This document provides essential mounting instructions for BILSTEIN B8 5160 Reservoir Shock Absorbers. It is crucial that installation is performed by a professional automotive suspension technician, as it requires specialized tools and expertise.
Safety First: Always use a chassis hoist and ensure the vehicle is securely supported. BILSTEIN shock absorbers are gas-filled and pressurized; never clamp, apply heat, or attempt to open them. Misuse or tampering voids the warranty and can lead to serious injury or death.
Installation Steps:
- Remove existing rear shocks following the vehicle manufacturer's service manual.
- Attach the reservoir bracket to the shock body using the supplied screws, applying non-permanent thread locker.
- Position reservoirs for left (driver) and right (passenger) sides, ensuring hoses do not rub.
- Temporarily hand-tighten fasteners for shock absorber ends.
- Lower the vehicle so its full weight is on the suspension before fully tightening fasteners.
- Tighten fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer's torque specifications.
- Check for dynamic interference between reservoirs and other vehicle components, making adjustments as needed.
- Finalize installation by tightening reservoir bracket screws to approximately 6 ± 1 ft-lb (8 ± 1 Nm).
Important Considerations:
- BILSTEIN products must be used only for their intended application.
- When replacing other brands, install BILSTEIN components as a complete set.
- Reuse original equipment components only if in good condition; otherwise, replace them.
- Ensure suspension caster, camber, brake compensator, ABS, and headlight aim are checked and adjusted post-installation.
- For coilover suspensions, follow the vehicle manufacturer's service manual for disassembly procedures, especially regarding preloaded springs.
- Verify compatibility with any non-BILSTEIN aftermarket parts or vehicle modifications.
