Hi - I'm currently replacing the front bushes on my 2003 xkr 4.2 fitted with Bilstein shocks with adaptive control - having stripped everything out, and removed the springs, I tried to slide the piston up and down by hand, by replacing the top nut, putting it in the vice and pulled and pushed, but neither one will move - is this normal

The pistons are clean and shiny so look as though they should - any advice anyone ??

Many Thanks - Trev

 

It takes quite a bit of force to compress the shaft, I would not say it's abnormal.

 

Tried it again with one end on the floor and my weight above it and pushed hard - it did move OK - didn't realise it would take so much force

Many thanks for making me try again - Trev

 

Glad you got it all sorted out Trev.