2004 Suzuki Vitara Bilstein

Bilstein offers warranties to the original purchaser, covering defects in design, material, and workmanship. The warranty varies depending on the type of product.

• - Most Bilstein products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
• - Certain products are covered by a warranty for a period between 90 days and 2 years. 

Learn more about how Bilstein shocks are made below. For more warranty information visit the BuyBrakes warranty claims page here

The following Bilstein products are rated for towing or oversized tires:

• - Bilstein Performance B6
• - Bilstein Performance Plus B8
• - Bilstein 4600
• - Bilstein 5100 Off Road
• - Bilstein 8100 Series
• - Bilstein ZoneControl

Below you'll find the basic instructions for replacing shock absorbers. The installation procedure varies depending on shock absorber design, features, and vehicle application and manufacturer instructions for your specific vehicle are recommended. Always replace shocks in pairs (per axle) and make sure you have all the tools needed to complete the work.

Removing The Shock Absorber

1. Break loose the lug nuts on the wheel.
2. Locate the correct lift points and carefully raise the vehicle with a floor jack.
3. Remove the wheel for access to the shock absorber.
4. Position a jack stand under the location of the axle spring.
5. Lower the vehicle until the axle is supported by the jack stand.
6. Note the position of the shock absorber and hardware.
7. Loosen the mounting bolts from the shock absorber and carefully remove the assembly.

Installing The Shock Absorber

1. Always use new hardware to install the shock absorber. Do not reuse old hardware.
2. Place the new shock absorber in position and finger tighten the mounting bolts.
3. Verify the correct position and torque the mounting bolts to specification.
4. Raise the vehicle until the axle is off the jack stand.
5. Remove the jack stand.
6. Install the wheel and finger tighten the lug nuts.
7. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground.
8. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification using a star pattern.
9. Lower the vehicle completely and remove the floor jack.

Test drive the vehicle to settle the suspension and verify proper installation.

Bilstein shock adjustments vary by product and features.

Ride-Height Adjustable Air Suspension Shock Absorbers:

• Designed as a direct-fit replacement for OEM air shocks.
  •  - Adjust using OEM controls without modifications.

Ride-Height Adjustable Hydraulic Shock Absorbers:

• Bilstein Zone Control Shock Absorber
• Bilstein Motorsports Shock Absorber
• Bilstein MDS Shock Absorber
• Bilstein B16 PSS9
•  - All models feature a threaded collar that can be adjusted to control ride height.
•  - Use a spanner wrench to turn the threaded collar and change ride the height higher or lower.

Ride-Control Adjustable Shock Absorbers:

• Bilstein 8100 Series
•  - Features two-way adjustment with threaded adjusters on both the rebound and compression sides.
•  - Turn the set screw counterclockwise to soften the compression or rebound.
•  - Turn the set screw clockwise to firm the compression or rebound.
• Bilstein MDS Shock Absorber
•  - Features two-way adjustment with separate dial adjusters for compression and rebound.
•  - Each dial is clearly numbered from 1 (soft) to 10 (hard).
• Bilstein B16 PSS9
•  - Features one-way adjustment with a single dial.
•  - The dial is clearly numbered from 1 (soft) to 10 (hard).

Bilstein shock absorbers control vibrations caused by the tires traveling over the road surface. This is why they’re often referred to as dampers. These dampers convert the kinetic energy of suspension movement into thermal energy. This is accomplished through fluid friction, the flow of oil through valve passages inside the damper. Heat is dissipated through the body of the damper. The valve passages in the shock absorber (damper) ensure that vibrations are reduced immediately. These valves are factory-tuned to provide a softer or firmer ride, depending on what type of damper is preferred. Bilstein shock absorbers with ride control provide direct adjustment of these valves. This allows the owner to fine-tune the ride to their exact preference.

Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers are designed for the specific demands of vehicles with larger tires and a higher ride height. The Bilstein 5100 features a monotube design and patented valving to meet the demands of off-road vehicles. They’re designed to react quickly to input changes.  This maintains control and provides a stable and comfortable ride.

BuyBrakes is the go-to place for all of your Bilstein parts needs. We offer a large selection of parts from the Bilstein catalog of products. With BuyBrakes, you'll find the Bilstein parts to fit every application and budget.

Bilstein OE Replacement Products

For over 60 years, Bilstein has been providing high-quality OE replacement products for the suspension and shock absorber systems of popular automakers. The Bilstein B1, B2, B3 Air Springs, B3, B4 Air Suspension Module, and B4 are all included in this product lineup. Each of these Bilstein products is made to meet OE specifications for a precise fit, form, and function. The Bilstein B1, for one, is perfectly adapted to the Bilstein shock absorber, for virtually any vehicle model in uncompromising OEM quality. Now, for those who refuse to compromise, either on comfort or performance, the Bilstein B6 shock absorber is the ideal option for you. Built better than the original, this gas-pressure shock absorber delivers more reliable performance when the pressure is on.

Bilstein Performance Products

With the Bilstein performance parts, you can experience the street and the off-road like never before. For street performance, you can choose from 11 reliable options, such as the Bilstein B6, B8, B12 Pro-Kit, B12 Sportline, B14, B16, Clubsport, EVO R, EVO S, EVO SE, and EVO T1. Meanwhile, there are 15 options available for off-road enthusiasts: the Bilstein B6 4600, B8 5100, B8 5100 Ride Height Adjustable, B8 5125, B8 5160, B8 5165, B8 6112, B8 8100, B8 8100 Bypass, B8 8112 ZoneControl CR, B8 8125, B8 Control Arms, M 7100, M 9200 Bypass, and M 9200 Coilover. All Bilstein Performance parts are perfectly tuned to meet your specific vehicle requirements. They are manufactured using Bilstein’s leading technologies, including the monotube/upside-down technology, gas-pressure technology, twin-tube technology, and Triple-C technology. Each of these products also comes coated with either zinc or nickel to prevent oxidation of the protected metal, increase durability, and extend the service life of the shock. And to ensure its efficiency, it undergoes a rigorous road-testing process to check how balanced the driving characteristics of a vehicle with a Bilstein performance part on it in various driving situations.

Bilstein Motorsports Products

Since 1954, Bilstein has been revolutionizing damping technology and has been earning the trust of motorsports enthusiasts with its high-performance shocks, struts, and other suspension components. Bilstein is ever-present in motorsports. Ever since it installed the first Bilstein gas-pressure dampers in a rally car and instantly won, it has become a household name in the field of motor racing, including Formula 1, DTM, Daytona, Nürburgring, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the World Rally Championship. So, what’s included in this Bilstein product line-up? For the circuit track, Bilstein offers the MDS 1-way, MDS 2-way, and EVO RT 5-way. The Bilstein M9200, on the other hand, is designed for professional off-road racing. Meanwhile, for the circle track, Bilstein has got the AS2-R, EM46, and the racer rebuildable dampers SNS2, and the for the Rallye, it’s got the EVO RX 5-way.

Check Out The Bilstein Parts We Offer

• Shock Absorbers and Struts
• Suspension
• Steering