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Bilstein 5100 Seepage/Leaking/Hydraulic Fluid Fountain

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by NMW 4x4, Feb 24, 2016.

?

Do your 5100's leak fluid?

  1. Yes, a little

    23.8%
  2. Yes, a lot

    52.4%
  3. No

    23.8%
  1. Feb 24, 2016 at 7:43 AM
    #1
    NMW 4x4

    NMW 4x4 [OP] Wheels With Moose.

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Walt
    Nine Mile, Maine
    Vehicle:
    '15 Access Cab SR5 4x4
    OME 885's w/5100's, Wheeler's HD Progressive, Firestone Riderite's.
    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:

    CD4B453E-61A0-4657-8A83-6D555BD61F8D_zps_f41e5ea0f31d3b512022ebc9ae01ec48742b4eae.jpg


    Passenger side:

    FEC4F835-244B-4356-8A47-C000B2603494_zps_0e58e4b8fab0f62a47987417cba3e4a5aeb07f7c.jpg


    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:

    D330E3E0-C8BD-441B-9504-F9789CDED3F5_zps_937a2312d2b673e658109d4c17ff587dea95a987.jpg

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

    Has anyone else had issues with this?
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2016
  2. Feb 24, 2016 at 7:50 AM
    #2
    wobble

    wobble Well-Known Member

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    Ridgefield, WA
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    Modified RCD Lift, 315/70R17 STT Pros
    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.
     
  3. Feb 24, 2016 at 7:52 AM
    #3
    NMW 4x4

    NMW 4x4 [OP] Wheels With Moose.

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    Nine Mile, Maine
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    OME 885's w/5100's, Wheeler's HD Progressive, Firestone Riderite's.
    No kidding? Wow, it obviously is a problem then.

    How did you go about getting them replaced?
     
  4. Feb 24, 2016 at 7:54 AM
    #4
    wobble

    wobble Well-Known Member

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    Modified RCD Lift, 315/70R17 STT Pros
    On my previous truck I bought OEM and threw the 5100s away. On my current truck I just ordered new ones.
     
  5. Feb 24, 2016 at 7:56 AM
    #5
    NMW 4x4

    NMW 4x4 [OP] Wheels With Moose.

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    First Name:
    Walt
    Nine Mile, Maine
    Vehicle:
    '15 Access Cab SR5 4x4
    OME 885's w/5100's, Wheeler's HD Progressive, Firestone Riderite's.
    Oh, gotcha. I'm thinking I may end up going with OME. We'll see what Bilstein says.
     
  6. Feb 24, 2016 at 9:16 AM
    #6
    MtnClimber

    MtnClimber Well-Known Member

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    Jareb
    Wayne, Maine
    Vehicle:
    01 DC
    OME suspension, STT Pro's, TG sliders, XRC 10K winch, RAT skids, ARB stuff, Tepui stuff, Midland stuff, TRD stuff
    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..

    20151006_124404_zps66cmkgir_6a69d55d6aa68d3fc7ffbce700cf588ed6b952a8.jpg
    20151014_094719_zpsc2btcuwz_614ead8aeef6a0878a86fde19d6962a3829f14f2.jpg
    20151006_124338_zpshkvc0fqu_7202ac7a80fd8d629aa48418393aa342df7d93c9.jpg

    (2001 Tacoma, DCSB)
     
  7. Feb 24, 2016 at 9:27 AM
    #7
    hobiesan

    hobiesan Well-Known Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 TRD Sport DCLB 4x4
    ARE Cap with removable plywood bed/shelf, Bilstein 5100s, LED DTRL, Satoshi Grill, TRD Black Alloy Wheels, Goodyear Duratrac Tires
    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.
     
  8. Feb 24, 2016 at 9:35 AM
    #8
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Largo Florida
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    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    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.
     
  9. Feb 24, 2016 at 10:19 AM
    #9
    NMW 4x4

    NMW 4x4 [OP] Wheels With Moose.

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    Walt
    Nine Mile, Maine
    Vehicle:
    '15 Access Cab SR5 4x4
    OME 885's w/5100's, Wheeler's HD Progressive, Firestone Riderite's.
    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.
     
  10. Feb 24, 2016 at 10:25 AM
    #10
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    '13 5 lug AC w/convenience package
    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    Think I'd do the same.

    That's not much. Certainly not 'excessive wear'.
     
  11. Feb 24, 2016 at 10:31 AM
    #11
    wobble

    wobble Well-Known Member

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    Ridgefield, WA
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    Modified RCD Lift, 315/70R17 STT Pros
    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.
     
    MtnClimber likes this.
  12. Feb 24, 2016 at 10:32 AM
    #12
    NMW 4x4

    NMW 4x4 [OP] Wheels With Moose.

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    Walt
    Nine Mile, Maine
    Vehicle:
    '15 Access Cab SR5 4x4
    OME 885's w/5100's, Wheeler's HD Progressive, Firestone Riderite's.
    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: 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.


    cleardot_5775751554b4fd6f8172625de45830fd64ce86de.gif


    cleardot_5775751554b4fd6f8172625de45830fd64ce86de.gif
     
    Clearwater Bill likes this.
  13. Feb 24, 2016 at 10:35 AM
    #13
    MtnClimber

    MtnClimber Well-Known Member

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    Wayne, Maine
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    01 DC
    OME suspension, STT Pro's, TG sliders, XRC 10K winch, RAT skids, ARB stuff, Tepui stuff, Midland stuff, TRD stuff
    Sounds to me like that's an easy way for Bilstein to sell more shocks and keep the old ones for future deniability....
     
  14. Feb 24, 2016 at 10:37 AM
    #14
    NMW 4x4

    NMW 4x4 [OP] Wheels With Moose.

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    Walt
    Nine Mile, Maine
    Vehicle:
    '15 Access Cab SR5 4x4
    OME 885's w/5100's, Wheeler's HD Progressive, Firestone Riderite's.
    My thoughts exactly.
     
  15. Feb 24, 2016 at 1:29 PM
    #15
    hobiesan

    hobiesan Well-Known Member

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    Vehicle:
    2009 TRD Sport DCLB 4x4
    ARE Cap with removable plywood bed/shelf, Bilstein 5100s, LED DTRL, Satoshi Grill, TRD Black Alloy Wheels, Goodyear Duratrac Tires
    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.
     
  16. Feb 24, 2016 at 1:32 PM
    #16
    hobiesan

    hobiesan Well-Known Member

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    ARE Cap with removable plywood bed/shelf, Bilstein 5100s, LED DTRL, Satoshi Grill, TRD Black Alloy Wheels, Goodyear Duratrac Tires
    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.
     
  17. Feb 24, 2016 at 1:34 PM
    #17
    MtnClimber

    MtnClimber Well-Known Member

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    OME suspension, STT Pro's, TG sliders, XRC 10K winch, RAT skids, ARB stuff, Tepui stuff, Midland stuff, TRD stuff
    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.
     
  18. Feb 24, 2016 at 1:41 PM
    #18
    wobble

    wobble Well-Known Member

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    Modified RCD Lift, 315/70R17 STT Pros
    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.
     
  19. Feb 24, 2016 at 1:49 PM
    #19
    NMW 4x4

    NMW 4x4 [OP] Wheels With Moose.

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    Nine Mile, Maine
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    '15 Access Cab SR5 4x4
    OME 885's w/5100's, Wheeler's HD Progressive, Firestone Riderite's.
    That is a good idea.
     
  20. Feb 24, 2016 at 3:10 PM
    #20
    MtnClimber

    MtnClimber Well-Known Member

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    OME suspension, STT Pro's, TG sliders, XRC 10K winch, RAT skids, ARB stuff, Tepui stuff, Midland stuff, TRD stuff
    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."
     
    NMW 4x4[OP] likes this.

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