01-11-2014 | #21 | |||
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Dakota/California
Posts: 3,797
|
Bilstein Shock Applications and Self Alignment
FX3 Selective Rid Control TIPS
FX3 Actuator Rebuild TIPS In regard to applications of FX3 Shocks 90-91 and 92-later....... You can't just change out the gear on top as entire rod needs to be changed due to the valving holes. You can use 92 FX3s in 90-91 Application if you upgrade to the newer controller. See this from Captain Z 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. From this it appears to me the setup of the FX-3 is self aligning in all regards...........just want to make sure. Quote:
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........ Quote:
Quote:
__________________
Left Clickable links -Solutions- LT5 Modifications/Rebuild Tricks Low Mileage ZR-1 Restoration 1990 Corvette (L98) Modifications LT5 Eliminated Systems LT5 Added Systems LT5/ZR-1 Fluids 1995 LT5 SPECIFIC TOP END REBUILD TRICKS Last edited by Dynomite; 01-11-2018 at 07:26 PM. |
|||
01-11-2014 | #22 | |
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 772
|
Re: Bilstein Shock Self Alignment
Quote:
Either way it can't hurt to set the gear in the open position before you put the actuator on, if it is self aligning.
__________________
Joe 1990 Bright Red ZR-1 #2599 |
|
01-11-2014 | #23 | |
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Dakota/California
Posts: 3,797
|
Re: Bilstein Shock Self Alignment
Quote:
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. I am sooooo confused ......do I go back and check my shocks on the 90' and 91' or not I concur with you ............and for now I will check to make sure this is the case on my FX3 set ups.....Either way it can't hurt to set the gear in the open position before you put the actuator on, if it is self aligning.
__________________
Left Clickable links -Solutions- LT5 Modifications/Rebuild Tricks Low Mileage ZR-1 Restoration 1990 Corvette (L98) Modifications LT5 Eliminated Systems LT5 Added Systems LT5/ZR-1 Fluids 1995 LT5 SPECIFIC TOP END REBUILD TRICKS Last edited by Dynomite; 01-11-2014 at 12:37 PM. |
|
01-11-2014 | #24 |
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,889
|
Re: Bilstein Shock Self Alignment
You might maybe mention "this from Captain Z" rather than just a "diagnosis" link that I guess could be interpreted initially as "yours" until it's actually applied. Aaron I would think should maybe be considered "the first call" for nearly all FX3 questions.
On HIS/Captain Z "diagnosis" page there's also a reference back to the Registry that I guess since the "redesign" of the web page is no longer functional. If there's a correction to the link it might be of interest to Aaron so that he could correct it. If it's a link that is now "password" protected and member only accessible that might be mentioned to him also. |
01-11-2014 | #25 | |
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Dakota/California
Posts: 3,797
|
Re: Bilstein Shock Self Alignment
Quote:
Do I have to set the gear in the open position before I put the actuator on.......or is the actuator self aligning??
__________________
Left Clickable links -Solutions- LT5 Modifications/Rebuild Tricks Low Mileage ZR-1 Restoration 1990 Corvette (L98) Modifications LT5 Eliminated Systems LT5 Added Systems LT5/ZR-1 Fluids 1995 LT5 SPECIFIC TOP END REBUILD TRICKS Last edited by Dynomite; 01-14-2014 at 07:54 PM. |
|
01-11-2014 | #26 |
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: ATL. GA.
Posts: 2,170
|
Re: Front shock change
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.
__________________
Steve 1990 Steel Blue/Black #2355 1990 Red/Red #1473 1991 Quasar /Black #118 Sold 1991 Turquoise/Black #766 Parted Out 1993 Yellow/White #179 Sold 1990 Black/Gray #1361 Headers/4:10s Sold |
01-11-2014 | #27 |
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 2,657
|
Re: Front shock change
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 in order for the control system to since 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”. In my case the valve rotation force at first was a little excessive on the new shocks which prevented "Check Ride Control" light from clearing. I corrected this by removing the actuator and rotating the valve back and forth by my hand until it loosened up.
__________________
Phil Wasinger 1994 Torch Red ZR-1 WAZOO Member George Braml Intake |
03-16-2015 | #28 |
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Fishkill, NY
Posts: 87
|
Re: Front shock change
All - thanks for this thread, very useful.
I have an intermittent Service Ride Control light, which I flashed and it pointed me to the front-right actuator - opened it up, and the small shock gear teeth (one on top of the shock) was chewed up. I have a replacement being delivered. How does that small metal shock gear get removed? does it just slip in, is there a pin? It can't be threaded as it's rotating. I'm not at home at the moment and not near my FSM, not sure if it will have the procedure, but presume it just - carefully - pries off and clips on???? Thanks, Steve |
|
|