Bilstein 5100 Seepage/Leaking/Hydraulic Fluid Fountain

So, I took my truck in for inspection the other day. Failed because the rear 5100's are leaking fluid, which is grounds for a failed inspection in Maine.

However, according to Bilstein, fluid seepage from the shocks is considered "normal" and is not grounds from replacement under warranty.

Part of me is temped to take a can of brake cleaner to the shocks and immediately go for inspection. But, that doesn't solve the real problem at hand.

Edit: Shocks are 5 months old. 12k miles.

Here's some pictures of the shocks.

Driver's side:




Passenger side:




It goes without saying that I would like some replacement, non-leaking shocks so I can get my truck inspected. However, this is straight from Bilstein's Warrany Page:



I'll be contacting Bilstein on the matter and will post up my results.

Has anyone else had issues with this?

 

That happened to my 5100s on my previous truck and with my B110 5100s on my current truck. Mine have lost so much fluid they stick when extended. Makes the truck look pretty funny. I just received my new set. I recommend replacing them with OME. That's what I did on my previous truck and it solved the problem. I also thought the OMEs gave a better ride.

 

No kidding? Wow, it obviously is a problem then.

How did you go about getting them replaced?

 

On my previous truck I bought OEM and threw the 5100s away. On my current truck I just ordered new ones.

 

Oh, gotcha. I'm thinking I may end up going with OME. We'll see what Bilstein says.

 

Mine have been leaking since October of 2015 and Tanner at ToyTec says "it's normal" and that Bilstein will not warranty them. I could, however, mail my shocks to ToyTec (on my dime), and they'll send them to Bilstein for them to evaluate. More than likely they will not, according to Tanner.
In the meantime, I'd have no rear shocks for who knows how long, and spent money to "send them away"...

I've recently contacted Tanner, again, to see what ToyTec can do to help in my situation. I've always enjoyed my Billies but am now losing faith in them and in ToyTec for not offering a btter solution when Northeast Overland has been promoting them and continuously pumping business to them...

Not nearly as bad as Walt's but still not good..





(2001 Tacoma, DCSB)

 

I just put 5100s on mine this past weekend. I wish I had seen this before I ordered them. I would have gone with Old Man Emu and been done with it. I don't buy Bilstein's argument that leaking shocks is "perfectly" normal. Does the leaking ever stop? If not, sooner or later the thing is going to run out of fluid. That little adjustable snap ring on the front shock also worries me, with full weight of the font end resting on it. I suppose if no one has ever had them fail, then I shouldn't worry about it....

I'll post up if mine ever start leaking. We'll see how long it takes.

 

I'll wager the wettest one is blown, the other one 'normal' (not that I like normal)

That will fall in their 'normal' rating IMHO.

To the OP, if you clean them up and go to inspection, pass or fail will be based on the savvy of the inspector. IE if I looked at your previous failed inspection and saw rear shocks, I'd know right away you didn't have new ones. So are you going to tell me you just put on some used ones you had lying around?

Since the one side is pretty clearly done for, I'd recommend ordering up some new ones and just getting it over with.

It's a shame stuff with a 'big name' doesn't last longer, but I'm curious how many miles / years are on them, and what kinds of loads you may regularly carry.

 

I'm going to replace them with OME shocks. My conversation with Bilstein has convinced me of that. I'll be posting that up soon.

These shocks are 5 months old, have 12k miles on them. I edited the OP to include this information.

They've seen a lot of gravel road use, but nothing crazy. The heaviest load they've carried has been my truck fully loaded for overlanding, which includes my Leer cap, Tepui RTT, and ~500lbs. of gear. So, ~900 lbs. over an empty bed.

 

Think I'd do the same.

That's not much. Certainly not 'excessive wear'.

 

I ran my OMEs for a year. I then sold my entire OME lift setup to a buddy two years ago. Lots of flexing in the snow/logging roads and hauling firewood during the three years. No problems. No leaks. I think you'll be pleased with them.

 

A summary of my conversation with Lisa, Warranty Supervisor for Bilstein US:

Me:
"Good morning,

I have a 2015 Toyota Tacoma and currently have your 5100 shocks on all
four corners.

I took my truck in for a Maine State Inspection yesterday, and failed
solely because both rear 5100's are leaking fluid. I've attached
pictures of the shocks.

As you can see, the driver's side obviously has a serious seepage
problem, and the passenger side is just starting to leak.

I've seen your warranty page and have read that seepage of fluid is
not grounds for replacement under warranty. My question is, with this
amount of fluid leaking, aren't the shocks eventually going to get to
a point of having a shortage of fluid left in them?

A summary of the matter at hand is:
-My Bilstein shocks are leaking fluid
-According to your website leakage is not ground for replacement
-I can't get my vehicle inspected solely because of your product

So, given the situation, what do you recommend I do?

I've had OEM and aftermarket Bilstein shocks on many of my vehicles in
the past. I've never been disappointed with your product before, and
would like to continue to do business with Bilstein in the future.

The point of the matter is, I would really like some new shocks so I
can get my vehicle inspected. What can you do for me?"

Lisa:
"Hi Walt,

Sorry to hear you're having an issue with your shocks. The one shock does appear to be leaking more than normal. The other side is a little more difficult to confirm. Can you please obtain the part numbers off your shocks and also a copy of your original proof of purchase? I've also attached a copy of the available warranty option for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you."

Me:
"Hi, Lisa.

The part number for the rear shocks is:

$104 24-186728 5100 Series Rear Shock fits 2005 2023 Tacoma 4WD with 0-1" Lift - Monotube Design, Fade Free Performance, Optimal Performance

24-186728

I've attached a copy of my original proof of purchase.

I've reviewed the warranty policy. Am I correct in understanding that
in order for the shocks to be replaced under warranty, I'll have to
send them to the supplier I originally purchased them from, who will
then send them to your warranty claims department, where they will be
tested to see whether or not they meet criteria for replacement?

Meanwhile, I have no rear shocks on my vehicle because they've been
sent back. Also, after March 1st my only vehicle will be illegal to
operate on the road anyways because the state inspection is overdue
because it failed inspection due to my leaking Bilstein shocks. Am I
understanding the situation correctly?"

Lisa:
"Hi Walt,

Downsouth Motorsports is not a direct distributor so you would process the claim directly with Bilstein (me). Please review Option #3 as I believe this will be the best way to proceed. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you."


Here is Option #3:

"3) The Bilstein Deposit/Replacement program, ideal when you need a replacement prior to product evaluation. This option may not be available for PSS, PSS9 or PSS10 kits due to a lack of individual replacement components. PSS, PSS9 or PSS10 kits and components may be subject to evaluation and repair only.



You will be asked to supply Bilstein with a copy of your original proof of purchase, your shipping address and payment information for the deposit price of the replacement product(s) and outbound shipping. When shipping internationally; brokerage fees, duties and taxes are not covered by the warranty.


Once the replacement product has been installed, return the suspect product to Bilstein along with a copy of both your original proof of purchase and the packing slip received with your replacement product(s). If, upon inspection, the product is found to be defective, the deposit price including the one-way shipping will be applied back to your account. If the product tests with in Bilstein’s specifications or the warranty is denied, your deposit will be retained and your product returned at your request/expense. Please be aware that wear & tear is not considered to be a defect and is not covered by the warranty."


Summary:
-Pay deposit for new shocks.
-Receive new shocks.
-Send your old ones back.
-They "test" them, and if they're found defective, they return your deposit. If not, they keep your deposit, and you just paid for new Bilstein shocks. Oh, and if you decide you want your original shocks back, you pay to have them shipped back to you.


Conclusion:
-I'll be ordering OME shocks in the near future.

 

Sounds to me like that's an easy way for Bilstein to sell more shocks and keep the old ones for future deniability....

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

My buddie suggested I hang on to my old shocks in case I ever have to send the new ones back for repair. Good advice from him.

 

wobble, just curious why you sold off your OME lift. Did you have any issues with it? My bud has had his OME kit on his 1st gen for a long time...seems to be happy with it. But something on his chasis squeaks on every little ripple in the road. I assume it is the leaf pack.

 

I bet it's his bed bolts/mounts. My 01 DCSB does it too. Did it with the stock suspension and with the ToyTec Boss suspension.

 

I was trading the truck in. My buddy wanted it and dealer wouldn't give me any more value with the lift. It was a quality lift, but I knew I wanted more lift on my new truck. Too much hassle trying to fit 33s on a 3" lift.

My OME Dakars I have now squeaked quite a bit when I got them. Drove me nuts. I got some poly bushings from wheelers. Haven't had a squeak since. That was a year ago.

 

That is a good idea.

 

A good friend noted this on Northeast Overland:

"Understanding that shocks may WEEP a little here and there, and they are a wearable item, it still doesn't negate the fact that the shock should hold up to normal wear and tear. As has already been discussed in length, the shock will eventually lose all of it fluid and no longer fit the definition of shock. This in combination with the fact that it will also produce additional pressures and wear on other components.

The tough part with Bilstein is that they are great riding shocks and I think they figure that this is what they can hang their hat on and get by with. I'm not sure there is another shock in this price point that gives you the ride quality they have."