Bilstein life expectancy

[pajtastic]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and have recently bought an NW. It has the lifted Bilstein/Lovell setup, put on when the car was near new, approximately 100,000 km ago.

This is a popular combo which has been around for a few years now so I'm sure there are others here with ageing Bilsteins too. How have yours held up over time? I'd like to get a general sense for how much effective life these have (assuming standard use - mostly urban/commuting, occasional light off roading/towing). I haven't driven a similar Pajero, nor one with factory suspension, so I haven't got anything to compare it to. I wonder if my shockies best days are behind them. Cheers

[Matty_P]

Ive got the same blue n yellow setup with approx 75000kms and still going strong..

[psproule]

Had Bilstiens and Kings in the NP that did over 200,000km including 2 desert trips. I changed out the Billies only because they were old, not because they failed or felt off. Having said that, some users have had the boots disintgrate.

[Phil]

Had one rear fail with 20K on it max. 10K of that was Cape York.
Replaced both rears with new ones no probs for the last 30K.

Shopping runs and light work should see them last for a long time.

I'll go Dobinsons with remote cans next time.

[JoshF]

I had my Bilstein legs and trakryder springs done in early 2008, in the first 10 000km

All the usual assortments of trips local and weekend camping, loaded to the gills and light round town etc

Flinders Ranges, Simspson Desert and further, Cape York were the long trips over 2010/11/12. Had a leak in one rear shock in 2012 and replaced the pair. That was about 120,000km I think. Fronts are still the original pair now at 185 000km

[pajtastic]

Thanks! So far it sounds like they ought to have a fair bit of life left.

Mine have the concertina style boots which happily have no tears/splits in them.