Bilsteins Installed

[shipmasta]

Hey guys, I installed my Bilsteins today. As a lot of people have said already it is a pain in the ass. Anyway I ran into a problem. Somehow I managed to rip a small hole the axle boot. Should I look into replacing this ASAP? Im pretty sure the dealer won't warranty this, because it was my **** up (not that I would admit it to them anyway) .

 

[Musclemckeester]

Are you referring to the CV shaft boot? If so, mine was recently replaced under warranty with no questions asked. Either way, that does need to be fixed soon because it will be slinging grease all over the place. As the grease runs out (should be a while though) it could lead to bigger problems.

I'd just take it in and tell them you noticed it was cracked. Whether they fix it or not under warranty is up to their discretion.

 

[shipmasta]

Ok. Ill call the dealer on tuesday and make an appt.

On another note, after I finished the installation, I test drove my truck. I put it into "4WD Lock". I noticed I have a lot of tire chatter while tuning. It has been awhile since I have had my truck in 4WD and I can't remember if it did this last time. Keep in mind this was on pavement.

 

[Musclemckeester]

Well for one thing you'll need an alignment. That could be part of it. I don't think I've ever put my truck in 4wd on pavement so I can't speak for that.

 

[shipmasta]

I am aware that I need an alignment. I am just waiting a week or two. I am planning on new wheels and tires and want to wait until I get the new tires.

 

[pd298]

Does it just chatter when you turn, or when your driving straight?

 

[Stangshcky12]

Chattering while turning in 4wd on dry pavement is normal
You should avoid doing it to
The chattering is because of driveline binding
When your turning your front wheels are trying to go around different radius but at the same speed which is why you should only really use it in conditions where the inside tire can slip some

 

[shipmasta]

Only chatters when turning. I don't normally do it. I was just testing everything out after doing the work.

 

[quietpeen]

that sucks that you ripped the boot.

 

[Gardenfan]

Your alignment is probably out quite a bit. Mine chattered a lot turning in parking lots and all that. Went down highway straight as an arrow, but toe in was so bad it would scrub the tires when turning hard.

I wouldn't wait for wheels personally, get your alignment asap. It has to be hard on tie rod ends and ball joints.

 

[MADDOG]

Chattering is normal. Does it feel worse than it was? Have you changed tires to a more aggressive tread? That would explain part of it.

I have a relatively mild tread on my truck and it chatters pretty good on dry pavement. I'll put it in 4 HI and 4 LO once in a while and do a figure 8 to just get the lube flowing and make sure everything works.

 

[SNAKEBIT]

put some silicone sealer/gasket on it for the time being.
have some on a outer boot on the old 98 Suburban that has been in place for 3 years and never leaked!