Bilstein 4600 Series - User Manual

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MOUNTING I
MOUNTING IMOUNTING I
MOUNTING IN
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IMPORTANT!
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS FIRST!
If in doubt, please contact your local BILSTEIN dealer or our sales department before installation.
When replacing other brands, BILSTEIN shock absorbers should always be installed as a set. Installation
of shock absorbers, struts and cartridges requires special tools and expert knowledge. Accordingly,
installation of all BILSTEIN products must be performed by a qualified suspension specialist.
Always use a chassis hoist for the installation of BILSTEIN products, and make certain that the raised
vehicle is securely attached to the hoist to prevent the vehicle from slipping, falling, or moving during the
installation process.
If you choose to install any BILSTEIN product without the necessary special tools, expertise or
chassis hoist, you may subject yourself to the risk of serious bodily injury or death. If you elect not
to use a chassis hoist, at least make sure the vehicle is on level ground, that all tires on the ground during
installation are blocked to prevent movement, that at least two tires are on the ground at all times, and
that adequately secured safety stands (jack stands) are used to support the chassis. NEVER get under
the vehicle until you have checked to make sure all of these things are done.
All BILSTEIN products must only be used for the specific, intended application as indicated in the
application guide. Any use of any BILSTEIN product other than for its intended use may result in
serious bodily injury or death.
BILSTEIN suspension products are gas-filled and are highly pressurized. Never place any BILSTEIN
product in a vise or use a clamp on any BILSTEIN product; never apply heat near any BILSTEIN product,
and never attempt to open or repair any BILSTEIN product, in order to prevent serious bodily injury or
death. Any attempt to misuse, misapply, modify, or tamper with any BILSTEIN suspension product voids
any warranty and may result in serious bodily injury or death.
Do not use impact tools for loosening or tightening fasteners, because this may destroy the screw
threads. Self- locking nuts must only be used once!
Reuse original equipment components only if they are in good condition, otherwise replace them with new
components. Never remove the slight film of oil on the piston rod and seal.
All mounting fasteners for shocks and struts must be securely tightened before tension is placed on the
suspension system.
After installing any BILSTEIN product, the suspension caster and camber must be checked and/or
adjusted to comply with the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Also, the (load dependent) brake
compensator and the anti-lock brake system must be checked and/or reset to comply with the vehicle
manufacturer’s specifications. Also the headlight aim must be checked and adjusted.
Be sure to properly dispose of all old parts.

Summary

Important Safety and General Precautions

Contact Local Dealer for Assistance

Contact your local BILSTEIN dealer or sales department if you have doubts before installation.

Professional Installation Requirement

Installation of BILSTEIN products requires special tools and expert knowledge by a qualified suspension specialist.

Secure Vehicle During Installation

Always use a chassis hoist and ensure the vehicle is securely attached to prevent slipping or falling.

Risk of Serious Injury or Death

Failure to use proper tools, expertise, or chassis hoist can lead to serious bodily injury or death.

Use Only for Intended Application

Use BILSTEIN products only for their specific, intended application as indicated in the application guide.

Handle Pressurized Products Carefully

Never place products in a vise, use clamps, apply heat, or attempt to open/repair pressurized suspension products.

Fastener Tightening Guidelines

Do not use impact tools. Self-locking nuts must only be used once.

Original Component Reuse Policy

Reuse original components only if in good condition; never remove oil film from piston rod and seal.

Post-Installation System Checks

Check and adjust caster/camber, brake compensator, ABS, and headlight aim to manufacturer specifications.

Proper Disposal of Old Parts

Ensure all old parts are disposed of properly.

Shock Absorber Installation Procedure

Remove Existing Shocks

Remove existing shocks per vehicle manufacturer's manual. Removing inner fender wells may simplify installation.

Install Boot and Adapter

Slide the BILSTEIN boot with boot adapter over the stem until it is seated securely.

Assemble Lower Mount Hardware

Install lower washer, sleeve, and bushing on the shock stem, then attach to the lower mount.

Assemble Upper Mount Hardware

Install the upper bushing, washer, and nut onto the shock stem.

Final Fastener Tightening

Tighten lower mount fasteners to torque spec and locknut until it bottoms out.

Bilstein 4600 Series Specifications

General

Type	Shock Absorber
Installation	Direct Fit
Series	4600 Series
Position	Front and Rear
Body Material	Steel
Mounting Hardware Included	Yes
Application	Light Trucks and SUVs
Technology	Monotube
Lift Height Compatibility	Stock Height