Ok, My service ride control light is coming on more and more, the car is riding really sloppy and my mechanic says it needs shocks.

At this point I can't afford to buy the Bilsteins, so what can anyone tell me about other shocks? According to the auto parts store they can get Monroe shocks that will work with the FX3 for pretty cheap. Also what would happen if I used regular shocks? Last question, how hard of a job is shocks all the way around?

Thanks :seeya

 

I have heard of owners swapping in regular shocks and then sending the bilsteins out to be rebuilt, Which would be a the best option.

For Temporary shocks (until you can afford to rebuild the bilsteins) I would get KYBs they are around $20-25 each from Summit Racing.

INstalling them is fairly easy, I usually take the front wheels off to remove the shocks but for the rears I usually leave the wheels on.

 

You need to pull the codes and post them. The "usual" failures are either a bad actuator or the small gear on the shock shaft or even the gear inside the actuator will break. Once a code is detected, the FX3 system automatically puts the shock setting in "Tour" mode and the console switch has no effect so you may be feeling that softer ride with the light on.

Don't worry about seeing a very slight film of oil on the outside of the shock. It's normal as Bilstein puts extra oil in them to allow for some bleed-off. Dripping oil or a very wet film indicates a failure of the seals. Unless the shock piston is damaged in some way, the rebuild cost is worth it.

Unfortunately, if the codes show a bad actuator, they would have to be replaced as they are not repairable. These are pretty costly items new; you may be able to find some from other members who have removed the FX3 system from their cars.

The shocks can be rebuilt by Bilstein for around $60 per shock and even re-valved to more performance oriented settings if you want at an extra cost. I'm looking to have to do this too on my 92. Call Bilstein at 1-800-537-1085 (that's the West Coast number) for information.

KYB's are a very good replacement shock and you can get tham at Summit Racing for $27.95 each with free shipping, no tax and only their $9.00 order fee.

I really like the FX3 system. Outside of the high repair costs,i t is a very good system and IMHO, worth keeping.

 

As I recall, you should be able to send them to Bilstein to get rebuit (revalved & such) at a fraction of the cost.

That's what everyone on the forum used to do. I just waited 'till my light burnt out (I've been broke). :D

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=292104

 

Thrills,

Pull the codes first. To do this, take a paper clip and insert one end into the ALDL A pin (bottom right hand pin) and the other into the ALDL C pin (third pin from bottom right going left. There should only be one pin between the two.

Turn the key on but don't start the car. The Service Ride Control light will flash once (1) and then twice (2) for a code of 12 (Normal). There will be a slight pause and then it will do the same thing 2 more times. After it has flashed 12 three times, it will cycle thru any errors with the ride control system, and flash them 3 times. Write down the error codes it gives and post them here. I know codes 14 and 21 are front shock actuator errors (L and R).

If it's an actuator, I know someone who has a few to sell (one front and 2 rear). If it's a shock, I would send them all off to Bilstein to get revalved. They will do all 4 for $220, or the price of one new one.

Mike

 

They will not work with, but replace. You'll remove the FX3 shocks and actuators and put in the replacements


You'll have a light on in the dash, and have a switch in the center console that does nothing.

Correct tools, 90 minutes all 4

Pull the codes, determine repair direction from there.

 

Just for information,
I spoke with Bilsteins service people and current price for rebuilding / revalving FX3 shock is $100 if gear and shaft is good, add $45 if that needs replacement.

New FX3 shocks can be found for $169 so I guess there will be few questions:
-Is adjustability from inside while driving worth all that extra money? (Repair FX3 for ~700 for shocks and about $100 a piece for actuators)
-Externally adjustable (4 Koni's $560, 4 QA1 <$400)
-Is adjustability overall needed? One setting originals (Bilstein Z51 or normal for $69 each)
-Or softer KYB or even Monroe for less than $150.

These are difficult questions at least for me who drove first time in a C4 vette couple of months ago with service ride conrol lamp on.

I already decided to fix my FX3 but I need to replace all actuators and get new or rebuilt all shocks with gears and I don't know whether it is worth that much.

Thanks for letting me ramble

 

Personally, I think it's worth fixing the FX3 setup. I have a modified prom, but I like the fact that the soft setting is very nice around town and the firm setting is perfect for the track.

Mike

 

Yes I would like to keep the FX3 setup myself. Ill pull the codes and forward a link to my homeboy Bri for his reveiw. God help me the day he ever realizes that I benefit from our friendship way more than he does. He helps me out on a lot of my car troubles, stuff like the thermostat and cooling fan motor. All I have to give him is my undying devotion and sometimes I treat him to dinner at his favorite place Hooters :lol: :seeya


[Modified by thrills, 8:40 PM 11/26/2003]


[Modified by thrills, 8:40 PM 11/26/2003]