When to replace shocks?

Springs, shock absorbers, swaybars,
Brakes, Wheels and Tyres

When to replace shocks?

Postby specb_liberty » Mon Oct 31, 2016 3:25 pm

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!
specb_liberty
 
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 11:00 am
Location: Melbourne
Car: MY05 Subaru Liberty 3.0R Spec B

Re: When to replace shocks?

Postby tom_kauf » Mon Oct 31, 2016 4:24 pm

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).
[Stealth & Speed - Comfort & Practicality]: My 2008 MY09 GT SpecB Wagon - Manual 200,000km
User avatar
tom_kauf
-stickered-
 
Posts: 1362
Joined: Thu Sep 26, 2013 1:05 pm
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Car: 2008 Liberty GT SpecB Manual Wagon
Real name: Tom

Re: When to replace shocks?

Postby HardwareBoB » Thu Nov 24, 2016 10:32 pm

I junked my KYBs at 170,000km and replaced them with shockworks - they were pretty tired.
User avatar
HardwareBoB
 
Posts: 1579
Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2013 11:52 am
Location: Melbourne
Car: MY05 GT 5MT Wagon
Real name: Matt
Profile URL: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=27514

Re: When to replace shocks?

Postby tkdbboy » Tue Nov 29, 2016 7:24 am

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?
User avatar
tkdbboy
 
Posts: 82
Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2012 7:13 am
Location: Melbourne VIC

Re: When to replace shocks?

Postby tom_kauf » Tue Nov 29, 2016 11:12 am

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 :).
[Stealth & Speed - Comfort & Practicality]: My 2008 MY09 GT SpecB Wagon - Manual 200,000km
User avatar
tom_kauf
-stickered-
 
Posts: 1362
Joined: Thu Sep 26, 2013 1:05 pm
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Car: 2008 Liberty GT SpecB Manual Wagon
Real name: Tom

Re: When to replace shocks?

Postby tkdbboy » Tue Nov 29, 2016 2:31 pm

Thanks for the info Tom :D
Damn ... looks like specialists at Quadrant relocated to NSW
quadrant.jpg
quadrant.jpg (46.57 KiB) Viewed 2498 times


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.
User avatar
tkdbboy
 
Posts: 82
Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2012 7:13 am
Location: Melbourne VIC

Re: When to replace shocks?

Postby tom_kauf » Tue Nov 29, 2016 2:43 pm

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.
[Stealth & Speed - Comfort & Practicality]: My 2008 MY09 GT SpecB Wagon - Manual 200,000km
User avatar
tom_kauf
-stickered-
 
Posts: 1362
Joined: Thu Sep 26, 2013 1:05 pm
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Car: 2008 Liberty GT SpecB Manual Wagon
Real name: Tom

Re: When to replace shocks?

Postby fenis » Tue Dec 06, 2016 10:02 pm

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!
fenis
 
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:28 pm
Location: Perth
Car: MY07 GT Spec B


Return to Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tyres.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests