C5 front Shocks SHOCKING
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: Enola PA
C5 front Shocks SHOCKING
I have a buddy that has a C5 50th Anniv edition with 25,000 miles.
He had it to the local dealer for state inspection and they told him the front shocks were showing signs of leaking and would not pass inspection. This car has the adjustable suspension, the cost to replace the shocks is $1,200.00 each, without labor...
Any suggestions as an alternative or where to look for a factory set via Aftermarket?
He had it to the local dealer for state inspection and they told him the front shocks were showing signs of leaking and would not pass inspection. This car has the adjustable suspension, the cost to replace the shocks is $1,200.00 each, without labor...
Any suggestions as an alternative or where to look for a factory set via Aftermarket?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
In C5 Tech, use search or search this forum (in the red banner).
Use keywords "magnetic shock replacement" "f45/f55 shock replacement" or similar. You should find lots of past threads.
Basically, I think the only option is to replace the shocks with standard shocks but trick the computer into thinking the magnetic shocks are still in use. Otherwise a code will be displayed and performance is limited to limp mode. There should be information in those past threads about a simulator (diodes?) product which will trick the computer.
Use keywords "magnetic shock replacement" "f45/f55 shock replacement" or similar. You should find lots of past threads.
Basically, I think the only option is to replace the shocks with standard shocks but trick the computer into thinking the magnetic shocks are still in use. Otherwise a code will be displayed and performance is limited to limp mode. There should be information in those past threads about a simulator (diodes?) product which will trick the computer.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Jun 21, 2010 at 03:28 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 5
From: Denver, North Carolina
That's pretty strick to not pass a state inspection for "sign of leaking" shock absorber. Are we sure that's not just the dealer trying to force a sale of some way over-priced parts and labor? I'd take it to an independent inspection shop, they probably won't even look for leaky shocks, then I'd deal with correcting any problems on my own terms.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: Enola PA
I am certain he does not want to switch to a traditional shock and modify the system so he's going to have to stick with the AC Delco Magnetic Shocks...
Anyone have any experience on how much these should cost? $1,200 is just nuts...
Anyone have any experience on how much these should cost? $1,200 is just nuts...
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
They are still quite expensive. I think the last time I looked gmpartshouse.com had the fronts at $700~ each and the rear around $500 each, but I could be wrong.
I'm "Apache" a psycho dog
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 31
From: N.J.
I have a buddy that has a C5 50th Anniv edition with 25,000 miles.
He had it to the local dealer for state inspection and they told him the front shocks were showing signs of leaking and would not pass inspection. This car has the adjustable suspension, the cost to replace the shocks is $1,200.00 each, without labor...
Any suggestions as an alternative or where to look for a factory set via Aftermarket?
He had it to the local dealer for state inspection and they told him the front shocks were showing signs of leaking and would not pass inspection. This car has the adjustable suspension, the cost to replace the shocks is $1,200.00 each, without labor...
Any suggestions as an alternative or where to look for a factory set via Aftermarket?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
Your buddy should change them himself, really not hard at all. Worst case, buy a new one from Gene on the forum and take it to a good local shop and have them replace it. Any chance there is a Corvette club nearby? Usually they will have a few guys that enjoy helping others out with simple fixes or they will tell you where to have it serviced (other than a dealer).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 2
From: Enola PA
I had him bring the car over last night and I put it up and took at the front shocks.
yes, they are leaking something, the car is clean underneath, but the shocks are lightly coated in a very thick dark grey / black greasy material. No error codes or messages and the car seems to handle fine... I had suggested just cleaning them up a bit and taking it elsewhere, but he is going to have them replaced. Installation is only $200 bucks, its the cost of the shock that is so alarming. I can't find these anywhere to purchase them and install them myself, but will check gmpartshouse.com thanks to all for the comments...
yes, they are leaking something, the car is clean underneath, but the shocks are lightly coated in a very thick dark grey / black greasy material. No error codes or messages and the car seems to handle fine... I had suggested just cleaning them up a bit and taking it elsewhere, but he is going to have them replaced. Installation is only $200 bucks, its the cost of the shock that is so alarming. I can't find these anywhere to purchase them and install them myself, but will check gmpartshouse.com thanks to all for the comments...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Clean the residue off the shocks, take it to the Inspection Station and pass the inspection. Once you clean the oil off,,,monitor the shocks for additional sings of leakage. if they leak, replace them. You have TWO options. Aftermarket non F-45 /F-55 shocks with a RPO De-program from the BCM. OR contat Gene Culley www.gmpartshouse.com for new Mag Shocks.
Installation is a snap.
Prepare your wallet for a major hemmorage!
BC
Installation is a snap.
Prepare your wallet for a major hemmorage!
BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,825
Likes: 221
From: Hillsboro OR
My $0.02 on the F55 option
When I bought my ('03) car in 2006 I thought the F55 option was the best thing since color TV. 
Now, four years later, I think it is a fine attempt at trying to satisfy both driving styles. However, I feel they both fall a bit short.
TOUR setting smooths out the road but over time it starts to feel too mushy with body roll.
SPORT setting eliminates the body roll but, sometimes the bumps feel a bit jarring.
Now that I know replacement F55 shocks will cost ~$2000 - $2400. without labor. As soon as these wear out. I am headed straight over to get the Pfadt coilovers. Better shock, more adjustability, cheaper, less weight (removal of leaf springs).
Now, four years later, I think it is a fine attempt at trying to satisfy both driving styles. However, I feel they both fall a bit short. TOUR setting smooths out the road but over time it starts to feel too mushy with body roll.
SPORT setting eliminates the body roll but, sometimes the bumps feel a bit jarring.
Now that I know replacement F55 shocks will cost ~$2000 - $2400. without labor. As soon as these wear out. I am headed straight over to get the Pfadt coilovers. Better shock, more adjustability, cheaper, less weight (removal of leaf springs).
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,825
Likes: 221
From: Hillsboro OR
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 4
From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I had my fronts replaced under GMPP by my dealer who magically got it accomplished at no cost to me whatsoever. The service manager and techs are all super guys and only in their mid to late 30's I know it's an exception but these guys have been just great to me over the years. Hint: A few pizzas every summer is a gesture that the guys appreciate, show them some respect and you'll get the same in return if you're lucky to get the right group of guys.
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale California
If your friend is looking for these shocks i'm taking mine off sunday 7/11/2010
i have a 2004 coupe with 12000 miles i will sell all four ($1200.00)
e-mail me @ jtamayo@dslextreme.com
i have a 2004 coupe with 12000 miles i will sell all four ($1200.00)
e-mail me @ jtamayo@dslextreme.com
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
When I bought my ('03) car in 2006 I thought the F55 option was the best thing since color TV. Now, four years later, I think it is a fine attempt at trying to satisfy both driving styles. However, I feel they both fall a bit short.
TOUR setting smooths out the road but over time it starts to feel too mushy with body roll.
SPORT setting eliminates the body roll but, sometimes the bumps feel a bit jarring.
Now that I know replacement F55 shocks will cost ~$2000 - $2400. without labor. As soon as these wear out. I am headed straight over to get the Pfadt coilovers. Better shock, more adjustability, cheaper, less weight (removal of leaf springs).
Now, four years later, I think it is a fine attempt at trying to satisfy both driving styles. However, I feel they both fall a bit short. TOUR setting smooths out the road but over time it starts to feel too mushy with body roll.
SPORT setting eliminates the body roll but, sometimes the bumps feel a bit jarring.
Now that I know replacement F55 shocks will cost ~$2000 - $2400. without labor. As soon as these wear out. I am headed straight over to get the Pfadt coilovers. Better shock, more adjustability, cheaper, less weight (removal of leaf springs).
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,489
Likes: 1,810
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
