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Sun Nov 08, 2015 7:29 pm

Yes, I know, everyone wants Bilstiens...BUT, I want a softer ride, even at the sacrifice of handling. Too many back surgeries already, and a harsher ride is unacceptable.

I know that Sachs was the factory shock installed, but is Meyle worth looking at?

Sun Nov 08, 2015 8:34 pm

I ended up buying 4 Monroes locally for $60 CAD ($50 USD) each that have a made in Spain stamp for my EV non-camper. Good enough for me and at a fraction of the cost of some others.

Once I saw the made in Spain stamp on these I began to wonder how many suppliers of these relatively specialized shocks are really out there. When it comes to auto parts the name on the box certainly doesn't dictate what's inside any more. We've all seen the Chinese Bosch sensors....

Sorry for the rant I just struggled with my shock purchase for too long... I'm ok now.

Mon Nov 09, 2015 9:27 am

Just a point of reference but I just bought a 1993 EV Westy with 149k miles on it. It appears the shocks have been replaced in the past <50k and the brand is not stamped in them although most all the parts on this are OEM and they do have "Made In Belgium" stamped in them

My point is, I am very pleased with the ride, better than I expected. My guess, most new decent shocks are going to provide a ride improvement over worn shocks. Now related to the ride comparison question, also from experience on other VAG cars (mostly Audi's), Bilstiens as you mention were too stiff for my liking, I removed them from my car and replaced with OE sport struts which in my opinion were much better in every respect.

Sorry if this was too general, maybe it was somewhat useful...

Wed Nov 11, 2015 9:24 am

I installed Meyle Heavy Duty shocks on my 97 EVC. They seem like perfectly satisfactory shock absorbers. I don't notice the ride being particularly harsh, but that doesn't mean you wouldn't either. If I stand at the rear of the vehicle and try to push it sideways, I can barely budge it, and can't induce any oscillation at all. I've seen one owner with Bilsteins report "how easy it is to roll the van from side to side just pushing it with your hand". The reason I bought something different than Bilsteins is because I intend to drive on washboard roads in the future and the Bilstein design can cause those shocks to permanently fail from use on washboard roads.

Wed Nov 11, 2015 9:58 am

JMB3 wrote: The reason I bought something different than Bilsteins is because I intend to drive on washboard roads in the future and the Bilstein design can cause those shocks to permanently fail from use on washboard roads.

Bilstein have a direct replacement lifetime warranty which not many other shock manufacturers will offer.

Wed Nov 11, 2015 5:21 pm

Gruppe B wrote:
Bilstein have a direct replacement lifetime warranty which not many other shock manufacturers will offer.

Please note the disclaimer on this page:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3513

Evidently the warranty is voided if you overheat your shocks driving on washboard roads.

Mon Jan 24, 2022 12:32 pm

I bought a pair of rear Meyle HD shocks. I liked the fat body design. Yesterday they arrived and I was surprised that they were compressed and not strapped down. There is no gas charge to extend the shock at rest. They seem VERY HD taking considerable amount of force to compress and extend compared to other shocks I have dealt with. At full extension there is a slight flat spot before you feel resistance. What do you guys think. I find it odd that they don't extend on their own.

I think I am going to install these and just how they run.

Sun Oct 30, 2022 12:49 pm

Interested any feedback on the Meyle HD shocks?

Mon Oct 31, 2022 2:29 pm

JohnBonn wrote: Interested any feedback on the Meyle HD shocks?

They work fairly well. I had installed the rears only and took it for a drive. Quite a noticeable improvement over the stock shocks with 100k on them. I paired them with a HD Bilstein as there was no Meyle front shock. I find the ride to be quite nice.

Mon Oct 31, 2022 7:36 pm

Thank you great feedback!

Mon Nov 14, 2022 1:07 pm

While swapping out summer/winter wheels/tires, I did a quick inspection of the suspension bits. Everything looks good. Those oversized Meyle shocks sure look cool. The airbags are still functioning properly and the bump stop have not pierced the bags.