ride control ???
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 18
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From: Chandler AZ
ride control ???
How can I tell if the ride control switch is working?
How can I tell if I have the FX3 suspension? Is that ride control?
I have a 92 convertible and I'm wanting to replace the shocks
Thanks
How can I tell if I have the FX3 suspension? Is that ride control?
I have a 92 convertible and I'm wanting to replace the shocks
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
How can I tell if the ride control switch is working?
How can I tell if I have the FX3 suspension? Is that ride control?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
When you turn on the key (to ignition, but not starting), each shock motor tests itself by 'moving' 3 times, so by feeling the motor unit on the front shocks, and anywhere on the rear shock, you will be able to tell if they are working. You should also be able to 'hear' it working. If the motors aren't working, then the 'ride control' switch probably doesn't do anything (my guess is the computer says to ignore the switch if the actuators do not work).
Also, not sure on the 92, but for our 94, you can pull the 'codes', to also check if everything is working correctly (as the motor movement doesn't mean the shock gear or Actuator gear isn't broken (as was the case on our left front).
By the way, the light bulb 'trick' might not work if someone removed the bulb (as was done on our 94).
:flag
[Modified by theadmiral94, 10:32 PM 10/28/2003]
Also, not sure on the 92, but for our 94, you can pull the 'codes', to also check if everything is working correctly (as the motor movement doesn't mean the shock gear or Actuator gear isn't broken (as was the case on our left front).
By the way, the light bulb 'trick' might not work if someone removed the bulb (as was done on our 94).
:flag
[Modified by theadmiral94, 10:32 PM 10/28/2003]
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
The light doesn't come on. I figured since the shocks are stock with 79k that they need replaced.
Is there anything else to check?
Thanks
Tom
Is there anything else to check?
Thanks
Tom
Let me know when you get the bulb replaced and I'll walk you through the diagnositc checks.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Re: ride control ??? (Jeffvette)
I just checked and the ride control light doesn't come on at all.
I did notice when I trun on the key I hear a series of 3 noises that sound like maybe the ride control test you mentioned.
How do I replace the bulb and where can I buy one at?
How often should the FX3 shocks be replaced and where is the best place to buy them?
How much of a difference do the 3 settings make?
Thanks for all the help
I did notice when I trun on the key I hear a series of 3 noises that sound like maybe the ride control test you mentioned.
How do I replace the bulb and where can I buy one at?
How often should the FX3 shocks be replaced and where is the best place to buy them?
How much of a difference do the 3 settings make?
Thanks for all the help
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
I just checked and the ride control light doesn't come on at all. How do I replace the bulb and where can I buy one at?
I did notice when I trun on the key I hear a series of 3 noises that sound like maybe the ride control test you mentioned.
How often should the FX3 shocks be replaced and where is the best place to buy them?
How much of a difference do the 3 settings make?
Thanks for all the help[/QUOTE]
NP :cheers:
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Re: ride control ??? (Jeffvette)
Hi,
Whats LTPWS?
I hear the 3 noises with the engine off just after I turn the key to the on position.
Where can I get the shocks rebuilt and does bilstien have a web site?
What should they cost to rebuild or buy new?
Thanks
Tom
Whats LTPWS?
I hear the 3 noises with the engine off just after I turn the key to the on position.
Where can I get the shocks rebuilt and does bilstien have a web site?
What should they cost to rebuild or buy new?
Thanks
Tom
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Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
Hi,
Whats LTPWS?
I hear the 3 noises with the engine off just after I turn the key to the on position.
Where can I get the shocks rebuilt and does bilstien have a web site?
What should they cost to rebuild or buy new?
Thanks
Tom
Whats LTPWS?
I hear the 3 noises with the engine off just after I turn the key to the on position.
Where can I get the shocks rebuilt and does bilstien have a web site?
What should they cost to rebuild or buy new?
Thanks
Tom
The noises you hear are mst likely the fuel pump priming, and possibly the FX3.
To rebuild the shocks is roughly half the cost of buying new FX3 shocks.
Contact info:
1-800-537-1085
Bilstein Repair Dept.
14102 Stowe Dr
Poway, CA 92064
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Re: ride control ??? (Jeffvette)
Thanks,
The 3 noises are not the fuel pump. I've had a LT1 for quite a while in another car and I know what that sounds like.
Thanks again for all the help. I called a place today called Willcox and they told me $1800 for all 4 shocks. I almost laughed. Even mid America is $800 and I thought that was crazy. My Hal shocks didn't even cost that much.
Is it a bad idea to just replace them with a good aftermarket shock? I would rather keep the car stock but those prices are crazy.
I will call bilstein tomorrow. Do you have any idea how fast they can do this and do they do a good job?
Thanks again
The 3 noises are not the fuel pump. I've had a LT1 for quite a while in another car and I know what that sounds like.
Thanks again for all the help. I called a place today called Willcox and they told me $1800 for all 4 shocks. I almost laughed. Even mid America is $800 and I thought that was crazy. My Hal shocks didn't even cost that much.
Is it a bad idea to just replace them with a good aftermarket shock? I would rather keep the car stock but those prices are crazy.
I will call bilstein tomorrow. Do you have any idea how fast they can do this and do they do a good job?
Thanks again
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
Turnaround time should be less than 3 weeks since you live so close. THat includes shipping both ways.
I had them rebuild mine last year and went with a stiffer valving. I absolutely love them. I'll be installing coilovers soon as well.
Yopu can install regular shocks and be done with the whole mess as well. It won't hurt anything.
I had them rebuild mine last year and went with a stiffer valving. I absolutely love them. I'll be installing coilovers soon as well.
Yopu can install regular shocks and be done with the whole mess as well. It won't hurt anything.
Team Owner
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Re: ride control ??? (theadmiral94)
When you turn on the key (to ignition, but not starting), each shock motor tests itself by 'moving' 3 times, so by feeling the motor unit on the front shocks, and anywhere on the rear shock, you will be able to tell if they are working. You should also be able to 'hear' it working. If the motors aren't working, then the 'ride control' switch probably doesn't do anything (my guess is the computer says to ignore the switch if the actuators do not work).
Also, not sure on the 92, but for our 94, you can pull the 'codes', to also check if everything is working correctly (as the motor movement doesn't mean the shock gear or Actuator gear isn't broken (as was the case on our left front).
By the way, the light bulb 'trick' might not work if someone removed the bulb (as was done on our 94).
:flag
[Modified by theadmiral94, 10:32 PM 10/28/2003]
Also, not sure on the 92, but for our 94, you can pull the 'codes', to also check if everything is working correctly (as the motor movement doesn't mean the shock gear or Actuator gear isn't broken (as was the case on our left front).
By the way, the light bulb 'trick' might not work if someone removed the bulb (as was done on our 94).
:flag
[Modified by theadmiral94, 10:32 PM 10/28/2003]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Re: ride control ??? (onedef92)
I called Bilstein today and they told me unless the gear on top of the shock is broke that the shocks do not wear out.
They said it's usually one of the motors on top of teh shock or the gear.
They also said the motors are only available from salvage yards?????
They said it's usually one of the motors on top of teh shock or the gear.
They also said the motors are only available from salvage yards?????
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
If the shocks don't wear out, then why do they ecventually start leaking? If shocks never wore out, all you would have to buy for a car is one set :rolleyes:
It's either typically the gear or the actuator. Actuators can be had from GM for about 200 as well. Cheaper from a salvage or second party.
It's either typically the gear or the actuator. Actuators can be had from GM for about 200 as well. Cheaper from a salvage or second party.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Manhattan
Re: ride control ??? (Jeffvette)
Jeffvette is right on with his advice :thumbs:
I followed it and had Bilstein rebuild my shocks w/ stiffer valveing. They turned out great!!
Jeffvette, you mentioned you may be switching to coil-overs. My front spring will need replaceing soon and i'm thinking of doing the coil-overs myself. Since I just recently had the shocks rebuilt, I don't want to have to buy a new set with the coil-over packages.
My plan is to have some shop thread my shocks, then buy the the coil over pieces seperately. I was just curious as to your plan for coil-overs.
Thanks
--steve
I followed it and had Bilstein rebuild my shocks w/ stiffer valveing. They turned out great!!
Jeffvette, you mentioned you may be switching to coil-overs. My front spring will need replaceing soon and i'm thinking of doing the coil-overs myself. Since I just recently had the shocks rebuilt, I don't want to have to buy a new set with the coil-over packages.
My plan is to have some shop thread my shocks, then buy the the coil over pieces seperately. I was just curious as to your plan for coil-overs.
Thanks
--steve
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: ride control ??? (Raistlin)
Hey Steve. The coilover packages typically do not come with shocks. WHen Bilstein rebuilt mine, I had them notch the shocks for the setup from DRM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 18
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From: Chandler AZ
Re: ride control ??? (Raistlin)
I was just repeating what bilstein told me. When they said the shocks don't wear out they were not talking about leaks. They did mention leaks on the phone. I had never heard anything like this before.
I believe what they were saying is that their internal parts don't wear out and that if you don't have a leak or a broken gear the shock will last forever.
I would really like to ge tthe factory system working but I can't believe how much these parts cost for the FX3 system
I believe what they were saying is that their internal parts don't wear out and that if you don't have a leak or a broken gear the shock will last forever.
I would really like to ge tthe factory system working but I can't believe how much these parts cost for the FX3 system
Team Owner
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Re: ride control ??? (tcal95z1)
I was just repeating what bilstein told me. When they said the shocks don't wear out they were not talking about leaks. They did mention leaks on the phone. I had never heard anything like this before.
I believe what they were saying is that their internal parts don't wear out and that if you don't have a leak or a broken gear the shock will last forever.
I would really like to ge tthe factory system working but I can't believe how much these parts cost for the FX3 system
I believe what they were saying is that their internal parts don't wear out and that if you don't have a leak or a broken gear the shock will last forever.
I would really like to ge tthe factory system working but I can't believe how much these parts cost for the FX3 system
