BILSTEIN E4-WM5-Y449A00 Mounting Instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS FIRST!

If in doubt, please contact your local BILSTEIN dealer or our sales department before installation.

• When replacing other brands, BILSTEIN shock absorbers should always be installed as a set.
• Installation of shock absorbers, struts, and cartridges requires special tools and expert knowledge. Accordingly, installation of all BILSTEIN products must be performed by a qualified suspension specialist.
• Always use a chassis hoist for the installation of BILSTEIN products, and make certain that the raised vehicle is securely attached to the hoist to prevent the vehicle from slipping, falling, or moving during the installation process.
• Risk of Serious Injury or Death: If you choose to install any BILSTEIN product without the necessary special tools, expertise, or chassis hoist, you may subject yourself to the risk of serious bodily injury or death. If you elect not to use a chassis hoist, at least make sure the vehicle is on level ground, that all tires on the ground during installation are blocked to prevent movement, that at least two tires are on the ground at all times, and that adequately secured safety stands (jack stands) are used to support the chassis. NEVER get under the vehicle until you have checked to make sure all of these things are done.
• All BILSTEIN products must only be used for the specific, intended application as indicated in the application guide. Any use of any BILSTEIN product other than for its intended use may result in serious bodily injury or death.
• BILSTEIN suspension products are gas-filled and are highly pressurized. WARNING: Never place any BILSTEIN product in a vise or use a clamp on any BILSTEIN product; never apply heat near any BILSTEIN product, and never attempt to open or repair any BILSTEIN product, in order to prevent serious bodily injury or death. Any attempt to misuse, misapply, modify, or tamper with any BILSTEIN suspension product voids any warranty and may result in serious bodily injury or death.
• Do not use impact tools for loosening or tightening fasteners, because this may destroy the screw threads.
• Self-locking nuts must only be used once!
• Reuse original equipment components only if they are in good condition, otherwise replace them with new components. Never remove the slight film of oil on the piston rod and seal.
• All mounting fasteners for shocks and struts must be securely tightened before tension is placed on the suspension system.
• After installing any BILSTEIN product, the suspension caster and camber must be checked and/or adjusted to comply with the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Also, the (load dependent) brake compensator and the anti-lock brake system must be checked and/or reset to comply with the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Also, the headlight aim must be checked and adjusted.
• Be sure to properly dispose of all old parts.

Product Description

BILSTEIN 4600/5100 Series Shock Absorbers are designed to fit your vehicle's original shock mounts with no modifications. The 4600/5100 Series shocks are installed in the same manner as a standard replacement shock.

Shock Installation Procedure

1. Remove the existing shocks from the vehicle following all procedures in the vehicle manufacturer's service manual. Note that removing inner fender wells will simplify installation.
2. Slide BILSTEIN boot with boot adapter over stem until it's seated securely (4600 series).
3. Using the supplied stem mounting hardware, install the lower washer, sleeve, and bushing on the shock stem. Then install the BILSTEIN Shock Absorber in the original location and attach the lower mount. Refer to Figure 1 for the proper order of installation of the stem hardware.
4. Install the upper bushing, washer, and nut. If a chassis hoist has been used, be sure to lower the vehicle such that its full weight is on the suspension prior to fully tightening the fasteners.
5. Tighten the lower mount fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer's service manual torque specification. Tighten the locknut on the stem until it bottoms out.

Figure 1: Shock Absorber Assembly Components Diagram

The diagram illustrates the components and their order of assembly for a BILSTEIN shock absorber installation. It shows a vertical stem extending upwards from the shock absorber body. Moving up the stem, the components are:

• M12 locknut
• Upper bushing
• Upper washer
• Shock tower (vehicle component)
• Sleeve
• Stem
• Lower bushing
• Lower washer
• Boot adapter
• Boot