bilstein 5100 install: boot question

First, I just wanted to thank Chris4x4 and the other guys on here who have done how-to write ups for the bilstein 5100 install. All the pictures and directions were extremely helpful. Now here's my question:

I just installed my 5100's today and after I got everything together, I noticed the dust boot that covers the shaft of the strut is just laying/hanging on top of the shock body (with the entire strut shaft exposed).

It's only on 1 side though. The other side is fine...the boot is attached at the top and hangs down, covering the strut.

I tried sliding it back up to the top and pressing/turning, etc...but it won't stay up.

Anything I can do about this? What is supposed to keep it attached up top?

Whatever you do, don't tell me I have to take everything apart again!

 

after researching a bit, i'm thinking maybe i installed that side wrong. can anyone confirm?

 

Pics would be very helpful.

 

when you put it in it just has to be like snapped up there but not really i have the same problem and it bothered me till i realized that it was too much trouble to look at but if i get time tomorrow ill see if i can figure it and post it up here

 

thanks easy, and i'll try to get some pics up tomorrow S.B. so you can see what i'm talking about.

basically, on one of my shocks, the boot just slides down the shaft and sits atop the shock body leaving the whole strut shaft exposed.

i was thinking maybe i put the boot into the assembly in the wrong order...like i should have put it in atop a washer or something...but i don't know.

 

Maybe a zip tie could fix it? IDK but worth a shot IMO.

 

Did you get this fixed yet? i just installed mine and theres a little metal collar inside the top of the boot and if it popped out or off before you noticed it missing then it would do what your saying. I pulled down on it hard before installing and pulled it right out of the boot then pushed it back in.

 

I called bilstein and explained the problem and they are sending me some parts (probably that little metal collar you're talking about). I think she called it a washer or bushing or something.

Sheppy, since you are familiar w/ the part... does it look like this is something i'd have to take the shock assembly apart to replace/fix? I mean, am i going to have to go rent the spring compressors, and all that again? Or is there a way to just snap it back in or something?

I took some pictures today...getting ready to head out of town but i'll try to get them up tonight or tomorrow.

thanks for the help

 

I dont know anything about the boot sliding down, but can answer your last question. I did my 5100 install last weekend. When we had one side mounted and everything put back together I realized the boot was still in teh box. In order to put it on you will have to take the coilover off and use the compressor to take the shock off. Fix the boot and put it all back together. So it took about three seconds for me to decide to leave it off. I dont see it doing much in the way of protecting anyways. It doesnt seal around the shaft. I could be wrong though.

 

Ive had mine off since i bought them and have had no problems. Dont need it anyway!

 

i've already gotten the info i needed, but i thought these photos might help someone else in the future.

the top picture is what it SHOULD look like:


the 2nd picture is what it DOES look like:


Last picture is of the very top of the boot. You can see what looks like the mechanism that is supposed to hold it up on the collar.

 

just realized this same problem. do you happen to remember where you contacted bilstein at?

 

@ds46000
Will you repost those images you shared with us back in 2011?

 

Sorry I do not still have those pictures @BenevolentMachination

 

Seems a lot of people opt to cut the boot off anyways, the thought being it doesn’t do any good and just gets bound into funny angles and, if anything, holds moisture and debris in it since it’s not sealed. I’ve considered cutting my boots off but it’s never topped my priority list.

 

Did you ever fix the boot sliding down? How?

Spoiler: Off-Topic Rant

The thing that bugs me is WheelersOffroad claims the D558 has a heavy duty wiper whereas the 24-249928 has a plastic boot. Just what does that mean? They otherwise claim

This should mean that the seals are identical; so a "heavy duty boot" is just a glorified dust cover.
When it comes to tie rod ends and ball joints, though, we'd never read someone claiming, "It's just a boot, I don't need it."
But what do I know?

 

I’d advise against cutting the boots off. Mine started leaking 8 months after I removed the boots. Bilstein will not warranty the shocks once you cut the boots off.