Sticky shocks

[James3200GTA]

Hi,

So I started attacking all bits and bobs which needs doing on my 3200 including the Error light. I found one dead actuator and replaced that. Can confirm all 4 are rotating back and forth on key on. However the error light remains.

I found that the spindle on the left front was a bit sticky and may suffer from some corrosion on the spindle (hard to see). It also makes squeeky noises. First instinct is WD40, and that helped it along. It moves better better but not yet as smooth as the others. Two questions before running of to the specialist for a error code read out:
- Any other suggestions on getting the spindles moving more freely, besides a refurb on the shocks?
- Does anything else trigger the error light? I'm lacking user manual, so not sure whatelse can trigger the error light.

Thanks for your insights.

 

[davy83]

The little motors must be moving freely but the shocks do get stiff inside and only stripping and refurbishing them or replacing them sorts it out. I will bow to others with different feelings on this. But i have had both the little actuators get stiff or the toothed wheels strip the teeth, or the shocks get sticky and don't turn freely espescially if the car has been sitting for a while. I have had my shocks refurbished twice and the suspension always behaved a lot better after they were done.

 

[James3200GTA]

That would be consistent, car did only do 1300 mi in 5 years before I bought it. Another thing to do on my winter's list. Although the WSM has some cryptic description on raising an error if the key-on has been turned on 3 times and there's no speed signal.

During testing I turned it more than 3 times, so once the car get's rolling it may still reset. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for the assistance.

 

[SteveM]

I used Bilsteins rebuild service as I required replacement shaft - better to avoid race season if you need it returned promptly. They have done a run of new shafts and apparently its quicker to replace shaft than mess about trying to get old seals off ( i think they said that required re machining) There are others ( Dave Asquith) who will replace seals but not sure if he can replace shaft as well. Unfortuntaley I then discovered that the failing rod also damaged the motor so recently had to replace that as well - fortunately it was OSF actuator so easiest to get at!