Fx3 shocks

[TomZR1]

I just purchased a 90 zr1 I think it needs shocks it has 80,000 miles on original shocks src light is on, did a test and said it was driver side front don't know if that means if shocks are wasted or the actuator is bad as anyone come across this problem want to replace shocks myself a local vette shop wanted$500 just in labor to install .just wondering if it's easy to do if it's something that I can do myself.

[TomZR1]

I purchased shocks from Corvette Central they were 220 apiece don't know if I can get them cheaper?

[scottfab]

I just purchased a 90 zr1 I think it needs shocks it has 80,000 miles on original shocks src light is on, did a test and said it was driver side front don't know if that means if shocks are wasted or the actuator is bad as anyone come across this problem want to replace shocks myself a local vette shop wanted$500 just in labor to install .just wondering if it's easy to do if it's something that I can do myself.

Pull the actuator off and look inside the hole to see if the gear is cracked.
This is a common failure. Or it maybe that the actuator was not seated correctly.
There is a technet article on this in the club webpage.
http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Information/TechNet/%5BAllArticles%5D/tabid/262/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/110/FX3-Shock-Actuator-Rebuild.aspx

[Dynomite]

FX3 Selective Rid Control TIPS (http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/fx3/index.html#.UP3j1x1EGSo)
FX3 Actuator Rebuild TIPS (http://www.captainzcnc.com/)

See this from Captain Z (http://www.captainzcnc.com/id2.html)
Please take a moment to inspect the small metal gear located on the top of the shock. Often they are broken and must be replaced before the fx3 system will be restored to working order. We have original equipment gears in stock for 1989 to 1991. We have replacement gears for 1992 and later models in stock also. These gears are made of steel finished in yellow zinc dichromate. There are two different gears used on the shocks in the fx3 system. The difference is in the size of the stop located along the lower edge of the gear. The year of your Corvette determines the type of gear used. See photo below.
Visually inspect the gear for breaks and for cracks. Also the gear should not be able to turn in complete circles without stopping. If you can turn it continuously without hitting the stop then it is broken and must be replaced. The gear can be replaced in either position without affecting the operation of the shock.

http://www.captainzcnc.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/shockgearsrevised.jpg

From this it appears to me the setup of the FX-3 is self aligning in all regards...........just want to make sure.

Got a new front actuator on Ebay and installed it with shock gear centered. Appears the positon of shock gear makes no difference because the actuator does a self alignment on startup. Got rid of Service Ride Control warning ......it went away immediately and never returned

See this from Captain Z (http://www.captainzcnc.com/id2.html)
When the ignition key is turned, the system will do a check to be sure it is working properly. The service ride control light should come on momentarily and then go out if all is well. If the light stays on then the system most likely has problems.

The two following observations suggests FX3 Bilstein self alignment IS what I think it is........

I've had my front actuator motors off every time I clean the front suspension, blow the grit out of the cups and put a drop of gun oil on the shock gear even turn the gear and never paid attention to the position when I put them back on with 0 issues.

I changed out my front shocks recently and all I had to do was carefully reinstalled the actuator by rotating it back and forth as it went down on shock the to make sure the actuator and valve gear teeth properly engaged. When fully inserted the splines on the outside of the actuator cap will lock into the metal cup on top of the shock and the retainer clip will insert easily then. As mentioned above when you turn the ignition key on the actuator cycles in both directions sensing the location of the valve hard stops by the resulting increase in current draw when the stops are reached. Then you’re ready to go. If for some reason the control system cannot find either of the valve hard stops (in case of broken gear) or senses the calibration time is taking too long it will trip the “Check Ride Control light”.

[GOLDCYLON]

I purchased shocks from Corvette Central they were 220 apiece don't know if I can get them cheaper?

http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?Model_Index=7Q33&Manf=All&SubChar=Q

$192.50 Ea Cheapest price on the net I believe www.eshocks.com (http://www.eshocks.com) however go through Cliffs check procedures. GC

[Schrade]

I purchased shocks from Corvette Central they were 220 apiece don't know if I can get them cheaper?

You just purchased shocks?

Why do you want to purchase more?

I just purchased a 90 zr1 I think it needs shocks it has 80,000 miles on original shocks src light is on, did a test and said it was driver side front don't know if that means if shocks are wasted or the actuator is bad as anyone come across this problem want to replace shocks myself a local vette shop wanted$500 just in labor to install .just wondering if it's easy to do if it's something that I can do myself.

I have 90 zr1 bought it 5 months ago looking to up grade exhaust ,like to do headers is it woth the money & noticeable hp Gaines & what brand, wher to get em. What about mufflers or cat back system? I think resanator is stock,Car has flow master mufflers they look ugly looks like 4 tubes coming out of the rear, correct me if I'm wrong stock resonator has no cuts going to y pipe it's all one ,mines cut with clamps to muffler with clamps, resonator has no markings so I'm guessing stock sounds good but looks like crap.any info or pics would greatly appreciate it thanks.

You've JUST purchased it? Or you purchased it 5 months ago, and you don't have FSM YET???

Have you done any diagnostic procedures for anything?

noticed it was leaking oil and I brought in to a local repair shop and mechanic said two power steering lines were leaking, he wanted almost $500 to fix it. Just wondering if anyone had this problem and tried to fix it, is it easy? Also im sure its the lines because I dont have any more power steering fluid left


I just purchased a 90 zr1 I think it needs shocks it has 80,000 miles on original shocks src light is on, did a test and said it was driver side front don't know if that means if shocks are wasted or the actuator is bad as anyone come across this problem want to replace shocks myself a local vette shop wanted$500 just in labor to install .just wondering if it's easy to do if it's something that I can do myself.

Looks like everybody wants $500 from you. Sorry to hear...

But no matter - your posts are really not easy to follow, and aren't making much sense. My suggestion is to put down the smart device, stop texting about every part of the car you PLAN to mod, then buy FSM and pick up a wrench.

Do you have a multimeter?

It's a shame to have a special car, and not even TRY to get it right, but just TALK about it.

I know less than just about everybody on these boards, and have screwed up MORE than everybody on these boards, but I am WRENCHING on it.

[We Gone]

I know less than just about everybody on these boards, and have screwed up MORE than everybody on these boards, but I am WRENCHING on it.

LOL, I bet I have one up on ya! Been screwing things up for 35 years but at least I only do it one at a time and learned from my f...ups.;)

[Dynomite]

LOL, I bet I have one up on ya! Been screwing things up for 35 years but at least I only do it one at a time and learned from my f...ups.;)

I got one up on you both ;)
Had to pull an LT5 because I dropped a screw into a cylinder :D

[TomZR1]

Ok ok,I bought it 5 months ago it been sitting ever since and now want to fix it up since its winter and have some time now.dont have very much tools to fix hard stuff like rack& pinion or exspereiance ,shocks ill do myself ,as for just ordering shocks i ment to say was going to purchas shocks for $220 can I get them cheaper,I came on this site for help & advise, knowledge,especially on exhaust ,so if your confused and can't figere out I'm trying to fix my car and asking for help & info maybe I'm confused ??? I'm new at this I'm not an engineer I'm trying to get as much information as I can before I make my decision on buying and seeing if I could do work myself.Dont want to start something I can't finish.

[Schrade]

Sounds great! It's fun learning stuff. And learning the car too. I been on my Z breakdown - LITERALLY, since October. See some of my threads. AND the others, like Cliff's 'DYNOMITE' 's (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16778) Solutions.

But you HAVE TO get hands on. And grease on your hands. You just don't learn much tapping digits out on a screen. It takes time and focus.

And you don't have to be an engineer. I'm not one, and all my screw-ups are still under control. I did an LT1, and an L98 with NO experience, and got both as near PERFECT as can be.

Do you have FSM? You HAVE TO have one. AND a multimeter. And it helps to shoot snappics as you go, taking your time, posting AS YOU GO.

There's an order of operations for the car. What are you on now? Maybe keep it IN ONE THREAD, and work through it, TO THE FINISH. I have 2 going now http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21259 , and http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21439 . Even if they're not INFORMATIVE, there's some 'entertainment'.

Not as extensive as Cliff's, but in-depth none-the-less, with TONS of snappics.


ed.:
and as far as Order of Operations, all you need is a paper clip to draw codes from ALDL. You DO have a paper clip?

[We Gone]

Tom,

I don't mind trying to help others if I can but my advice is just that and may not be what you need or answer your question correctly. There is a wealth of information about the ZR-1 on this site and most all questions have been asked in one way or another. The search function is your best friend.

Glade to have you here and will do my best to help ya as will every other member, some are just a bit blunt its a forum. :cheers:

[TomZR1]

Oil leak fixed,only thing left is shocks and actuater,full exhaust