Rear 5100s blown

How many of you guys have had a blown 5100? Both my rear shocks are leaking oil all the way down the shaft after 8 months of street use. I’ve already contacted DSM where I bought the shocks from last spring. How bad is it to ride on 2 blown shocks?

 

I had heard that the 5100's are susceptible to blowning out, I use the 4600 model and have yet had a blow out front and rears

 

Had mine for about 3 years and I've put them through moderate washboards and still holding up fine. Don't they have a lifetime warranty?

 

I had the stock 4600s on for the last 10 years no issues.

 

Yes they do. Ordered a new set from DSM.

 

I think with the warranty you would have to buy a new set install, then send back the leakers for reimbursement

 

im sticking with what works 4600s no blow outs on 3 different trucks, although you lucked out having the rears go cause they are really easy to replace, whereas the front struts are a different story with the coilovers and then u need to get a new front alignment if they go out

 

Yeah that’s what I did

 

Would removing the boots cause the shocks to leak oil?

 

no, they just protect the chrome piston from mud/debris that's it

 

Yes. The debris will destroy the seal which will then cause leaking. My boots keep coming off. Every other week or so I go back in to re attach them.

 

one of my rear boots is not position right that sleeve well but has been hanging on for almost a year, I would probably have to remove the shock to position on the sleeve better, I kind of let it slide when I installed the rear shock

 

Depending on the type of driving you do it can eat through seals quickly or take a long time. My truck is in sand A LOT and trails semi often. That's my main concern.

 

there are those aftermarket shock boots that zip tie the bottom might be a good option.

 

I’ve read a lot of posts about guys taking the boots off with no probs. I’m guessing I should have left em on? I’m also guessing there’s no point in sending the damaged shocks into bilstein for a warranty claim cuz they’ll prob just deny it?

 

They need to make the damn boots longer.

 

I really don’t see how the boots do anything to begin with. Dirt and water are still going to get under them. We’ll see how a new set of 5100s fairs with the boots left on. So I’m going to ask again is it worth my time and money spent shipping the old shocks to bilstein having took the old boots off? Does that automatically void the warranty?

 

of course its worth it, put boots back on and send them back and get some cash back

 

Don’t have the boots. All I’m saying is if they’re going to deny my warranty then I’m not going to waste money to ship em back.

 

where the boots go?