Bilstein Shock Problem

[NSXCessive]

I have the Bilstein HD Shocks with Dail Racing Coilover Sleeves. Just found out my rears have worn out bushings. Both sides are slightly compressed and now sitting slightly oval in the hole.

Kinda weird I thought front look fine, and they have maybe 15~20k kms of city driving on them. So no problem lifetime warranty I'm thinking, so start calling around locally and eventually get to Bilstein Technical support in CA. Talk to Clarence in tech support that looks up the bushing and surprise none in stock anywhere, nor can they get them anymore?

So 2 problems now… one option is to send the shocks back under warranty which doesn't make sense when its only the bushings gone bad? The other problem I have is the Dali coilover sleeves are stuck to the shock body rusted at the set screws. Go figure the fronts are fine, and I was able to remove the sleeves up front no problem.

Anyone know where I can get Bushing Part# E4-GV1-Z004A00 for the Rear B46-1665 rear shock? Or any suggestions on what I should use, this is what Bilstein gave me:

 

[T-Ram]

I have the same problem , does anyone have any suggestions on getting replacement bushings?

 

[T-Ram]

anyone I really want to lower my car but i want to replace these bushings first, bilstein is giving me the run around

 

[angus]

Maybe post a pic of which bushing this is? Do you mean the bushing at the bottom of the shock? It is made from rubber and will always look slightly squished when installed ,it's normal.

Bilstein has some of the best customer service I have ever come across, I've been dealing with them for over 15yrs. I think they have been in business for over 100yrs. and if they are giving you the run around you might not be talking to the right person.

 

[ANYTIME]

I can just hear the conversation now.........Yes, I need some bushings please for my shocks and the fitment is the rears for my NSX.
Sorry, those aren't available sir!
Ok, may I please talk to someone else, because you seem to be giving me the run around :biggrin:

 

[RYU]

I placed a call to a sway bar manufacturer I have a good relationship with. They said it's a very specific bushing and not a universal type which he has a bunch of off the shelf. Bummer... In any event, we both thought that contacting Energy Suspension would be your best bet.

With the schematics you posted they should be able to come up with something close. I can't recall if the bushing on our Bils are rubber or poly but i'm almost sure IF you find some from Energy Suspension they will be poly.

Keep us posted!

 

[T-Ram]

It is the bushing at the bottom of the rear shocks, its made from rubber and it has compressed making the whole thing look squished.

Angus do you have a contact at bilstein?
When I call the east head office of bilstein they transfer me to the west office and then i get transfered to a guys voice mail. I leave a message he doesnt return my calls probably thinking that i should be calling the east office.

A buddy of mine thats works for a ferrari/lambo shop suggested a custom made spherical bushing. (i guess thats what they do for the ferrari's and lambos that have bad bushings) Im not to sure what effect it would have on the rest of the suspension.

i will try to contact energy suspension or prothane to see if they can line it up with something they have or do a custom bushing which might be huge $$$$$.

I will keep you guys posted

 

[ChopsJazz]

The shocks should have been installed with two large washers on either side of the bushing to keep it from deforming in this manner. If you can see your bushing then these washers must be missing and were not installed.

 

[angus]

The shocks should have been installed with two large washers on either side of the bushing to keep it from deforming in this manner. If you can see your bushing then these washers must be missing and were not installed.

I have never used two large washers, and if you have ever tried installing bilsteins you would quickly find out that this woulld be next to impossible since getting the shocks in and aligned is already a bit difficult - trying to squeeze to washers into the equation is going to make it way harder.

As far as the bushings, I just can't see it being as bad as you say - I'm still thinking it is just normal "deflection" as these are rubber bushings.

OR - maybe yours were installed without the steel sleeve in the bushing?

I would NOT suggest urethane - it does not last and makes noise - NOR would I suggest a spherical bearing since it is prone to noise as well.

Please post pics.

 

[NSXCessive]

I can just hear the conversation now.........Yes, I need some bushings please for my shocks and the fitment is the rears for my NSX.
Sorry, those aren't available sir!
Ok, may I please talk to someone else, because you seem to be giving me the run around :biggrin:

I placed a call to a sway bar manufacturer I have a good relationship with. They said it's a very specific bushing and not a universal type which he has a bunch of off the shelf. Bummer... In any event, we both thought that contacting Energy Suspension would be your best bet.

With the schematics you posted they should be able to come up with something close. I can't recall if the bushing on our Bils are rubber or poly but i'm almost sure IF you find some from Energy Suspension they will be poly.

Keep us posted!

E-Mailed Clarence@Bilstein again he said the shocks were built in Germany, which means they do not stock bushings or parts for the NSX at all. He is not sure if they can be ordered from Germany, but I guess I will find out soon. He mentioned they might be able to rig something to work, I guess I'd have to send them in to find out for sure? I'm just glad he has offered to help, I at least pitched to him that there are a few of us in the NSX community that might need these in the future, or some kind of resolve?

Be a shame to dump perfectly good shocks because of a $10-20 bushing, not to mention the cost of them, labour to remove/replace, and to buy something else to replace the shocks with.

I can't be the only one with ovaled bushings on the rear, chime in if you have the same problem? I will have to post some pics later...