$1000 to fix my FX3?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
$1000 to fix my FX3?
So lemme get this straight. I can have the FX3 shocks on my 92 re-built by bilstein for about $100 apiece. The actuators for the shocks are $150 a piece, on top of the $100. My 92 has 118k on the original shocks, so I am going to assume all the shocks, and all the actuators are shot.
So:
$100 x 4 = $400
$150 x 4 = $600
That's a grand, assuming I do all the work myself. Do I have everything figured right? Is their something I do not understand? For $1000, I can buy the best Koni shocks there is, or some QA1's, or hal 12 ways. Why would I want ot spend a grand to get my car back to stock?
:confused:
Can someone enlighten me?
So:
$100 x 4 = $400
$150 x 4 = $600
That's a grand, assuming I do all the work myself. Do I have everything figured right? Is their something I do not understand? For $1000, I can buy the best Koni shocks there is, or some QA1's, or hal 12 ways. Why would I want ot spend a grand to get my car back to stock?
:confused:
Can someone enlighten me?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (neat)
Have you pulled any of the codes to determine if you have problems with the shocks or actuators themselves?? The actuators are nothing more that small electric motors and should easily last the life of the car. The CCM stores codes that will give you specific problems at each corner. Pull the actuators to determine if the small gears on the shock shafts are OK. The shafts should turn easily. Look inside the actuator to see if the gear inside is broken.
118K is a lot of miles on the shocks, but unless they are leaking a lot of fluid (a very light film of oil is OK) or you definately feel a lack of control from any of the shocks, they might be OK.
The FX3 system is expensive to fix but it does work great. If the stock shock valving is not what you like, Bilstein can also revalve it to custom settings. Doug Rippie Motorsports has replacement controllers and custom proms that can be used to even further fine-tune the FX3 system.
118K is a lot of miles on the shocks, but unless they are leaking a lot of fluid (a very light film of oil is OK) or you definately feel a lack of control from any of the shocks, they might be OK.
The FX3 system is expensive to fix but it does work great. If the stock shock valving is not what you like, Bilstein can also revalve it to custom settings. Doug Rippie Motorsports has replacement controllers and custom proms that can be used to even further fine-tune the FX3 system.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 2
From: Oviedo FL
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (neat)
Check for codes first. Send the shocks off to Bilstein to have them Revalved (not rebuilt). You can have them revalved for $55/ea. If you need to get them rebuilt, it will run $100 - $110/ea.
If you can get the actuators for $150 you have done well. There is no need to replace the actuators if you aren't getting any codes.
Mike
If you can get the actuators for $150 you have done well. There is no need to replace the actuators if you aren't getting any codes.
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,717
Likes: 5
From: RI
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (c4cruiser)
The CCM stores codes that will give you specific problems at each corner.
For the original question, there is NO NEED to replace all the actuators at the same time unless there is a physical problem with them. I would however have the shocks revalved. Active suspension with 100k + on them is asking way to much even beyond 75k to act factory fresh. I'd send them off to Bilstein to be revalved just because of the mileage, however, if you know they are not leaking them pull the codes from the dash light to diagnose what the problem with the system is. Jumper terminals A to C to get the dash light to flash the codes and report back with finding to help fix the problem at hand
Kitt
[Modified by kittmaster, 12:16 PM 1/7/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (neat)
Actuators for $150? Hmm let me know where I can find them at that price. I can't buy them at dealer cost from GM for that! The last one we replaced on a customers car was $568 dealer cost was around $425.
Bilstein will rebuild the shocks for you at around $110 each, but be aware that there is a 4 to 6 week turn around time and you need to check with the Bilstein first before sending them in for repair or rebuild. The good thing about that is that they can install different valving for the shocks if you are a Auto-X guru. I have heard that the new valving starts at the firmest position now and goes two more steps up from there. Same price you just have to request it.
If I were you I would definitley check for codes concerning the actuators, if they are bad a code will set. Unless you see that or unless the actuators are physically broken I would keep them.
Bilstein will rebuild the shocks for you at around $110 each, but be aware that there is a 4 to 6 week turn around time and you need to check with the Bilstein first before sending them in for repair or rebuild. The good thing about that is that they can install different valving for the shocks if you are a Auto-X guru. I have heard that the new valving starts at the firmest position now and goes two more steps up from there. Same price you just have to request it.
If I were you I would definitley check for codes concerning the actuators, if they are bad a code will set. Unless you see that or unless the actuators are physically broken I would keep them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 2
From: Oviedo FL
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (tjwong)
I have bought a couple of actuators from Contemporary Corvettes in Pa for $125 I believe (might have been $150). These are of course used. I would never buy one new at the prices they are asking. If I am not mistaken, Bilstein sold off their entire stock to AC-Delco or GM (can't remember which one), so they can charge whatever the heck they want. I say screw 'em!
Mike
Mike
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (luvmy92)
No, I haven't pulled any codes, but I have felt the actuators on the front shocks. When you first turn the key, the actuators "buzz", but they don't move when you flip the switch from one setting to the next. I haven't actually taken anything apart yet, but I am pretty sure all 4 shocks are pretty much shot. From my understanding, the gears break in the actuators pretty regularly, so I assumed they would be broken as well.
I am also correct in that if the system is not working, it is "stuck" on the stiffest setting?
I am also correct in that if the system is not working, it is "stuck" on the stiffest setting?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Bergen County NJ
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (neat)
The front actuators are easy the check out - just remove the spring clip and pull the actuator off. It's obvious if the plastic gear has broken. Heck, the rears aren't hard either once the tires are off.
The GM manual and Bilstein claim that as long as the shocks are holding oil they are OK and not in need of replacement. They go on to say that a light film of oil on the shock body is acceptable (and that there was extra oil in the shock to accomodate this seepage), but streaks or a lot of oil is sign of a failed shock. Another sign of a bad shock is lots of oil in the actuator.
The GM manual and Bilstein claim that as long as the shocks are holding oil they are OK and not in need of replacement. They go on to say that a light film of oil on the shock body is acceptable (and that there was extra oil in the shock to accomodate this seepage), but streaks or a lot of oil is sign of a failed shock. Another sign of a bad shock is lots of oil in the actuator.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 2
From: Oviedo FL
Re: $1000 to fix my FX3? (neat)
Pulling the codes (if any) is an easy thing, and you really need 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. After it has cycled thru any codes, it will flash 12 three times again (completed cycle). 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). I can't remember the rear actuator codes off the top of my head.
I think without question, you should send off your shocks to Bilstein and have them revalved ($220/set). They'll rebuild them if neceesary. Get the Moracca valving, if you are into a firm ride. You are correct about the system going into Performace mode if you have problems with any of your actuators.
Mike
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. After it has cycled thru any codes, it will flash 12 three times again (completed cycle). 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). I can't remember the rear actuator codes off the top of my head.
I think without question, you should send off your shocks to Bilstein and have them revalved ($220/set). They'll rebuild them if neceesary. Get the Moracca valving, if you are into a firm ride. You are correct about the system going into Performace mode if you have problems with any of your actuators.
Mike
