Bilstein 5100 Issue

[USMC1188]

I replaced all 4 shocks and sway bar links on my truck last fall (2013). I used Bilstein 5100s and the beefy BD Sway bar links. They were awesome, I loved the results.

Well.. I went today to install a leveling kit I got for Christmas, and both of my front shocks are shot. The both look like they had been leaking, and both would compress a lot easier than they should after such a short time. The passenger side was the worst, I could compress it with a couple fingers, whereas the drivers side still took a little effort. I only drive my truck about 200 miles a week, so it doesn't get out a whole lot.

Has anyone experienced any issues like this?

I ordered all the parts from XDP, so I emailed them today to see if they had any ideas as well.

Here's some pics:
Brand new:



As of earlier today:
Passenger side:



Drivers side:


And of course, for all you picture ******, here's my truck before, during, and after the level.

 

[usaf2006]

Must have taken a beating holding up that big CTD.

 

[Burla]

Contact bilstien, maybe they will replace? Is that oily? Road grime? Does the stabilzer look clean still? They where still working good? I guess if you can compress with two fingers you are right, they are leaking. That is way too early, I say manufacturer defect, it happens.

nice truck there partner

 

[blackbeautyhemi]

Doesn't bilstein have a lifetime warranty?

 

[USMC1188]

Must have taken a beating holding up that big CTD.

These shocks are made specifically for this truck, so they should be built to handle it.

Contact bilstien, maybe they will replace? Is that oily? Road grime? Does the stabilzer look clean still? They where still working good? I guess if you can compress with two fingers you are right, they are leaking. That is way too early, I say manufacturer defect, it happens.

nice truck there partner

It's not just road grime. The stabilizer and rear shocks still look good.

Doesn't bilstein have a lifetime warranty?

I believe so. I contacted XDP to find out my next steps and see what I need to do.

 

[Stangshcky12]

Any ideas of how many miles you put on them

We're you able to pull the drivers side shock out with the shock tower stil attached like you have shown in your passenger side picture?

 

[USMC1188]

Maybe 15k-20k? Not 100% sure

No sir, there is WAY too much stuff in the way to get it out with the tower still attached. I just simply popped the tower loose, moved it aside and the shock will pull right out.

 

[Stangshcky12]

When I was putting my new springs in the nut on top of the drivers shock seized halfway up the threads and then I rounded it off
I was able to get the springs in by unbolting the tower and having a friend pull the shock out as far as he could but he wasn't able to actually get it out though
I was hoping you got it to come out haha
It'd be much easier to cut off if you could

 

[USMC1188]

When I originally did it, I had a similar issue. We ended up cutting the shock to get it out.