Can the seals be replaced by an average joe? These have been revalved if that makes a difference. I am assuming the shaft isnt damaged and it is just a seal.

 

Everything in it should be serviceable if it has a schrader valve. Take it apart and see. Post pics, too.

 

I assume the round metal piece that holds the seals/wipers is threaded into the shock body? There isn't anything to grab a hold of except two very tiny slits maybe a 1/4" along the circumference. Grab this with some channel locks? I can see this not ending well.

I wish Shaikh would respond. Ugh

 

No. Did you drill out the nitrogen chamber with the tap drill for your shrader valve? That is step 1. Then IIRC you need to compress that silver cap that the shock rod goes though in order to get to the snap ring that holds it in place. And that ring is a major kunt to get out. If you dont release the gas pressure and somehow get the cap off you're going to have a bad ******* day.

 

These are already tapped and Shrader valved. So the nitrogen chamber is separate from the oil? Meaning if I release the pressure from the shrader, just the nitrogen is released and no oil?

 

It will relieve the pressure in the system so that when you remove the cap whatever fluid is left won't go spraying everywhere

 

Does anyone know if FCM's use standard Bilstein oil or something completely different altogether? I can probably source the replacement seals/wipes. I am concerned that I will get it apart and realize it is low on oil.

I am going to inspect the shaft today. It makes no sense why these have gone bad already with the reputation Bilstein has (and FCM for that matter).

 

I think I recall reading somewhere that he uses Amsoil shock oil. Apparently the Bilstein stuff isn't particularly good.

Bilstein shocks are durable, but I don't think anyone has ever claimed that they're indestructible.

 

Would you consider 3k miles acceptable?

This all would be a non issue if FCM would respond to my emails. I described my problem and was given an incorrect diagnosis. Further emails have resulted in no responses. I would think two weeks is more than enough time to respond.

 

Steve,


This video may give you some idea/tips on how to put new seals in your Bilstein shocks.

But... I've never opened a shock before, so I don't know how relevant the video might be.

 

Thanks joe, i watched that yesterday. Probably similar in construction to mine.

Looks like amsoil makes two different shock fluids, so i have a 50% chance of getting that correct. Been pricing out the equipment for filling with nitrogen so i can rebuild in the future.