So I took my shiny new 2018 KR and my shiny new Bilstein 5100 front shocks to my dealer today to have the shocks installed. They called me later and said the lower spring seat needs to be cut off the original shock and they didn’t exactly know how to do it since they have never done it before. They have only replaced the complete assembly, not just the shock.

Does this sound right? I’d appreciate any insight!

Thanks!

Dan

 

Nope, the 5100s should be plug and play.

 

They were plug and play - my dealer did them, they were the best price.

 

That's what I thought too. Does anyone know if the lower spring seat simply slides off the original shock? The parts diagram shows the seat to be part of the shock but that doesn't mean it's not removable and reusable.
https://www.tascaparts.com/auto-part...omponents-scat

 

Yes, it comes off (relatively) easily. Once strut is separated from compressed spring, simply turn strut upside down, and tap the lower perch with a hammer a few times, it'll first drop to the seal, then knock that off as well...done! (Then find new dealership!)

 

It takes a little tapping with a dead blow, but the seat does come right off. It shouldn't be seized on a 2018.
This is usually why I don't recommend taking any aftermarket suspension work to a dealership, but they will fear-monger people into doing so with... Warranty VOID!

 

I just did mine, Maybe dealer needs some better mechanics. I will say handling and road feel are 100% better than stock.

 

I did mine myself, and like the other guys said that lower spring seat comes off with a few hammer taps. Maybe the mechanics don't know how to use Youtube, either. I'd take my shiney new shocks and run somewhere else!

 

Thanks for the info and especially for the video. Looks very straightforward. I think my dealer is short staffed at the moment and the tech probably just doesn't have the experience. I'll probably take it somewhere else for the Bilstein install.

 

Had the same issue with my dealer. Told them to knock the seat off the old shock and put it on the new one. If they cant figure it out to look on you tube.