Suspension error

[Ian H]

Hi
Having had the best part of a year of trouble free fun with the 3200, it seems ages since I have logged in.
The last wee while I have had a persistent red error message which with a bit of diagnostic is indicated as the passenger side front active suspension.

As I understand it, the problem is usually with the actuator or a servicing of the shock.
Having taken off the shock and actuator both look ok

The actuator seems to rotate freely during the initiation on turning the key. However even when allowed to run detached from the shock the error message still persists. Do I need to reset the error message somehow first?

The shock looks ok externally with no leaks and the actuator gear at the top is in good shape and rotating freely through ~90degrees.

As such I am not really sure where the problem lies so any ideas on how to focus it down would be greatly appreciated

I saw the link for re gearing the actuator so that is an option if required

What is the best route with regards to over hauling the shocks ?

Many thanks for all input as usual

Ian

 

[timkee330ci]

The initiation test rotation should rotate a bit then come to a mechanical stop on the top of the suspension, check clearly to see if there's missing/damaged bit there.
According to my experience, the error light just went away when i replaced a faulty actuator. No resetting is required.
Did you check with SD2 tester? It could be the other actuators.

 

[bill]

Even if the actuator is working fine, the error will occur if the actuator is not on the shock! If the actuator is rotating fine check that the gear on top of the shock is intact and that the rod it fits on to rotates freely. It should only rotate back and forth against a stop. You still get the error check that the gear inside the actuator actually rotates. It could be that the motor works but the inside gears are broken.

 

[dunnah01]

Are you sure you're at the right corner? - if all seems OK front left then I'd suggest you re-look at the other corners now. As above ERROR light will go out without any resets or SD2 but actuator needs to be installed during startup procedure.

 

[Ian H]

Hi
The error was traced with Maserati Shed's SD2 kit to that corner but will double check with them.
The gear teeth on top of the shock are all fine and the shaft they drive rotates freely through ~ 90 degrees between the stops
When I initiate with actuator removed I can see the gears move but perhaps they are cracked internally and don't actuate properly when attached to shock
Sounds like I really need to borrow a working actuator to see if problem goes away
Ian

 

[conaero]

Shake the actuator, if it rattles, it's broken.

The shocks can be rebuilt very reasonably by David Askew but since his serious accident, this avenue is not available at present.

Google captain cnc actuator repair for the guy that rebuilds them.

 

[mjheathcote]

Move the problem actuator to another corner and see if the error moves with it, to the new corner?

 

[conaero]

Here it is:

http://www.captainzcnc.com

 

[Ian H]

Unfortunately can't move actuator and retest error since car is at home with no passenger shock near Gatwick and test kit is near Southampton
But definitely a rattle noise from actuator so I will send both front units to Captain CNC
Any idea on his turnaround time once I get the bits stateside?
Many thanks for getting this diagnosed
Ian

 

[bill]

The problem with what captain cnc does is that he replaces the designed weakest link in the system with a strongest. So should the shaft lock up, the motor will be permanently damaged where as with plastic parts they just break and can be fixed. Should anyone be interested I have started refurbishing these

 

[conaero]

Shock rebuild and actuator rebuild are about the same cost, so what's your point Bill?

 

[bill]

I meant if the actuator is rebuilt with the metal parts it can subsequently destroy the motor within as it is this that becomes the weakest link in the drive and subsequently is destroyed. I replace the broken parts with plastic ones

 

[conaero]

Well if its broken anyway you would surely throw it away. Had mine done and it lasted the 2 years I had the car, it's probably still in the car now.

 

[bill]

Ok. Did mine 3 years ago with the plastic parts.Mine hasn't broken either but they do and they are £450 new last time I checked. So it's much cheaper to fix rather than replace. Simply offering an alternative. That's all

 

[conaero]

Captain CNC charges £80 for full rebuild using metal gears, how much are you charging for doing nylon gears that do break before the motor of shock seizes?

 

[Contigo]

£20 and I'm in for a full set!

 

[bill]

I am afraid it's a bit more than £20! It's £200. Just checked: new these are over £600

 

[Almichie]

Metal for me then!

 

[conaero]

 

[bill]

there is also ThyssenKrupp Bilstein in leicester (01455 283407) that service the shock absorber for £80 + VAT and hill engineering in the UK that do the actuator gear on top of the shock adjusting rod for 22.50 + VAT. The gear on mine was destroyed which broke the plastic parts Matt has posted. I did consider the metal parts but thought I would rather the plastic bits break rather than destroy the motor. Its a very clever self centring system. Also the metal ones don't have the sticky outy pointy bits the black plastic part has which dramatically reduce contact area and friction. I don't know which is best. Its obviously more expensive my way, but I think there is a reason these originally were made out of plastic.