Rebuilding Bilstein Shocks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
Rebuilding Bilstein Shocks
Since I am pretty sure I have the FX3 shock package on my car, they are about $1000 for all 4 new. I've looked up and found a bunch of youtube videos on rebuilding various Bilstein shocks. I even see kits on Summit and other online places. Is there anything different about these electronic shocks? I have only found videos and info on the basic ones. I think I'll search the wrecking yards for a set of these and rebuild those. I don't want to have my car down too long.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 384
From: Northern California
Not worth it in my view; I actually had my original set rebuilt by Bilstein 15 years ago at the Americas HQ in SoCal, and while they did a fine job they didn't last that long. OEM they went 75K miles, then once rebuilt they went 20K before 1 of them started leaking profusely (more than the slight oil bypass leak that is normal on that shock design). Bilstein doesn't offer that factory rebuild service anymore on OEM shocks from what I read recently (those with the Delco-Bilstein logo).
I know it's a b*tch to pay $1K for four shock absorbers so I get what you're saying. It's a fairly important component though, and if you're going to keep your FX3 system then get new shocks which are made for it and they'll last. If you're okay getting rid of FX3 then your costs are less than half for each shock, so it's your call to make in the end.
It's your car so you should have it the way you decide, I'm just relaying my experience with the rebuild process durability.
I know it's a b*tch to pay $1K for four shock absorbers so I get what you're saying. It's a fairly important component though, and if you're going to keep your FX3 system then get new shocks which are made for it and they'll last. If you're okay getting rid of FX3 then your costs are less than half for each shock, so it's your call to make in the end.
It's your car so you should have it the way you decide, I'm just relaying my experience with the rebuild process durability.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
I really would prefer to keep the FX3. I wouldn't mind rebuilding them myself even if I have to redo it every 20k. Maybe its something I'll live with until I can find a set at the wrecking yard to experiment with. I've rebuilt 4l60s, 4l80s, muncie trans and other tons of other things, so I am not scared to dive in. I just don't want to pull my shocks apart and have the car down for weeks while I chase down rare discontinued unavailable rebuild parts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Well the FX3 shocks themselves are NOT electronic. The assembly is indeed electro/mechanical but it is the "actuator" that sits on top of the shock that turns a plastic gear via tiny electric motor and thus turns a small pot metal gear on the top of the shock stem. The actuators can be rebuilt. I;ve had several of the units on my 95 rebuilt over the years by: http://captainzcnc.com/
They can also provide you with quality metal gears to replace the pot-mental ones on top of the shock stem.
They can also provide you with quality metal gears to replace the pot-mental ones on top of the shock stem.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
On one of the videos I watched the guy used a flat air nozzle and wedged it between the rubber cap to fill it. I'm not sure what he was using for gas, or just compressed air. This will take a lot more research to do, but this is why I'm asking for advice on it if its even feasible. I may just end up buying the front 2 and then get the rear 2 later to ease the pain. I appreciate the suggestions on all these things as I am no expert and often overlook these.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 384
From: Northern California
Should be nitrogen under pressure according to them...
I do see gas and oil fill tools listed in their supplies section on Page 7. Probs best to call the guys at Poway and see what they say.
http://info.bilsteinus.com/public_ac...tsCat_2011.pdf
But in my case I bit the bullet, bought the four shocks and then paid it off after a few months.
I do see gas and oil fill tools listed in their supplies section on Page 7. Probs best to call the guys at Poway and see what they say.
http://info.bilsteinus.com/public_ac...tsCat_2011.pdf
But in my case I bit the bullet, bought the four shocks and then paid it off after a few months.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When I had my 92 ZO7 with the FX3 system I found it really did not make a lot of difference in handling until above 70 or 80 mph. Of course with the stiff springs in the ZO7 it handled well all of the time. If I had been in a position where I had to replace the shocks there is no question I would have switch to dual adjustable RideTech shocks for about the same price as replacing the FX3 shocks. Then the car would have been truly tunable for any driving condition. It is just a question of staying stock or making modifications to improve the car.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
Thank you for that link. That's good info on rebuilding them. Seems like it will cost me as much to buy the tools to rebuild them as to buy new ones. As far as improving the suspension with RideTech, I'd rather stay stock. I'm never going to track this car. I doubt I'll ever really take advantage of the selective suspension, but would like to keep it factory since its there. That's if this car was even born with it. I appreciate the suggestions!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 67
Likes: 12
From: Morganville NJ
I have a junkyard near me that has (unfortunately) 3 FX3 shocks and actuators. The 4th was taken with the rear quarter sold off. I always wanted to get them to have as spares but the lone rear has no mate. All the other FX3 stuff is gone.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,393
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If a later model car and a yard that does late model purchasing generally there's a 'trace/tracking' using various sources. You can often get snapshots of the damage that put the car there to start with. I do this often when buying later model parts.
