I have a 2001 GLE auto with about 135K miles.

Since I bought it, the only real mod i have done is upgrade to illumina's all around.

I was running the illuminas with the stock GLE springs since I was saving up for a set of H&R springs.

Coming to the real question. The illumina's have been on the car for maybe 3-4 weeks. Since last week, I was noticing a slight hitting type of noise from the right rear wheel. Upon removing the wheel this morning I see there is oil leaking from the illumina. Interesting part is I saw oil leaking from the left rear too. I have all warranty information so I am sure they will get replaced.

I was running the setup at 3 in the front and 4 in the rear. I have a 330Ci with sports package so I am used to a stiff setup. Question is, have any of the other folks here had issues with rear Illumina's blowing? From preliminary searches of the ORG i find others have had blown illumina's and co-incidentally it has been the rear. Is there a pattern of this issue?

Can the reason be the stock springs were too soft for the illuminas causing the suspension to bottom out and blow the shock? I know the 01 GLE's had problems with the rear springs causing the "bottom out" problem. I looked at the service history of my car and did not see that TSB applied. Possibly the previous owner never felt that problem since he came to the max from a buick.

Any thoughts/feedback appreciated.

 

Stock springs making the car bottom out? Link to TSB?

 

Here you go
http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB02-056.pdf

it applied to 01 and 02 GXE and GLE.

I just got my H&R springs yesterday and can already see how much stiffer they are compared to the stock springs... Cant wait to get them in

 

I see. Stiffer springs will indeed prevent you from bottoming out.