How do I know if I need new Bilstiens?

[twobone]

My 81SC car has 128,000 miles on the original green bilsteins.

Have a look at these autocross pics....Does the corner lean imply a need to do a shock replacement? Does mileage alone suggest a refresh?

[gr8fl4porsche]

24 years and 128,000 miles - thats a lot to ask for shocks.

Changed mine at 85,000 miles and 16 years - made the Targa feel like a new car.

Also lowered, aligned, turbo tie rods, new tires and lots of other maintenance at the same time.

[87coupe]

I'm no expert, but your car does seem to be exhibiting some serious lean. Does your car seem to bounce when you go over a big bump, or does it absorb the bump without a lot of rebound?

[real550A]

The "lean" you refer to is more related to torsion bar size than it is to shocks. Shock absorbers do just what the name implies, dampen shock.
They do not carry any weight or control body roll. That's the function of the torsion and sway bars.
Maybe some front 23's in your future?

[drsimonwong]

Push down on the corners of the car and see how quickly it settles on rebound. Jiggling means you need new shocks.

I had mine replaced at the same milage. Both back had blown and leaked all over the place. Wasn't obvious when driving on the road.

24 year on the same shocks....don't go to 25!

Simon

[lateapex911]

yea...it's a no brainer after 25 years!

The lean isn't due to the shocks, more correctly called dampers...they dampen the spring ocillations. (sp?) Dampers CAN be tuned to slow transient weight transfer and lean, but ultimately the actual lean angle is a function of the sway bars and T bars.

If you will autocross the car, the adjustablility of the dampers can be a huge advantage. If your club allows adjustable dampers in your class, look at dampers like the Advance Design (Ground Control in the NW) double adjustable versions. As high end dampers go, they are cheap, but do the job nicely.

Or, just replace with the standard Bilsteins, or step up to the adjustable (single) Konis.