Bilstein HD instructions and ??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 01-16-2004, 06:19 PM

Hi,

Two questions, one about the bilstein instructions that come with the HD shocks, and one a more generic question... I got a set of bilstein HDs for the front. B36-0704. Looking at the picture for installation, most of it makes sense, however it sems liek there are more parts than are supplied.
Using the correct instruction picture (B36-020/021), It shows two locking nuts, the metal plate, the rubber donut, then the car. Thats fine. But its below that where I get confused. It shows the top of the protecting sleeve, but below that it shows another rubber donut and then this whitish cylinder. Neither of mine came with that white cylinder. Then, it either shows that furhter down is the rubber bump stop that came on the shaft, or else some sort of another washer that is thinner and has a little slit in it.
So neither of my shocks came with that white cylinder, or this washer with the slit in it. They did come with the bag of hardware (it is identical in each bag), and that long rubber bump stop that came on the shock itself.

Am I missing parts?

The second question is more general...
I cannot compress these new Bilstein HD shocks by pressing on them. If I hold the metal shaft in my one hand and the black body in the other, they will not go together or budge at all. I purchased a set of yellow bilstein HDs for an E30 BMW 3-series from a freind. They have been previously installed, and have ~10k miles on them. It is 2 shocks and 2 strut inserts. All four of them I can push in with a strong push on either end. Does this mean that I either have to do something to the new bilsteins for the MB, or does it mean that the bilsteins that I have for the bMW are shot?

Any info would be great.
Thanks,

JMH

#2 01-16-2004, 06:48 PM

Since you didn't say what model MB these are going on, I can only seem it is the 123 series since you have an '83 300D in your signature.

With that assumption, this is a pretty simple installation with only two tricks I can offer.

Before the tricks, the shock gets a cupped washer with the cup toward the bushing. It goes through the top hole then the other bushing over the shaft, then the cupped washer, then the nut.

The two tricks are; first you do not cut the strapping from the shock until you have bolted the shock to the lower control arm. After it is bolted at the bottom and you have the lower cup washer and bushing in place, you cut the strap and guide it into the upper mount hole as the gas pressure causes it to extend.

The second trick is to have both front wheels safely off the ground so you can turn the wheel lock to lock to access both lower bolts that hold the shock to the lower control arm.

Good luck,

JHZR2 · #3 01-16-2004, 06:57 PM

OK, here is maybe the dumbest question, but probably the solution to my second question as well... What is the strapping on the shock? There is no apparent wire retainer or anything like that. I cant see anything that holds the shock in a compressed position or anything like that. Nothing to unscrew, nothing to cut, etc.

Where am I going wrong? Ive never done this before, so I guess thats my problem.

Thanks,

JMH

wolf_walker · #4 01-16-2004, 07:38 PM

I've put on some that had no strap, you twist to release an internal lock. Try twisting one end or the other? I've also met some that I couldnt push in myslef, but I could always budge them some.

slowmoe · #5 01-16-2004, 07:58 PM

The first set of shocks I installed were on my 83 300D. I cut the straps before I installed them not knowing any better. To compress them, I held the bottom of the shock against my chest and pressed the top of the shock against a brick wall. I was then able to quickly put them in place before it re-extended.

#6 01-17-2004, 05:44 AM

The only ones I have put on have had the straps. I have, however, pulled shocks from a parts car and put them on a driver, so I know that I managed somehow. I expect that I just manhandled them into place.

Come to think about it, I expect that with the lower control arm at its bottom limit, I probably put the top in place and manhandled the bottom in place.

I'm sorry I don't remember. My memory is really good, just too short.

You will figure something out.

Good luck,

BIGRED · #7 01-17-2004, 10:00 AM

First we need to figure out if the shock is in a compressed mode or extended mode. Using a tape measure, how long is it? Extended, it would be some where around 2 feet.

There are no parts missing from the shock kit, however you maybe missing a part. Under the dust cover and slid onto the shaft, there is to be a round rubberized part that is about ummm maybe 5 inches long. It is called a bumper. You can use the part from your old shocks.

The first time I saw "those" I thougt it was packing material and almost tossed it.

Don