How long do Bilstein HD's last?

Post by **clarkerussell** » 04 Nov 2018, 18:32

Hello all,

My 1998 S70 GLT with 288K miles needs new strut bearing and spring seats. It has Bilstein HD's that have about 170K miles on them. I'm assuming they need to be replaced, but before I pulled the trigger, I thought I'd ask for a second opinion...

I asked Bilstein about their "Lifetime warranty" but they said it didn't cover wear and tear, and if I got 170K miles out of them chances are there is no manufacturing defect so they wouldn't replace it. Any thoughts on this?

Clarke

Post by **clarkerussell** » 04 Nov 2018, 19:32

One more question, how long should OEM springs last? Should they be replaced after 288k miles?

Post by **matthew1** » 04 Nov 2018, 20:44

Put your knee on the bumpers and put your weight on it all at once, then notice if it comes up and stops or comes up and down, "bouncing". Bounce means the Bilsteins are done.

Springs I'd leave alone unless one is broken, or you want to lower it.

Post by **scot850** » 04 Nov 2018, 22:20

Bilstiens are good shocks. Mind you HD's are too hard for road use. My 00 'R' came with them and they were horrid on our rough roads. Managed to break the valving in one driving over a deep ice rut in our neighborhood. Replaced with Tourings. Mush nicer for everyday use in my opinion.

Neil.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 04 Nov 2018, 23:45

scot850 wrote: ↑04 Nov 2018, 22:20 Mind you HD's are too hard for road use.
Neil.

Most any suspension part designated 'HD' is risky. Suspension is tuned by engineers through a highly sophisticated software environment and extensive road testing. Change anything - dynamics/resistance to motion, weight, tire characteristics or pressure - risks all your little Volvo hamsters to jump ship and start forming picket lines. You know when you start running over them. It feels awful.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Nov 2018, 03:03

Someday I will have to pull ,y T5 records when I refreshed at 160k because I have mine dialed in perfect , for me

IPD blue springs in rear

Sachs struts in front, springs??

Post by **clarkerussell** » 05 Nov 2018, 13:42

I'm assuming these are HD's as they were purchased from IPD back in 2005 (for only $126 back then!).

I removed them from the car yesterday and the bearings were REALLY bad and the bump stops had disintegrated, but the shock body was clean and no oil leaking that I could see. I don't know if I should just get new seats and bearings and put them back on, or if I should replace... I'd like to send them to Bilstein for evaluation, but they keep sending me to IPD and IPD sends me to Bilstein...

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Nov 2018, 18:02

If they are black they are Tourings, if they are yellow they are HDs. Year of purchase doesn't matter.

Post by **clarkerussell** » 05 Nov 2018, 19:52

erikv11 wrote: ↑05 Nov 2018, 18:02 If they are black they are Tourings, if they are yellow they are HDs. Year of purchase doesn't matter.

Sorry, I meant to say they were yellow.

Silvershield82 · Post by **Silvershield82** » 10 Dec 2018, 21:43

I agree that the HD's are too stiff. If you're okay with that, then go for it. Bilstein shocks is a good product but it still depends on your preference. As for the springs, better to keep it as is unless you also want to do a mod on the suspension.