Replace or Re-valve Bilsteins?

[echrisconnor]

I have Bilsteins of undetermined age in my car. In the past, I've read that you can send your shocks to Bilstein to have them re-valved for somewhere around $50. I assume (possibly wrongly) that in this process they re-charge them and give them a general overhaul.

If my shocks aren't leaking and appear in decent shape, would it be more economical to send them back to Bilstein for re-valving to the original or sport values, or should I just replace them? It looks like about $200 vs. $600 and I'm a cheap bastard.

[gumba]

Send them back and get them re-valved. They charged me $55.00 ea. and took about 2 weeks. Call Bilstein and talk with someone in service and they will explain what gets done.

[jmz]

Re-valve to match the torsion bars and rest of the suspension as well as how you drive/use the car. You might try contacting someone like Steve Weiner at Rennsport systems or Smart Racing Products.

[gumba]

I had Smart Racing re-valve the Bilstien's for my '73 track/street car.That cost was $85.00 p/shock. Smart Racing has a re-valve chart in their new catalog. I had Bilsein re-valve the front shocks on my '68 v.w. crewcab that charge was $55.00 ea.
'73 targa track/street
'73 S coupe
'03 Boxster
'68 v.w. crewcab w/2.4
'01 eurovan

[echrisconnor]

Does anyone know if re-valving does anything else to re-condition the shock (or if they need anything)? I know Bilsteins are good for "life" but is it a waste of money to have them re-valved when other seals etc, may fail in the near future?

[ischmitz]

I would be very interested in the details about what's being replaced and done during the revalving. Does someone have a contact for Bilstein. Where do you have to send the shocks?

I sort of wonder if there is a catch other than having two weeks of downtime....

Ingo

[Joeaksa]

Ingo,

http://www.bilstein.com/contact.html

They have an office in San Diego... very nice and easy to work with!

Joe

[RoninLB]

I follow shock threads because it seems that re-valving will make a Noticable improvement to my 21 & 27 springs, and Euro height, I think.. I'll probably contact Steve Weiner when the time comes and do whatever he says ..........Ron

[tops911]

I had my shocks revalved by Smart Racing, they actualy send them out to someone else to revalve them. The cost is only for revalving and nothing else. I payed extra to get new rubber bushings. Also send the shocks stripped, you wont get your parts back with out a lot of extra phone calls and delays. However I did get the parts for my shocks after about a month or so.

[skinnerd]

"Re-valving" is a pretty generic term. This could refer to just a standard rebuild "back-to-stock" or a custom valving set-up that meets a car's specific needs.

What Smart Racing and Steve Weiner can provide (perhaps over going directly to Bilstein) is suggested new valving that will meet your specific needs. I know Smart Racing has done a tremendous amount of testing, and they can make certain recommendations depending on the weight of your car, the modifications made to the suspension, etc. You get the benefit of their expertise. There was a recent article in Excellence dealing with this very topic: stock shocks vs. revalved shocks vs. external reservoir doubly adjustable units.

Sure you can send your shocks directly to Bilstein, but what are you going to ask for? I'm not sure they can tell you exactly the best way to revalve your shocks for your 2380 lb 73E that has 21mm fr/27mm rr torsion bars, such and such alignment, primarily used for auto-xing. Maybe they could, but I somehow doubt it. It makes more sense to me that one of these groups that specializes in Porsche 911 handling (like Smart Racing or Steve Weiner) could do a better job.

This is certainly IMO.

I plan to get a least one full set of Bilstein sport shocks revalved this winter by Smart Racing, and will likely look into their new external reservoir doubly adjustable shocks as well.

Good topic.

[ischmitz]

I just got off the phone with the manager at Bilstein. He seemed very knowledgeable and gave me recommendations for the valving specs based on my car type, weight, and T-bar setup. And he seemed to know what he was talking about.

I am sure lots of people did extensive testing and maybe there are better specs around somewhere. Still, over my unknown-age shocks the revalved units matched to the T-bar setup should be a tremendous improvement.

The revalving is 55$ per shock and includs all seals replaced. So we are essentially talking a full rebuilt here. Makes me wonder why you would want to buy new shocks at all. But on the other hand it’s a responsible way to deal with [my] resources: rebuild vs. replace. I like that (the cheap bastard I am)

Ingo

[Noel]

This is from Smart Racings website. It describes what is done during a "Revalve."

"Note that all revalving jobs include:
revalving the shock, replacing the
shaft bushing and scraper ring, new
piston ring and new oil and nitrogen."

Sounds like a rebuild to me.

Noel

[echrisconnor]

What was the name of the guy at Bilstein that you talked to? It would be great to give him a call about my car too. Did you get the sense that Bilstein also rebuilds the shock? I love posts were people actually take action. Thanks Ingo!

So, if you can have your old Bilsteins re-valved to custom specs for $85 or semi-custom specs for $55, why would anyone trash old ones and purchase new ones? It's an incredible deal.

[echrisconnor]

Does anyone have a contact at Bilstein that I can call? They've got so many departments I don't know where to start.

[ischmitz]

Call the San Diego office at their 800 number and ask for the revalving. They'll put you through to their service department. The guys' name is Jack French. Rerally nice fella.

ingo

[Kemo]

do they paint up the outside too?

[ischmitz]

If it makes the car go faster through corners.... I suppose.

Seriously, I duno and didn't ask.

[tops911]

Mine did not get painted. They came back just like I sent them.