Bilstein Installed Not Impressed Have Questions

[yukondan]

I just installed 4 bilstein shocks on my '01 Yukon 2WD. The Bilstein Website list these shocks as the correct shocks

 

BE5-6500-H0 (front)

BE5-6501-H0 (rear)

 

These are the shocks I picked up. The Yukon had the factory stock Tenneco shocks. My observations and concerns are as follows:

 

FRONT SHOCKS

 

1) the bottom mount was wider than the factory stock shocke and when you torqued to proper torque bent to mate with the bushing in the lower control arm

2) the top rubber bushings are smaller than the factory ones

3) the factory shocks had a aluminum sleeve (see attached picture) that went over the shaft but inside the rubber bushings (this would act as a comnpression stop to keep the rubber from squishing out and keep the shaft from wallowing around in the upper mount of the frame. Plus there was also a Nylon bushing in the upper rubber bushing). All of this was missing on the Bilstein parts package (I received 2 washers and 2 rubber bushings and a nut, They just don't match the factory quality.)

4) the dust boot attaches to a steel sleeve and can be poped off very easy. I wonder if it will fall off in time?

 

REAR SHOCKS

 

1) Bilsteins are much SMALLER in diameter of the main body (Bilsteins are 2" diameter VS 2-13/16" diameter for the Factory shocks)

 

The rear factory shocks are have a prt # of 15750654 and in larger letters TW3. After thinking about it I wonder If the factory shocks are part of the factory TOW PACKAGE ? The Bilstein site does not list any other shocks available other than the BE5-6501-H0 for the rears.

 

After installing and taking a short ride I noticed that the rear bounces a little more than stock and when I back up and apply the brakes it seems to bounce more. (maybe not really and I'm just being critical at this point). The overall ride quality has not seemed to change.

 

When I removed the factory shocks, I noticed that on the passenger side the rubber bushings showed wear and some seperation. I would expect that this could have had some effect on my recent notice of a slight harsher feel and noise going over bump strips, excessive rough roads and reflectors embeded in the roadway.

 

A couple of questions:

 

1) Are the rear shocks on a Yukon with a Tow Pkg different than standard Yukons / Tahoe's ? and does Bilstein make a different rear shock than the 6501-H0 I received ?

 

2) On the front shocks, Can I purchase factory stock rubber bushings that would match the originals and use them with the Bilsteins ? Would there be any bennifit to my using the stock rubber bushings?

 

I'm overall not impressed with the quality of the Bilsteins compared to the Tenneco (observation of outside build quality and the way the dust boots attach and the way the fronts mount). Time will tell on handeling and ride quality and Towing experience.

 

As for the purchaqse experience, I purchased from Shock Warehouse.com (site sponsor) they have a excellent website. I used discount code GMTruck5 for a 10% discount. I also picked them up local sine they are locaed in south Florida and only a few minutes from my work. Experience with shock warehouse is excellent. My concerns are with the Bilsteins themselves.

 

PIctures of SHock Comparision and factory sleeve/bushings

 

SIZE COMPARISSION

 

 

SLEEVE ? BUSHING

[hoorders]

I just installed 4 bilstein shocks on my '01 Yukon 2WD. The Bilstein Website list these shocks as the correct shocks

 

BE5-6500-H0 (front)

BE5-6501-H0 (rear)

 

These are the shocks I picked up. The Yukon had the factory stock Tenneco shocks. My observations and concerns are as follows:

 

FRONT SHOCKS

 

1) the bottom mount was wider than the factory stock shocke and when you torqued to proper torque bent to mate with the bushing in the lower control arm

2) the top rubber bushings are smaller than the factory ones

3) the factory shocks had a aluminum sleeve (see attached picture) that went over the shaft but inside the rubber bushings (this would act as a comnpression stop to keep the rubber from squishing out and keep the shaft from wallowing around in the upper mount of the frame. Plus there was also a Nylon bushing in the upper rubber bushing). All of this was missing on the Bilstein parts package (I received 2 washers and 2 rubber bushings and a nut, They just don't match the factory quality.)

4) the dust boot attaches to a steel sleeve and can be poped off very easy. I wonder if it will fall off in time?

 

REAR SHOCKS

 

1) Bilsteins are much SMALLER in diameter of the main body (Bilsteins are 2" diameter VS 2-13/16" diameter for the Factory shocks)

 

The rear factory shocks are have a prt # of 15750654 and in larger letters TW3. After thinking about it I wonder If the factory shocks are part of the factory TOW PACKAGE ? The Bilstein site does not list any other shocks available other than the BE5-6501-H0 for the rears.

 

After installing and taking a short ride I noticed that the rear bounces a little more than stock and when I back up and apply the brakes it seems to bounce more. (maybe not really and I'm just being critical at this point). The overall ride quality has not seemed to change.

 

When I removed the factory shocks, I noticed that on the passenger side the rubber bushings showed wear and some seperation. I would expect that this could have had some effect on my recent notice of a slight harsher feel and noise going over bump strips, excessive rough roads and reflectors embeded in the roadway.

 

A couple of questions:

 

1) Are the rear shocks on a Yukon with a Tow Pkg different than standard Yukons / Tahoe's ? and does Bilstein make a different rear shock than the 6501-H0 I received ?

 

2) On the front shocks, Can I purchase factory stock rubber bushings that would match the originals and use them with the Bilsteins ? Would there be any bennifit to my using the stock rubber bushings?

 

I'm overall not impressed with the quality of the Bilsteins compared to the Tenneco (observation of outside build quality and the way the dust boots attach and the way the fronts mount). Time will tell on handeling and ride quality and Towing experience.

 

As for the purchaqse experience, I purchased from Shock Warehouse.com (site sponsor) they have a excellent website. I used discount code GMTruck5 for a 10% discount. I also picked them up local sine they are locaed in south Florida and only a few minutes from my work. Experience with shock warehouse is excellent. My concerns are with the Bilsteins themselves.

 

PIctures of SHock Comparision and factory sleeve/bushings

 

SIZE COMPARISSION

 

 

SLEEVE ? BUSHING

I replaced my factory shocks with SkyJacker Nitro8000 gas charged shocks.......I had the same mounting differences in the front......the SkyJackers only came with the bushings, washers and nut......no sleeve like the factory shocks but they fit just fine and Im having no issues....the rears mounting point on the shocks were wider/larger than the stock shocks so I had to pry the mounting brackets on the axel apart a bit(no big deal though).Now with respecs to the size compared to the factory shocks....my Skyjackers seem like the are twice the diametre of the factory shocks.......Bilsteins are certainly top notch shocks.....surprised you are not happy with them.

[C & A s Dad]

Yukondan, the rear shocks on your Yuk were what are called "Self Leveling" and are part of the Premium Ride Package that you will likely see on yout original window sticker. I am not talking about the "Autoride option" which is an air adjustable shock. The OE shocks your have are massive and very high pressure. They look like tree stumps when compared to any std shock. They must be replaced with the same shock. We (CARQUEST) sell KYB and they do offer this shock but I have to tell you, it is not a KYB unit. This shock is applicated only for GM SUVs so KYB simply buys it from the OE supplier and packages it. I do not quote prices here but they are expensive. Ours would be less than the regular Dealer Price but if you know someone at a Dealer they may be able to get you a better deal. I have seen a few people replace the Self Leveling shocks with a std shock as you have done, but you have to change the coil springs to make them work properly.

 

I really cannot comment on the front units and have always heard Bilstiens were great. I replaced the front shocks on my Yuk XL with KYB Mono Max units and I can promise you, they are a quality product. Find a store that sells KYB and take a look at them and you will see what I am talking about the minute you pick one up. They do a great job helping me control bounce when towing my camper.

[yukondan]

Yukondan, the rear shocks on your Yuk were what are called "Self Leveling" and are part of the Premium Ride Package that you will likely see on yout original window sticker. I am not talking about the "Autoride option" which is an air adjustable shock. The OE shocks your have are massive and very high pressure. They look like tree stumps when compared to any std shock. They must be replaced with the same shock. We (CARQUEST) sell KYB and they do offer this shock but I have to tell you, it is not a KYB unit. This shock is applicated only for GM SUVs so KYB simply buys it from the OE supplier and packages it. I do not quote prices here but they are expensive. Ours would be less than the regular Dealer Price but if you know someone at a Dealer they may be able to get you a better deal. I have seen a few people replace the Self Leveling shocks with a std shock as you have done, but you have to change the coil springs to make them work properly.

 

I really cannot comment on the front units and have always heard Bilstiens were great. I replaced the front shocks on my Yuk XL with KYB Mono Max units and I can promise you, they are a quality product. Find a store that sells KYB and take a look at them and you will see what I am talking about the minute you pick one up. They do a great job helping me control bounce when towing my camper.

 

You are right I have the ZW7 Package "Premium Smooth Ride".

 

I think I will pull the rear Bilsteins off, put back the Factory Original for now. Return the Bilstein's. I will keep the fronts and either get a GM Rubber Bumper kit with the larger rubber bumpers and sleeves OR I see that Rockauto has a Dorman Replacement

That looks fairly close to the OEM part

 

 

I don't understand why Bilstein does not list the Premium smooth ride shocks and just list N/A (not available). I checked many other Shock Mfg. when I first started looking and did not see any options for this application. I see now that Monroe has a shock Part # 40210 that list for $ 350.00 each. That may very well be the same as the OEM (Tenneco, Monroe, Rancho all part of the same parent company?). I did not look a nonroe when first researching as I had less than happy experience with Monroe, Rancho on other applications in past years.

 

But still the fronts fit more like a "Universal" fit and not a OEM exact fit.

 

I was planning on washing & waxing the Yukon today, But I'll put the rear back to stock. Arrgh! That reall pisses me off to do the work twice.

 

Thanks for answering what I knew was wrong to start. The better part of me said stop, don't put them on their not correct. But the want to get-er done now won out.......

[C & A s Dad]

If I can remember, I will get you a close price on the KYB OE replacements for the rear when I am back in the office.

[yukondan]

OK, Pulled the Bilsteins off the rear put the Stockers back on. Cleaned up the grease on the Bilsteins and put them back in the boxes to return tomorrow.

 

Cheated took the Yukon to the Auto Spa paid $ 20.00 for them to give her a Ultimate shine (wash and vacuum) Now I'll just detail a few spots hit the Hood with the clay bar and be done for the day.

 

With the Factory shocks back on the rear and the NEw Bilstein's on the front It feels a ton better than with te Bilsteins at all 4 corners. The back does not bounce as much as with the Bilstein's. I can feel a difference in the front now with just the Bilsteins up front.

 

Live and learn.

 

C & A s Dad;

 

If you get the chance, A check on the KYB's would be nice.

[Zembonez]

Comparing external appearance and bushing sizes between OEM and aftermarket shocks has exactly NOTHING to do with performance. It's senseless. Just how anal is that?

 

The performance of the shocks is really the only thing to be compared. A/M manufacturers do not make their products based in any way on how the crappy originals look. It is entirely possible that the new shocks performance may not be to your liking but who really cares if they look a little different? It's a shock!

 

EDIT: Of course I mean that in the nicest possible way.

[C & A s Dad]

Jim, belive it or not, many of the aftermarket suppliers have learned that OE Form, Fit and Function mean a great deal to many Professional Techs and conusmers. We have experienced this first hand and one of the primary reasons we have shifted many of our products to OE suppliers. ie Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Visteon, KYB etc. Maybe a bushing on a shock is not a great example of this but the color of spark plug wires, the plugs on an oxy sensor, the look of an in tank fuel pump all are examples of where many people want the replacement part to match OE in Form, Fit and Function.

 

We actually had a Technician have to remove a coil pack from a early 90s GM car because the owner would not accept it becuase the other 2 packs remaining on the car were black and ours was gray.

[Zembonez]

I believe it Trey. We live in a society where the tail wags the dog. There's a nut in every jar!

 

I don't think this fellow is a nut... In fact I don't mean to offend him at all. I just think he is micromanaging his replacement parts for no useful reason. Component performance is the only meaningful comparison tool that is actually "valid".

[dlstewart01]

I believe it Trey. We live in a society where the tail wags the dog. There's a nut in every jar!

 

I don't think this fellow is a nut... In fact I don't mean to offend him at all. I just think he is micromanaging his replacement parts for no useful reason. Component performance is the only meaningful comparison tool that is actually "valid".

 

 

Could not have said it better,

 

Don

[yukondan]

I believe it Trey. We live in a society where the tail wags the dog. There's a nut in every jar!

 

I don't think this fellow is a nut... In fact I don't mean to offend him at all. I just think he is micromanaging his replacement parts for no useful reason. Component performance is the only meaningful comparison tool that is actually "valid".

 

 

I don't think I'm a nut either. I'm coming from a engineering background I tend to look at things from various angles. I expected the Bilsteins to be to a higher degree than I received.

 

I agree Component performance is the ultimate goal. After much investigation into replacement shocks, Bilsteins seem to be placed on a higher ground than many other shock Manufactures. I was expecting more than I received. While short term component performance will not be a issue, The long term lasting of the RUbber bushings for the top mounting of the front shocks is in question. The factory OEM is much better designed with the larger top bushing the Aluminum sleeeve with notches to lock into the lower bushing plus the nylon wear bushing. The Aluminum Sleeve will help as a compression stop to keep the top and bottom bushings from becoming over compressed> The aluminum sleeve will also help keep the top ogf the Shock from wallowing around in the upper shock / frame mount. These are aspecte that will have long term effects on the life and ultimate performance of the shock. Yes I can replace the mounts when they become worn out. I just feel that the respect that Bilsteins have they should match the OEM mounting to a higher degree.

 

I have had problems with other shock manufactures (Rancho at the top of my problem list) in other applications with both rubber and urethane bushings and mounting hardware. The best shock (strut ) I have had psoitive experience have been Koni's in my Z cars of course that was some 25 years ago when I was running auto cross. Never had any issues with quality, fit or function.

 

As I stated in another post, These Bilsteins look more like universal fit instead if exact OEM fit. I suppose they had to cut corners some place to stay in a competative market. It's hard to beat a good engineering design and the OEM's did a good job in the upper mount application.

 

Perhaps other Bilsteins for other applications are a little closer in fit that these are for My Yukon. I don't install shocks for a living and don't see what the competition brings.

[Nice rig]

I got the KYB MonoMax on all four corners of mine, couldn't be happier.

[yukondan]

Updated information on the REAR factory OEM shocks. They are manufactured by ZF SACHS

 

 

Nivomat Self Leveling Dampner This is a self-contained and self energized unit, which automatically and silently optimizes front-to-rear suspension balance.

 

Each Nivomat unit is a self-contained leveling system complete with internal pump, reservoir, sensor, regulating mechanism and damper.

 

Nivomats have been used for almost 30 years on vehicles from European, American and Asian car manufacturers such as Volvo, Ford, Opel, Saab, GM, Jaguar, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Rover, Mercedes, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, Kia and others.

 

Note: These can only be used as a direct replacement on vehicles that already have a Nivomat suspension from the factory. They are not for adapting to non-Nivomat factory suspensions.

 

 

 

 

Fully automatic adjustment

 

The ZF Nivomat system automatically adapts to the vehicle load. Spring travel remains constant under all load conditions to ensure optimum driving safety. Unlike pneumatic suspension, the Nivomat does not require an external energy source – and therefore does not affect fuel consumption. In fact, the level control system generates its own energy from the normal movement between the axle and car body resulting from unevenness on the road surface. Hydraulic fluid is forced against the gas cushion in the high-pressure storage unit and increases the expansion force of the piston rod. Depending on the road conditions, a fully loaded car reaches its normal height within less than a quarter mile.

[Zembonez]

As I stated in another post, These Bilsteins look more like universal fit instead if exact OEM fit.

 

This is probably a large part of the problem. Yours seems like a logical and reasonable approach. I have been unhappy with some of the "name brand" items I've picked up. Also... We use a fair amount of silliness in here. Don't be offended by any of that. Some of us are a little nuts!

 

EDIT: After some thought, I believe I have been dissatisfied with many so called "high end" products I have purchased. It seems that the quality is usually just in the marketing of the product instead of the product itself many times. I still say product performance is the only real way to judge... It's rather easy to fall into micro-scrutiny.

[C & A s Dad]

Dan. I have been traveling all day and fogot to check on your shocks. I do have the part # (SR 2004) and will try to get you an approx price tomorrow.

 

Thanks for the info on the ZW7 package. I had no idea these shocks were so technical.