Damper rebuild/reseal?

[Ian P]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know where I can get some Bilstein dampers rebuilt without returning them to the Bilstein repair centre in Leicestershire?

They are from a Caterham race car and one has a very slight leak so needs resealing and refilling. Ideally local to Berkshire but can be posted anywhere.

Thanks in advance,

Ian

[JontyR]

Nitron are close to you.

But what is your reason for not sending them back to factory?? You've said you dont mind posting if it cant be local...???

[Ian P]

Hi Jonty,

I called Nitron after Balance Motorsport recommended them and the young lady who answered said they will only work on Nitron - contradictory to what the chap at Balance said!

The reason for not sending them back to Bilstein is budget really. They quoted £80 plus vat (plus carriage) for a rebuild! I'm new to all this stuff but that seemed a bit steep to me when all it needs is a new seal and oil.

Cheers,

Ian

[JontyR]

Thats cheap! I take it that is for all 4...or individually?

Its a lengthy process if done correctly! Nitron I would say are going to be £50-£80 per damper!

SPA do damper rebuilds as do GAZ...but the best way is getting it done at source.

[taffyracer]

Beware of lead times, Bilstein quoted me 2 weeks and took close to 6!

[lanan]

I wouldn't say that £80 was cheap...........But about right..!

[JontyR]

It depends on what is done. If all they are doing is recharging then yes not cheap. But if they are stripping the 4 dampers revalving and then putting them on a dyno to check they are all equal...£80 is only 1 1/2 hours work....thats a lot to do in that time

[lanan]

JontyR said:

It depends on what is done. If all they are doing is recharging then yes not cheap. But if they are stripping the 4 dampers revalving and then putting them on a dyno to check they are all equal...£80 is only 1 1/2 hours work....thats a lot to do in that time

I mean £80 / damper is about right...!!...£300 / car set

[Ian P]

Hi guys,

Sorry for the late reply. The £80 was per damper so still a bit steep. I might just put it back together as is and get them rebuilt when I have some more funds.

Cheers,

Ian

[jpivey]

If it's leaking it's not going to be doing it's job, when your next using the car and your a second slower than everyone else you will have wished that you had got it rebuilt!!!

[lanan]

What he said....!