993 Bilstein Failure

[mbutchers]

Driving the 993 into work this morning - Just turning into the long driveway and I get a terrible knocking from the front of the car. Fortunately I work at a car workshop. Moved one of the cars from a ramp and put the car up in the air.
Shock / Horror - Top strut sheared completely through. The nut with the sheared thread was still sitting under the carpet on top of the turret. Gobsmacked can only describe my reaction. Imagining what could've happened had I been having a bit of a tear about.
Anyone had the same experience? The shocks were originally purchase from Carnewal in 2008 , but not by me. I've only had the car 6 months.
Any advice as to where I may get a replacement or get the damper unit repaired. I believe that they are warranted for life, but suspect that would be only for the original purchaser.

[mollytherocker]

Wow, never heard of that happening before. Strange.

I suspect it wasn't fitted or torqued correctly.

[Pickled Piper]

I have read about similar cases. Have a look on Rennlist.

pp

[ras62]

What part failed, the shock or the top mount?

[mbutchers]

ras62 said:

What part failed, the shock or the top mount?

The top of the strut at the top mount. Completely sheared through at the underside of the top nut.
They were fitted by Tognola, so I doubt a fitting error
.
I'll see if I can post a picture later today.

Does anyone know of a UK based Bilstein agent that I can contact to get this sorted?

[mbutchers]

There we go. Here's another, of the top nut with the sheared damper rod still inside......

[BertBert]

Just because Tognola fitted them, there's nothing to say they haven't been off and not put back properly. Have you checked the one on the other side?
Bert

[jackwood]

Yes there is a Bilstein UK centre where they can refurbish and rebuild shocks to factory spec. I've just had all my GT3 dampers rebuilt by them.

ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH
Unit 3 Swannington Road
Broughton Astley
Leicestershire
LE9 6TU
England

[phone]

I'm sure they will be able to get that rectified for you.

Jack

[BertBert]

Just because Tognola fitted them, there's nothing to say they haven't been off and not put back properly. Have you checked the one on the other side?
Bert

[mbutchers]

Valid point Bert - I've only had the car 6 months, but there is a good history file, and no mention of any removal in the interim.

[mbutchers]

jackwood said:

Yes there is a Bilstein UK centre where they can refurbish and rebuild shocks to factory spec. I've just had all my GT3 dampers rebuilt by them.

ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH
Unit 3 Swannington Road
Broughton Astley
Leicestershire
LE9 6TU
England

[phone]

I'm sure they will be able to get that rectified for you.

Jack

Many thanks Jack

I have spoken with them and they seem like a decent bunch......

Updated new image....

[jackal]

Top nut tightened with an air gun ?

Speak to gert. He will talk to the rep and im sure they will look at it bery seriously.

[mbutchers]

jackal said:

Top nut tightened with an air gun ?

Speak to gert. He will talk to the rep and im sure they will look at it bery seriously.

Jackal - Who is Gert? Is he at that Bilstein centre?

[Magic919]

Gert = Carnewal.

[mday]

Have a look here:

http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=60765&highlig...

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/993-forum/59...

[mbutchers]

mday said:

Have a look here:

http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=60765&highlig...

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/993-forum/59...

Thanks Mday - How did you get on with yours?
I'm about to send mine off to the UK Bilstein center above for a rebuild..... I can't really afford to have the car taking up a ramp for however long it might take to pursue any kind of case.
As an aside tho', it may seem wise for me to check the other side.....

[mbutchers]

Update......

David Masters at Bilstein turned this around in a couple of days - Great service.
Cost me £180, + workshop time. Time to check the other side now I think....
Interestingly the new shaft now has a 6mm allen key now, instead of the old 7mm - Obviously had a few problems with these.