Bilstein B8 5100 Shock failure

Discussion in 'Renegade Modified Tech' started by IDreamInMeme, Jul 28, 2021.

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Have you ever had any issues with the Bilstein B8 5100's in combination with aftermarket springs?

  1. Yes

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  2. No

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  1. IDreamInMeme

    IDreamInMeme New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2021
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Bend, OR
    Hey folks! I'll try to make this short. I'm new and other than this, love my Renegade.
    Lift Components: Bilstein B8 5100 1" Lift Shocks, Eibach E30-51-018-01-22 1.7" Front 1.1" rear.

    I bought my 15 renegade in January. The previous owner installed the Eibach lifting springs, but when I got it the shocks were failing/leaking. I opted for the above mentioned shock, and for a few months everything was great. However on 7/14 after leaving my house (I live remote) I noticed the rear right didn't feel right and very suddenly heard a rubbing noise. I got out and inspected but could only tell that something was broken, as the wheel was leaning in at the top. I had to drive it home, less than 1/4 mile. Obviously severe damage occurred from the rubbing after the failure/on the drive home, but please note the nature of the failure. Here are some photos of when I initially noticed the shock leaking, and after the shock catastrophically failed.

    So begins the warranty claim. I bought the rear shocks through CARiD, So I got in contact and provided them with all of the pictures so far and even a video. After a few days I was made aware that Bilstein denied the warranty claim as the Eibach lifting springs are not compatible/voids warranty. Fair enough, and thankfully because they did not have this information listed on their website, CARiD refunded the purchase. Great.

    Now my concern was no longer about the warranty. I understand that they can't test for everything. However I was almost in an accident because of this, and so I contacted Bilstein directly. Here was our back and forth.

    So now I've got a few questions I guess for you guys. Has anyone here that has used this combination of components, or any other combination including the Bilstein shocks, ever ran into this kind of issue? Is the rear sway bar interfering and could have caused this? Nothing seems to bind, and from what I can tell there is more than enough travel. I'm just overall concerned with these now that my vehicle rides on 4 of them. I will be making a video detailing the failure as much as I can when I remove this one and install the replacement.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. IDoMy0wnRacing

    IDoMy0wnRacing Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Messages:
    700
    Location:
    Pioneer, California
    W E L C O M E ! ! ! to the forum.

    This sucks, and I am sorry that you have to go through this.

    Do a little research, you will find that the Bilstein B8 5100 are prone to failure on our Renegades.

    I went with the Bilstein B6 and didn't have any issues. They are built a little bit stronger, but they do not have a "Shock Lift" option.

    If I had the option, I would warrant them out and go with the B6 option. If you need or want a little bit more lift, you can still and the "Spacer Style" lift on top of the spring lift as long as you don't get too carried away.

    I went with the ATP 2" springs and the AVID 2.5" suspension lift without any issues (4" total lift).
     

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