Does it matter which way up Bilsteins go?

[Slipper man]

What it says. I have Bilsteins on my R500 and wondered if you can turn them upside down. That way, the works of the damper are attached to the body of the car rather than the wishbone, so there should be a (no doubt impossible to detect!) reduction in unsprung weight, and it would be easier to adjust the ride height.

[Jonathan Kay]

There's a discussion of this somewhere in the archives but I can't remember all the issues that were brought up.

Let us know if you can't find it.

Jonathan

[Ian B]

Mine were mounted "upsidedown" for the reason you mentioned.

Very much doubt whether there is any discernable difference (other than psychological!) especially on the road!

[Mankee]

My fronts are upside down as I run post-96 length dampers on a pre-96 front end with 2.25" ID springs so needed to invert them for clearance. Actually, just remembered, all my Bilsteins are in a box under the stairs now!

[DJ.]

As far as I can see, the only drawback to mounting them upside down is the polished piston rod is lower down and likely to get more dirt on it.

[Slipper man]

Ian

I don't expect to notice any handling difference - the reason to change is to make adjustment easier

[A10ROX]

Upside down ... When I had Bilsteins ... Think the Nitros are also upside down

 

Certainly helps with cornering performance! ... Particularly at tracks like Barcelona ...

[Simon.Rogers]

If a damper is gas pressurised it can go any way up.  The Billie's are gas pressurised.

If damper is twin tube construction and therefore works by gravity such as the AVO basic models that tend to be found on our cars the body of the damper has to be at the bottom.

As for the increase or decrease of sprung or unsprung weight there may be some small gain or not but I bet the spring weighs more and in any case the weight will be equally distributed between chassis and wishbone or upright in my opinion.  Half hanging on the chassis and half pushing him the upright.

If you are able to feel any difference you must be a driving God! 

[A10ROX]

Hi Simon

Are you referring to ECK or me ...!

Not been out yet on the new built suspension, either Cadwell not yet booked but certainly Spa in July

Regards

David