RCS actuator

[my92vette]

I just recently purchased a 92 LT1 with 67,000 miles on it from an original owner in Texas. The owner claims it has never seen rain nor salt. Judging by the overall appearance of body, paint, and interior I truly believe him. It is in immaculate condition with the only visible flaw being cracks in the carpet protectors on each side door. This is an all original unit. The owner told me the "Service Ride Control" light was activated and his neighbor who is a GM mechanic told him it was the rear actuator on the drivers side. He stated this was about a $500 repair and deducted this from the price of the car. This is my first Vette and therefore I am seeking advise. I have tried to research the subject and have found several articles regarding the Bilstein shocks, but none specific to an actuator only problem. Is it best to bring it to a GM repair facility. How can I verify this is the problem, or better yet, the only problem? Is this something I can repair and where would I go for parts?

Also, I noticed the engine is "clean" but very dusty (no grease present). I have read posts about not getting the engine wet. Thoughts? I would like to clean up if possible.

Hope some one out there can help. Thanks!

 

[Magmotor]

WELCOME...!!!


I can't answer too many of your questions. Someone with a '92 that's maybe delt with this particular problem can. Myself, I would get a second opinion. You can get the part (#68) at the link below. $338.00 + shipping.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

 

[my92vette]

Thank you. Tried going on to the GM site and had difficulty in finding the part.

 

[Magmotor]

I just went to their site and typed in the part number and it came right up....upper left corner of their site is where you enter the number.....#22068667

 

[alan ream]

I just recently purchased a 92 LT1 with 67,000 miles on it from an original owner in Texas. The owner claims it has never seen rain nor salt. Judging by the overall appearance of body, paint, and interior I truly believe him. It is in immaculate condition with the only visible flaw being cracks in the carpet protectors on each side door. This is an all original unit. The owner told me the "Service Ride Control" light was activated and his neighbor who is a GM mechanic told him it was the rear actuator on the drivers side. He stated this was about a $500 repair and deducted this from the price of the car. This is my first Vette and therefore I am seeking advise. I have tried to research the subject and have found several articles regarding the Bilstein shocks, but none specific to an actuator only problem. Is it best to bring it to a GM repair facility. How can I verify this is the problem, or better yet, the only problem? Is this something I can repair and where would I go for parts?

Also, I noticed the engine is "clean" but very dusty (no grease present). I have read posts about not getting the engine wet. Thoughts? I would like to clean up if possible.

Hope some one out there can help. Thanks!

Hi - I just went through the exact same thing on my 95. Only it was the L/F shock unit on mine. The system operates by going through a cycle every time you start the engine. The actuator turns one way 160 degrees and back again 60 degrees. If any of your gears are broken, the cycle is not completed, thereby leaving the light on.

Here's what you do. Unsnap the little spring near the top of the shock, this will release the actuator that sits on top of the shock. You then pull the actuator straight up, releasing it from the shock. If little pieces of nylon or metal gears fall out, something inside is already broken. You need to check 2 things, the little gear on top of the shock should only be able to rotate 160 degrees. The little gear on mine broke, letting the gear just spin around. Next, you need to check the nylon gear inside the actuator. You can see it better if you remove the little rubber seal. Use a magnifying glass if you have one. Mine was broken in half. I purchased a used shock and actuator for $100 each, installed them and the light went out. No special install instructions, just put the actuator back on, and it centers itself (don't forget wire clip)
Just be careful when you separate the actuator from the shock, don't rock it or you could break it, just pull straight up. If you're lucky only one wheel will be bad, but check all of them. One last thing, put a dab of grease on the gears to help them rotate freely.
Let me know how it turns out, I'd like to know I was able to help someone in this world.

 

[my92vette]

I am scheduled to fly to Dallas the 10th to pick up the vehicle. Thanks for the info. I will let you know what ahppens. Where did you get the "used" shock and actuator? I want to use original equipment and this would be fine as well.

 

[alan ream]

I am scheduled to fly to Dallas the 10th to pick up the vehicle. Thanks for the info. I will let you know what ahppens. Where did you get the "used" shock and actuator? I want to use original equipment and this would be fine as well.

I got mine from Guldstrand Engineering. Dick Guldstrand is fairly well known in the suspension end of the industry. Made a name for himself a few years ago as a race car driver. He's located in Burbank, CA. However, just scout around a local boneyard in your area and you should be able to come up with used parts. He gave me a good deal on the actuator for $100, as most go for $150 and up. Just be sure to look closely at the gears I mentioned.