Workshop Tip #4: Suspension components – more than just shock absorbers and springs

In our “Suspension fundamentals – powered by BILSTEIN Academy” column, the experts from the BILSTEIN Academy regularly provide you with valuable practical tips. In the latest episode, Rainer Popiol (Head of BILSTEIN ACADEMY) and Mustafa Yavuz from BILSTEIN Technical Support focus on suspension components that are often literally overshadowed by shock absorbers and springs – and yet are extremely important. The two suspension professionals explain why in this episode.

Automotive professionals can also look forward to a little something in this episode.

When we talk about the suspension of a car, we usually only talk about shock absorbers and springs. However, suspension components such as the strut bearing, the dust boot and the pressure stop are just as important. And quite a few of these components should always be replaced when shock absorbers are exchanged.

Regularly check suspension components such as wishbones, coupling rods and tie rods

To ensure driving safety and comfort, all suspension components must be checked regularly. For example, during the suspension check, but at the latest when shock absorbers need to be replaced. Like the strut bearing, for example.

“The strut bearing is the link between the suspension and the chassis on the vehicle, which also enables the rotational movement of a McPherson strut”, explains Mustafa Yavuz, who is responsible for technical support for workshops at BILSTEIN Technical Support. Other add-on parts such as the coupling rods and stabilisers, the wishbones, tie rod ends and track rods also need to be checked, as they ensure the correct axle geometry.

When replacing the shock absorber, also replace the dust boot and the pressure stops

Whenever shock absorbers are replaced, the dust boot and the pressure stop should also be exchanged. For good reason – after all, they fulfil important tasks in the “suspension system”, as Mustafa Yavuz explains. “The dust boot has the task of protecting the shock absorber, the piston rod as well as the locking package from stone chipping. The compression buffer limits the travel of the spring so that the components are protected and the free movement of the wheel is ensured.”

Once it has been determined which parts are needed, an initial look at the online catalogue is a good idea, as Rainer Popiol recommends. “I can make an initial pre-selection here and then also see what information is stored: Is there a normal standard replacement damper, is there perhaps the BILSTEIN B6, the high-performance damper, which we have tested again specifically in the road test? And also important: Which add-on parts do I require? It’s all in this online catalogue.” The parts can then be ordered from the dealer or wholesaler. Incidentally, all standard spare parts from BILSTEIN always offer the same fit as the OE parts.

Ordering and installing suspension components is easy

When it comes to installing suspension components, it is always important to us at BILSTEIN that the process runs smoothly in the workshop. Our focus is on the installation instructions. “If we find that the vehicle manufacturer’s installation instructions cause problems, we make our own assembly instructions and also provide further information such as videos”, states Rainer Popiol.