98 v70 shocks - question

Post by **98v70dad** » 03 Feb 2015, 19:50

My bilstein shocks arrived and I took them out of the box to see if the nut on the shaft came with it. While I had the unit out of the box I noticed a couple of things. First the box had been opened enough times to tear the little ear off that holds it closed. It makes me wonder if it's been sold and sent back before. Second, there is a radial crack in the rubber bushing on the bottom end. It is about half the bushing thickness and maybe a sixteenth deep. Only one of the two shocks was like this.

I would guess that over time and loading that the rubber cracks like this all around the perimeter, but I've never looked at a used one before so I don't know. Working with aircraft for years I've developed a habit of looking stuff over before it's considered "OK. That said, here, I'm not sure what to think. My common sense tells me its no big deal, but on the other side of the coin its a brand new part and an expensive one at that.

I paid extra to get the part so I could install it this weekend and the thought of having to return it and wait for another one doesn't sit well with me.

So my question is this: is the flaw something to be concerned about? The shocks look well made and fine otherwise.

Post by **E Showell** » 03 Feb 2015, 20:01

When I pay a lot for new, I expect new. Personally, I'd return it. Will it make a material difference to you if you can't install them this weekend? I'd tell the vendor you paid for expedited shipping to install this weekend and ask them to make it right.

Post by **98v70dad** » 04 Feb 2015, 05:44

Any other opinions ? .... I actually have no idea. If being cracked out of the box will reduce the life of the bushing and shock I'll would opt to ask for a replacement, but if its just cosmetic and won't make any significant difference in the service life I don't care if its cracked or not.

mika · Post by **mika** » 04 Feb 2015, 08:19

"radial crack in the rubber bushing on the bottom end"

Hard to visualize. Maybe a picture would be helpful for better answers? Is this an assembled shock already? Usually I don't get caught up on small details but any bushing will not perform up to spec if it is torn or ripped when beginning its service life.

Post by **98v70dad** » 04 Feb 2015, 10:45

Radial is aligned on a line that goes through the center of a circle to a point on the circumference. The hands on an analog clock are aligned in a radial direction.

Thanks for you comments but I decided to ask for a replacement. It cost too much to accept anything with a flaw. I was trying to avoid returning it but the vendor minimized the pain for me.