FX3 Actuator Queston

[AIRBUS]

I can't believe the paper clip thing thats awsome, my shop is a small garage they are corvette specialist but they don't read the codes for the ride control So thats why I took it to the dealer and they charged me 90 bucks to tell me whats wrong with it. Thanks for the help

Does anyone know how hard it is to replace the actuators and shocks?

Thanks

Just happen to know how it's done.

The fronts are easy to replace while the rears require just a bit more care.

I broke two actuators last month and got replacements from Contemporary Corvette for $125 ea plus shipping.

I sent the shocks to Bilstein and they did a totat rebuild for $100 each.

Now I know you're curious as to how the actuators got broken.

Well, during a water pump change, I had the a/c compressor removed from its bracket, which has to come out to change the w/pump. The hood fell from the full open position, knocking the compressor off its perch and as it fell it broke the actuator off the top of the rh front shock.

The left rear actuator got broken as we pulled the lh rear shock outward from its attach point at the knuckle.

Lessons learned: protect those actuators up front, especially if you've removed the center wheel tub panel for access to components. The plastic
inside that little black housing is extremely yellowed and brittle from age and all the heat in the motor compartment.

Keep that hood from falling as all kinds of ugliness can result, as you can imagine.

On removing the rear shocks, compress the shock as completely as possible before rotating the bottom end of the shock off the knuckle. This shortens the moment arm at the top of the shock so that you don't swing the actuator over against the wall of the frame and break it off.

Best of luck, Man.

 

[Hardlight]

My FX-3 was in the Service Ride Control mode for a long time. The default setting seemed to be on the Stiffest Setting. Resetting the code isn't going to help because the FX3 does a self test every time you start the car and when it detects a fault, the light comes on. After I replaced the shock with the sheared off gear stop, my system worked again and my Z-07 is back to its old firm, firmer, and severe self.

 

[SCOTT312]

92 FX3 actuator maintenance

My 92 coupe had the service ride control light covered with black tape by prev. owner, and I am glad I finally addressed the issues. He said it would be costly, but it ultimately was not, and I find the function worthwhile. The codes revealed my right front was slow and right rear not turning. The control defaulted to performance, which made the ride punishing, hard and harsh, great for track, but not really everyday use. I felt that couldn't possibly be the norm.

I had those actuators removed, sent them to captainz in WI. for rebuild and test. The cost was $125 ea. and ordered the shock gear replacements @ $6 ea. just to make sure those would not crack down the road. They also have the C clips available. The turnaround was a week. The cheap plastic gear is replaced with an aluminum one, eliminating that weak point.

When reinstalling actuators, turn the shock gear several times to insure it turns freely, it should turn only 45 degrees. Rotate the gear clockwise, as far as it will travel, reinstall the actuator(s), with lead wire facing straight back, parallel to vehicle.

Clear the codes, as others mentioned, jumping A and C terminals 3 times spaced 2 seconds apart. I found the service light would not blink after the reset was registered, and it sometimes took multiple tries to accomplish. Turn key to run for diagnostic at start, if all is well, the SRC light extinguishes.

Now the ride control is functioning, this is what you can expect. On Tour, (softest) setting, the ride is compliant and somewhat floaty, bobbing a bit like an average sedan. Sport is firm and controlled, without the bobbing, but not as hard as the Performance setting, which is Very firm and tight.

My total cost was under $375 for the shop visits and rebuilds for 2 actuators. My left front actuator has a cracked gear, but still functions, so I'll leave the other 2 until one quits. I have 50K on the vehicle, and the shocks are still good. All in, the pre 96 ride control is pricey for what it does, but for some, provides flexibility. If standard base shocks are used, deactivating the ride control, some drivers would find it too soft, or if performance units installed, too hard for daily use, so ride control does offer an advantage. Cheers!

 

[xfirez51]

I have extra actuators available in case anyone is interested. You can email me at
surrexi2@comcast.net. Or PM me.