would be interested to hear how the process goes considering I am going with Bilsteins and one of the reasons I purchased was their supposed warranty support.