FX3 shock testing & questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
FX3 shock testing & questions
Okay...FX3 guys, I need to pick your brains.
I'm detailing the engine compartment and then some...you know, to make it look new again. So, I decide to pull of the acuator and take a look at things.
Is the little gear on top of the shock supposed to be complete, or is it supposed to be squared off...like about 2/3 gear and 1/3 flat. It looks broken, but what do I know. Also, i remember reading hear somewhere about how to test the shock vs. acuator. My little gear will just go around and around. Wrong, huh?
Also, the inside of the acuator looks like the female gear isn't all there either. Am I like totally messed up or is that right?
Finally, if my shock is shot...I understand they can be sent back to Bilstein for rebuilding. Anyone have the phone and address...and do we know how much? Is there a good (say "reasonable") place to purchase the accuators?
and lastly, do you just unscrew the inverted aluminum top to release the top of the shock? I'm really not as dumb as I sound...but this FX3 system is all greek to me.
Thanks for any help. :)
I'm detailing the engine compartment and then some...you know, to make it look new again. So, I decide to pull of the acuator and take a look at things.
Is the little gear on top of the shock supposed to be complete, or is it supposed to be squared off...like about 2/3 gear and 1/3 flat. It looks broken, but what do I know. Also, i remember reading hear somewhere about how to test the shock vs. acuator. My little gear will just go around and around. Wrong, huh?
Also, the inside of the acuator looks like the female gear isn't all there either. Am I like totally messed up or is that right?
Finally, if my shock is shot...I understand they can be sent back to Bilstein for rebuilding. Anyone have the phone and address...and do we know how much? Is there a good (say "reasonable") place to purchase the accuators?
and lastly, do you just unscrew the inverted aluminum top to release the top of the shock? I'm really not as dumb as I sound...but this FX3 system is all greek to me.
Thanks for any help. :)
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (emoshn)
Okay...FX3 guys, I need to pick your brains.
Is the little gear on top of the shock supposed to be complete, or is it supposed to be squared off...like about 2/3 gear and 1/3 flat. It looks broken, but what do I know. Also, i remember reading hear somewhere about how to test the shock vs. acuator. My little gear will just go around and around. Wrong, huh?
Also, the inside of the acuator looks like the female gear isn't all there either. Am I like totally messed up or is that right?
Finally, if my shock is shot...I understand they can be sent back to Bilstein for rebuilding. Anyone have the phone and address...and do we know how much? Is there a good (say "reasonable") place to purchase the accuators?
14102 Stowe Dr
Poway, CA 92064
1-800-537-1085
Bill Hendorf or Jack French is who you need to talk to.
If you're sending one send them all. It'll 400 or less depending on the repairs needed. The actuator you're going to have to find second hand, as new even at wholesale, they are expensive.
and lastly, do you just unscrew the inverted aluminum top to release the top of the shock? I'm really not as dumb as I sound...but this FX3 system is all greek to me.
Thanks for any help. :)
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (Z-07 freak)
Sounds like your acuator is shot. It should only travel 160 degrees, then back to its starting point.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
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From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (Jeffvette)
Not the 92-95 Set up, the rotation on them is only 90 degrees.
I'll ask again, what's your source?
[Modified by Z-07 freak, 9:37 AM 2/19/2004]
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (Z-07 freak)
I'm not starting an arguement with you, I would like to know what source has info on the FX-3 settings for 92-95?
Work on one and find out.
The shock rod was adjusted to a 90 degree rotation, the system breaks down as
89-91
92-95
Actuators are the same across the board, but are not interchangable front to rear. If you change to the later style shocks, you have to switch out FX3 controllers otherwise the computer is still wanting to do the original 160/180 degree rotation.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (Z-07 freak)
Okay...so I figure my shock is shot. But, don't confuse me here (easy to do). The accuator is the thing that snaps onto the top of the shock...correct? When we're talking about degrees of turning, are you talking about the little gear on top of the shock (non-accuator) or are you talking about the inside of the accuator. Although both turn freely and continuously with no stops.
I knew something was wrong with one or more of the shocks because my Killebrew code testing thingy said so.
I want to keep the FX3 system...just because I want to keep the car as originally outfitted, but am gonna have to repair this system bit by bit. :)
I knew something was wrong with one or more of the shocks because my Killebrew code testing thingy said so.
I want to keep the FX3 system...just because I want to keep the car as originally outfitted, but am gonna have to repair this system bit by bit. :)
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (emoshn)
Okay...so I figure my shock is shot. But, don't confuse me here (easy to do). The accuator is the thing that snaps onto the top of the shock...correct?
This is the actuator. http://www.pnwzr1.net/Jeff/DSC00001.JPG
When we're talking about degrees of turning, are you talking about the little gear on top of the shock (non-accuator) or are you talking about the inside of the accuator. Although both turn freely and continuously with no stops.
I knew something was wrong with one or more of the shocks because my Killebrew code testing thingy said so.
I want to keep the FX3 system...just because I want to keep the car as originally outfitted, but am gonna have to repair this system bit by bit. :)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (Jeffvette)
Thanks for all your info Jeffvette. No, I did not know it defaults to the stiffest setting. Given that, and the tendancy (from what I gather) of the FX3 system to be troublesome, is it possible to convert to standard shocks...and if so what would be a good recommendation for a decent ride but still giving some handling...AND...is there anything in particular you have to do to disable the FX3 system other than replacing the shocks and disconnecting the accuators?
I'd still like to keep the stock system, but may go to regular shocks while I'm accumulating parts and such.
Sorry to be asking so many questions.
I'd still like to keep the stock system, but may go to regular shocks while I'm accumulating parts and such.
Sorry to be asking so many questions.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (Jeffvette)
Just went back out to the garage and decided to look inside the accuator REAL good...the little gear in their (female) does NOT rotate...but it's broken and missing a couple of teeth.
You'd think there would be a way to replace that little gear or that somebody would have a way of rebuilding them. Not so huh?
If anybody did come up with one, I'd hope they'd use a stainless gear..both male and female for that matter. Would go a long way toward eliminating failure in the system. Too bad. :rolleyes:
You'd think there would be a way to replace that little gear or that somebody would have a way of rebuilding them. Not so huh?
If anybody did come up with one, I'd hope they'd use a stainless gear..both male and female for that matter. Would go a long way toward eliminating failure in the system. Too bad. :rolleyes:
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Brea CA
Re: FX3 shock testing & questions (emoshn)
I'm also looking to someday restore my early '89 FX3 car back to original and thought I'd buy the parts now before they get too expensive. Anyone have an idea what a set of used FX3 shocks and actuators should go for? Any ideas of locations to buy them in So Cal?
Thanks.
Thanks.
