Rebuild services for Bilstein PSS10 struts and shocks?

Any suggestions for rebuild services for Bilstein PSS10s? I'm located in the Seattle area so anything local or west coast in preferred. Bilstein doesn't offer the rebuild services directly anymore. Not looking for anything special as I'm just planning to refresh my 20 year old suspension and am looking to get these 12 year old and 50K mile PSS10s rebuilt.

Random suggestions.. I'd ask on the PCA forum in Seattle, I know thier is a guy near SIR thats got a shop but I don't know the name.. Also check the Regional SCCA and ICSCC pages, I believe on shock shop advertises there as well. Or,, check with the dirt track forums up your way ,,, a fair amount of sprints run Bilsteins..

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Wow, that's interesting. Do you know when/why? They rebuilt some BMW units for me that I dropped off in person at their facility here in San Diego 5-ish years ago.

Craftsmen are becoming hard to find, My friends that build the various systems to build r ace cars are all struggling to find people that ad engine BUILDERS vs assemblers. Tool and die makers are critically in low supply, Finding guys with the mechanical, and driving experience to tune shocks is a rare bird these days.

You can try Angelo @ Anze. https://www.anzesuspension.com

The great thing about the PSS9s and PSS10s are they are strong and durable coilovers. My PSS9s are 15 years old with alot of track days and street driving and they have never leaked nor corroded and still feel great. My indy will dyno test them the end of the summer to decide if we should rebuild, replace or just keep driving on them as is. I'll post info when we test them. Can't say enough and the durability of the Bilstein PSS coilovers. They have exceeded all expectations. As a side note, Bilstein in S. Call was still rebuilding coilovers at the onset of the panic. Dont know if that's changed.

On the west coast but down south: https://fatcatmotorsports.com/ No personal experience/affiliation.

There is PSI in Sonoma Raceway that does Bilstein rebuilding. Although, the last set I sent them to rebuild costs close to $3,000. I thought that was a bit high.

It sure is. For 3500 you can have a new set that will last you 15+ years.

I'm not sure when they stopped or if they stopped rebuilding all products in-house. I called them and for my PSS10s they gave me the contact info for Performance Shock out of Sonoma, CA. What I don't like is that on the Performance Shock website they state " If Bilstein still manufacture a kit for your car we recommend replacement with new Bilstein shocks Vs. rebuilding them. If new Bilstein kits are no longer available we can rebuild your shocks". Perhaps they are just referring to Bilstein shocks/struts that are the non-coil over variety but hat doesn't sound like a place that want's to rebuild shocks. They don't have that disclaimer for the Ohlins rebuild services. My PSS10s are is seemingly fine condition after 12 years and 50K miles. I just want to refresh them as I replace the entire 20 year old suspension pieces. I don't want a $3K bill for rebuilding these units because for that price I could just about get a new setup or upgrade to Ohlins.

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James, any idea if Ohlins are actually an upgrade? Not being silly with my question. Never have seen a comparative test and would love to see one. I am in the same boat as you with 15 year old Pss9s that are still in great shape looking for at my options.

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It's probably because they have to cut the PSS shocks apart then weld or crimp them back together, while the Ohlins and other shocks are screwed together. They rebuilt the Moton shocks on my car and did a fantastic job, then even provided shock dyno graphs.

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PSS9 (and PSS10) are not crimped. They can be taken apart without breaking anything. The challenge lies in de-pressurizing them safely (and without drilling the shock absorber body, obviously). https://wheelwell.com/posts/3dj4/bilstein-pss10-rebuild-by-performance-shock-inc.-in-sonoma-front... Rebuild of remote reservoir shocks described here but the disassembly of the shock absorber itself is the same https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/bsn-b8_8125_tech_manual.pdf

Well, we know they are definitely rebuildable or they wouldn't have offered the rebuild program and parts. When I talked to Bilstein in S. CA right before the pandemic, they mentioned that a big part of the decision to send your coilovers to Bilstein for a rebuild is that it was going to take a month or two, which means that you have to find a place to sit your car for that time period. While there are alot of DIY guys on this forum that can do it in their garage, the majority of us 996 owners arent, and the indy doesnt want the car sitting in their lot for 2 months. So a large portion just buy a new set of coilovers to replace them once and for all. In reality, you can find a new set for $3k on sale which is a great price. They are adjustable and most importantly, they are durable as he'll and they work well on the street and track. But to a point I made earlier in this thread, I have yet to meet, read or watch a video of anyone that has tested the Bilsteins vs Ohlins back to back to ascertain which one is superior. My guess is neither. Just like alot of things on RL, it's the flavor of the month. I reached out to Bilstein yesterday to get an update on their rebuild program to see what they say. I am more interested in seeing what the rebuild kit costs so my indy can do it if it makes monetary sense. But i will try to get all costs and report back. My guess is that unless you can rebuild it yourself, you are better off waiting for a sale and buying a new set. Where the rebuild cost may be a no-brainer is if you can get a used set of JRZs or Motons for a good price versus new (which can run over $10k+), the cost of the rebuild may then be very worthwhile. Regardless, let's compare notes. Everyone benefits.

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I'm not sure the Ohlins are that much better for the 50% increase in price. From other threads I've looked at people seem to mention how compliant they are but when asked about how they were over expansion joints they appear to be on par with the PSS10s (without a real back to back comparison) which is my only real complaint with the PSS10s. I remember on my stock suspension how it was so smooth over the freeway expansion joints compared to other cars I had with spring/strut/shock upgrades. If I can get my PSS10s rebuilt to like-new mechanical condition for $250/ea that PSI lists then that would be a great. I know the Ohlins recommend theirs be "serviced" every 60Km (37.5K miles) for street use. I'm not sure what they mean by "service"...is that inspected or does it mean removed & rebuilt? For my street car I want durability and for them to go a lot longer without having to remove them from the car for maintenance or being rebuilt. 12 years and 55K miles is a decent amount of time and they have plenty of life still to go. I don't have any issues with my current PSS10s; They don't leak and they still feel fine. If I wanted to cheapen out and save money I'm sure I'd be fine to continue using them as-is but since everything else will be new I'd just rather reset the clock with them.

I hear you. The PSS9s and then 10s were the rage until they were out of stock, which was about the time the Ohlins came to America. Seemed as if Bilstein walked away from marketing here and Ohlin went into overdrive. Quite frankly you cant beat the price and more importantky durability of the Bilsteins. As I said before, the adjustability and performance is probably even with Ohlins. Gotta go to the club sport route for more adjustability or JRZ and Motons for out of control adjustability. As much as I would love to go hog wild on coilovers, which I really don't need for a handful of track days a year, I am leaning towards a another set of Bilsteins probably next year. They are so easy to set up and highly functional.

The Ohlins claim to fame on the R/T is the DFV, it is supposed to act more like a 2 way where high shaft speed movements are controlled independently from low speed. High speed is the stuff you feel negatively impacts "comfort" and is often a big compromise on lower end coilovers as they seem to be principally focused to work well in more optimized conditions, without good low shaft speed performance, the car will feel like it has excessive roll so most coilover buyers are going to be going that route specifically to get rid of that feeling and it is not as technically a difficult challenge to solve as getting high shaft speed dampening right. I think this is why people seem to relay that the ohlins ride well on the road, considering I had mine jacked up on a stiff spring, I would say in my experience it worked really well and allowed a stiffer setup that favored low shaft speed performance without making bumps and curbs on the track send the car to the moon.

FWIW, something to think about regarding the Bilsteins depending on where you bought them, they may have different configurations from the standard run-of-the mill versions. If you bought them thru FVD in the mid to late 2000's like I did, you may have the FVD version with stiffer springs and possibly different dampening. These were a pretty hot set-up at the time. Unfortunately, I don't remember my configurations but plan on giving Rhonda a call at FVD to find out. At the time I didn't pay as much attention to the numbers. I just asked FVD for the best set-up for track and street, willing to give up street comfort for performance.

Don't hold me to it but I'm pretty sure there are posts that list stiffer spring rates that have been used with the bilsteins. As I remember The ones they referenced were from Swift.

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Yelcab was right. I heard back from Eduardo at the Bilstein Tech Center who said Bilstein has outsourced rebuilding PSS kits to PSI located in the Motorsports Industrial Park at Sonoma Raceway, (Sears Point) in Sonoma, California. Don't have any info on rebuild costs nor any costs for the rebuild kit if you want to do a DYI or have another shop do it. https://performanceshock.com/

Performance shock have done mine in the past https://www.performanceshock.com/bilstein-service/

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Did they rebuild your PSS9/PSS10s or some other shock? Do you know how much and how long ago they rebuilt them?

Bumping for answers. I'm going to call Performance Shock today to get some info, as their service sheet has some concerning questions, like if you actually want them to call you with a service quote, it'll "slow down service". There are a few things on that sheet that makes it sound like they basically want a blank check to rebuild your gear and if you want a heads up, they're going to slow down the rebuild at every step along the way. Also concerning is their statement that they'd rather have you buy new vs rebuilding. That's not a confidence builder. Given that a new set of PSS10's costs $3k and it seems like having them rebuilt costs $1k, that's a big enough spread that I'd like mine rebuilt.

Appreciate the follow-up.

From personal experience taking apart monotube shock absorbers and having watched multiple YT videos I expect them to disassemble each and will/should then be able to tell you what needs replacing. After that it is a matter of reassembly. So only one single time when they'll confer with you on how you want to proceed. If they're currently not leaking, no reason to replace shafts as obviously they're straight and the chrome plating isn't worn to the point where the seals are damaged. All seals I expect to be replaced, piston band and Teflon coated guide busing too, shims not.

Ok, just got off the phone with Performance Shocks. Very nice guy, here's the deal. They can rebuild the PSS9/10's and generally it costs $3-350 each, so $1200-1400 for the entire set. Worse case scenario was $1500 to rebuild all of them, plus the shipping costs to them and back. So maybe $1700+ depending on how far you're shipping them. He did caution tho that if any of the internal parts are damaged that then the struts/shocks are basically junk. They're unable to replace those parts and unwilling to reassemble them as is due to liability. So at that point it's possible they could call you (me?) and say, "Hey, these are trash. Sorry but you need to buy a new set" So, knowing that and knowing that a new set costs $3000 that does present an interesting scenario. Clearly if you're not doing all your own labor it makes no sense to send them in for a rebuild. By the time you've paid for everything it would really blow to then have to buy a new set. For those of us who do all our own wrenching, it's still a bit of thought process here. Potential savings is maybe $12-1300 vs new, worst case and best case savings of $14-1600. Hmmmmm.....

I've ridden bikes back to back with various factory forks switched out to Ohlins.. The Ohlins were an amazing upgrade. "The" shock for BMW bikes... Far out of my price range for my bike, I have WHite Power and they do what I need. But if I had a spare 3K in my pocket ya never know.

I thought the Ohlins R&T were more like $4000?

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Thanks, appreciate the info. Rebuild is definitely an option. But knowing that they are durable as he'll and in my case have worked without leaks and failures on the track and street for 16 years. They probably have another 2-4 years of life. 18-20 years is a long time. It may make sense to just get a new set for $3k, especially with their longevity. Good luck with your decision.

Forgot to mention that their turn around time is 4-6 weeks. So figure 2 months between shipping there/back and them working on them.

Another possibility, RE Suspension in North Carolina is an authorized Bilstein rebuilder and may be an alternative to Performance Shock. I have no personal experience with them (nor do I know whether they do PSS10s specifically) but have heard of them being able to rebuild some of the OE Bilstein shocks that can be problematic on other makes. Again not a personal recommendation as I haven't used them, but it may be an option.

Wonder if,,,,, There are several shock rebuilders that are in teh motorcycle and ATV/UTV market, some do Bilstein/Koni/Ohlins/FOX..

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I called in July and basically got the same answers with an estimated cost of $1300/set with the fact that they can't get internal replacement parts but could make some if need at extra $$$. Seems like they actively discourage rebuilding them which is not what you want to hear from an authorized rebuilder. May just stick with my 10 year old 55K mile units for now as there are no issues with them, just wanted to refresh them. Disappointing that they aren't supported/rebuildable as you'd think their price reflects.

Just sent my PSS10's to RE Suspension for rebuild and revalve. I'll report back when completed.

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Any updates or ECD on when you expect to get these back and installed?

I'm having a set of OEM GT3 Coilovers rebuilt by Glen Yee Motorsports in San Dimas here in SoCal. I just bought the set here in the Marketplace and they are being sent directly to his shop. ~6 weeks turnaround and I appreciated the honest conversation I had with him. I will report back when its all done

Installed, on ground, but not back on track yet. Upgraded to Swift 700# springs up front and Swift 900# springs out back. Installing cage, fire system and electric power steering pump conversion. Plan to be back on track in the fall. Mike

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Mike, love to hear about the rebuild. Was it worth it. Any modifications/enhancements you had performed? What made you go to the firmer swift springs.? Other thoughts?

One front and one rear PSS10 were blown and leaking oil. RE Suspension appears to have done a good job based on the damper test sheet they provided with the returned units, but it did take longer than planned based on delays in parts from Bilstein. Also wanted to up spring rates to better control roll and pitch, so units were re-valved to work with the higher rates. Spring rates were selected based on the 996 Spec car series specifications, so I expect all will be good. Rest of suspension is all Tarret (solid shock/strut mounts, solid LCA cartidges, split/shimmed LCA's & adjustable sways/drop links). Usually run Hankook slicks (sometimes Pirelli) with -4.0 Front/-3.5 Rear camber. Mike

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Appreciate the info Mike. Very helpful since I am getting close to either rebuilding my PSS9s or getting a new set. Since mine will do track duty as well, I like your approach with the rebuild enhancements. Would you be willing to share the rebuild cost? Would you do it again or would you just get a new set of coilovers? If new coilovers, what would you go with? Thanks again.

Definitely depends on cost. After talking to both bilstein rebuild places, I was unsure how I wanted to proceed. Then a very lightly used set of mcs coilovers popped up locally and that made my decision easy. Bought those, sold the pss9's. So far very happy with the mcs coilovers. I've had them before on an e36 m3 and the support you get from mcs is amazing.

My PSS10 rebuild/revalve by RE Suspension was less than $600, including shipping. This made the rebuild vs buy new decision easy. Also, the Swift springs are about $100 apiece. Mike

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Yep, a no brainer. I'll give RE a call. At that price I can buy a new set of standard PSS10s on sale, put them on the car and then ship my PSS9s to RE Suspension for track enhancement/rebuild and have 2 sets of "new" coilovers to choose from over the next couple of decades. Appreciate the info. I have been extremely happy with my PSS9s over the years on the track and street.

Yeah, that's totally the way to go. When I called them they warned me there were parts on the PSS9's they sometimes couldn't get, or if they found a certain type of wear they couldn't rebuild them or put them back together again. So that kind of worried me. When the MCS' popped up locally that just made my decision easier...

I hear you. I called Bilstein during the pandemic and part availability was slow going at the time and they had pushed rebuilds off to third parties. But Mike's experience with RE gives me incentive to make a call.

RE Suspension - Donny or Josh [phone removed]. Tell them Mike Campbell from Sal's Garage in Florida recommended you to them. Mike

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Thanks. I'll give him a call.

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appreciate the info on your PSS9s getting done by RE. So it took 4 months? And the total was $600 for all 4 shocks? I have a set of PSS10s that need to be revalved on my 993.

Just checking in on the thread to see any feedback on the various Bilstein rebuilders discussed that many of you have used.

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Do you drive your car during the winter? If so, are the roads that you drive on salted?

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No, it sits in the garage when temps are below 40 degrees.

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So did you send in all 4 to begin with or only the two leaking ones? I guess it must have been all 4 because you wanted them to revalved to different spec anyway? I have one rear that leaked. Wondering if I can just get that one rebuilt or should I at least send the rear pair in so they can make sure both are performing the same after repair. It�s surprising the $600 you quoted is so much less than what Performance charges. But 4 months is a looong time for car to be up on jacks.