Shock adjusting

Gus,

If your gear turns 'round and 'round, it's broken. The gear should have stops in it, turning roughly 135 degrees. This is a common, cheap, simple fix. Ricambi has new gears for sale, the fix is less than 10 minutes once the shock top is exposed. There's a few threads on the exact "how to" of this.

Also, make sure that the actuator is working. The actuator sometimes breaks because the shock gear is bad (causing the actuator to "jam" and therefore break). This is done by watching the actuator cycle when removed from the shock, as the key is turned to "ignition on" setting. Means you will need to enlist an assistant.

If any of the actuators are bad, I recommend repair by Captain Z. Will cost $130 per actuator, as long as it's repairable. The factory part replacement will be over $1000, so try Captain Z. Should be lots of threads on this.

Good luck,

John

 

Interesting thread. I will have to check actuators. I have difficulty feeling any difference when switching from standard to soft setting ('95). Should the difference be dramatic?

 

fI the top part of the shock turns and turns without stoping, then your shock is broken. To set the actuators in tune with the shocks, you remove the acuator. Have someone turn the ignition on. You will see the actutor move. Now turn your the top of your shock clockwise untill it stops. Reinstall your actuator and your set. Repeat on all 4. Again if your shock top continually turns then your shock is broken and you should also be getting the shock light in the top right corner of your dash showing. If it dosnt come on then maybe its burned out or someone previously disconected it.

 

Gus, my left rear shock is apparently in need of replacement, the gear spins and the dash light is on, the setting is on hard or race and won't change. Did you find an economical replacement brand?

 

Bilstein USA will repair your shock for $100. Doesn't get any cheaper than that.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/search-service/service.html

The aftermarket alternative is Deltavee. Apparently he can not only rebuild the shocks but improve upon them, using more durable materials to make the last longer and not develop leaks, which is common.

http://www.deltavee.net/services.htm
$290 each, but those that have used Robs services swear by them.

 

i would bet your actuator is fine, do not send out until you have someone key the car on with the actuator off. look inside and see if the gear turns if it does it is fine. the top of the shock will turn 360 with the gear off. if the gear turns 360 it is just the gear and you will not need new shocks. Pm me if you want to learn how to fix them i just did mine last month it is easy.