New RCD Bilstein Shocks Sooo Squeaky

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CaseyW

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Just put new front and rear RCD Bilstein shocks on my 63 Valiant and the car is now sooo squeaky. Lubed the back because they were harder to get on. They squeak. Didn't lube the front and they squeak. Do I have to live with this?
 
hmmm.mine did not squeek.i wouild try lubing the rubber eye before bolt goes on.they are one of the best shocks ive ever used
 
Yes, you should definitely be using a suspension lube/grease on both the front and back bushings and shock mounts before installation. Be sure to clean the shock mounts prior to lubing.
 
Be sure your nuts are tight enough to squish the rubbers a bit. you may have movement because of being loose. Bilstein in my humble opinion are the very best
 
You need to remove the rust and burrs on all mating surfaces to the rubber mounts (studs, cup washers, etc). Then you need to use the appropriate grease on said surfaces in good quantity.
 
CaseyW said:
Just put new front and rear RCD Bilstein shocks on my 63 Valiant and the car is now sooo squeaky. Lubed the back because they were harder to get on. They squeak. Didn't lube the front and they squeak. Do I have to live with this?
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I use synthetic disc brake grease on anything that move spins or rubs in my cars, especially on ALL suspension components and bushings. It lasts for decades, won't wash out and has all kinds of slippery stuff in it. It also wont attack rubber, plastic or any other material.
 
jbc426 said:
I use synthetic disc brake grease on anything that move spins or rubs in my cars, especially on ALL suspension components and bushings. It lasts for decades, won't wash out and has all kinds of slippery stuff in it. It also wont attack rubber, plastic or any other material.
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Good idea
 
I believe the RCD have poly bushings, so they don't really squish down like rubber would. I installed flat washers instead of the cup washers on the rear springs because the cup washers didn't look like they would be the right fit for the shape of the new bushings, and it didn't come with anything. I'll pull everything this weekend and clear surfaces and grease the sh*t out of everything. Thanks for the feedback.
 
CaseyW said:
I believe the RCD have poly bushings, so they don't really squish down like rubber would. I installed flat washers instead of the cup washers on the rear springs because the cup washers didn't look like they would be the right fit for the shape of the new bushings, and it didn't come with anything. I'll pull everything this weekend and clear surfaces and grease the sh*t out of everything. Thanks for the feedback.
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I've never heard anyone happy with poly bushings cause they always squeak!!
 
CaseyW said:
I believe the RCD have poly bushings, so they don't really squish down like rubber would. I installed flat washers instead of the cup washers on the rear springs because the cup washers didn't look like they would be the right fit for the shape of the new bushings, and it didn't come with anything. I'll pull everything this weekend and clear surfaces and grease the sh*t out of everything. Thanks for the feedback.
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Don't use regular grease or it will eventually destroy the bushings.
 
jbc426 said:
Don't use regular grease or it will eventually destroy the bushings.
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Is the lubricant included in the kit for polyurethane bushings appropriate? Is it synthetic? Because I called PST and they said it was white lithium grease I should use? I'm confused?

Carl
 
With poly bushings you can you a lithium grease as it will not break down the compound of the poly.

Thanks
James
 
dans4door1970 said:
I've never heard anyone happy with poly bushings cause they always squeak!!
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I love poly bushings, and if kept properly lubricated with the right grease they don’t squeak. Mine don’t, and I run poly bushings everywhere. Well, except where I’ve upgraded to delrin now.

Never had an issue with the Bilsteins either. Clean the shock mounts and make sure the bushings are lubricated.
 
Steve Agrella said:
Purchased RCD Bilsteins for my Duster, do you guys put dust covers on them or just run them without.
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They're designed to be run without, they have a double seal to keep stuff out. If it bugs you there are generic boots available for off road shocks.
 
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