club.liberty.asn.au

Hello, I have a 2005 Liberty Spec B that I recently purchased and it's done 200,000km and I don't think the shocks have been changed. How long do the bilstein shocks on these last about for just daily driving on good roads? Also the suspension feels good in the car. Thanks in advance!

When I had mine refurbished at Bilstein, they said 100,000km is a reasonable life for them. I had mine done at 170,000km, so we'll after the recommended time - but they were still driveable.

EDIT: They said the casing almost lasts a lifetime, so it's only the wear and tear parts that need to be redone when getting it refurbished (no need to throw a Bilstein away).

I junked my KYBs at 170,000km and replaced them with shockworks - they were pretty tired.

How much does a refurb cost?

Is it better to get them sent to Bilstein or can a suspension specialist do an equal or better job?

tkdbboy wrote:How much does a refurb cost?

Is it better to get them sent to Bilstein or can a suspension specialist do an equal or better job?

I think I paid about $580 for both the fronts at Bilstein themselves in Sydney. That's still a few hundred cheaper than new ones from Subaru. The rears can't be refurbished, because they have a crimped or welded top. But that price probably included freight to them and back to me in North QLD (which wasn't cheap).

The only other approved specialist is Quadrant Suspension in Melbourne. So they can also do it.

I'd still go with a refurb over new units from Subaru. Because Subaru was rumoured to have cut costs and Bilstein used lower quality parts for the slide bearing, which causes the dreaded Bilstein Knock that a lot of our cars get. Ever since my refurb, mine have been totally quiet .

Thanks for the info Tom
Damn ... looks like specialists at Quadrant relocated to NSW


Thankfully my billies that are on 235k KM are quiet (and handle nicely but I'm no expert) but a replacement or refurb is on the list to do in the near future.

No problem .

Oh, damn! Their Website now redirects to Bilstein.com.au, so it looks like they were bought out or have merged. Because even the handwritten note in your post above mentions a @Bilstein.com.au email address.

My stock bilsteins have 128000kms on them and I thought they were shot and due for refurbishment but instead I had my control arm bushes changed and HOLY SHIT my car feels like new again!