Mag ride rear strut

[scipio]

I have a 2014 ZL1 convertible. Right rear strut is leaking and needs to be replaced. Suspension codes FE5 and F55, was told by GMparts the strut is AC Delco part #580-446.

First I wanted to verify that is the correct strut from anyone who has gone through this. RockAuto lists a 580-445 for same suspension codes. What's the difference?

Also where the F can they be found seems everyone is out of stock or they are listed at 1k per.

Anyone make an aftermarket "quick strut" with coil assembled that's worth a turd??

Am I correct that it be best to replace these in pairs?

Thanks for your help brothers!!

[bsn]

The convertible has a different shock than the coupe-not sure if you can interchange but I bet it will, Rock Auto used to have both. You can go with coil overs and resisters if you want to go none mag ride. Hopefully someone will start rebuilding or making replacements but right now Rock Auto is the only source for new. Ebay or Southern cars parts might be able to supply used.

[Brutale arancia]

I got them from Rock Auto a year or two ago. While I don't remember the part number, it was easy enough to use the site. The price was $500 apiece so if they are 1K apiece, it's just another example of the shameless gouging that has become so prevalent since Covid.

[scipio]

Originally Posted by Brutale arancia

I got them from Rock Auto a year or two ago. While I don't remember the part number, it was easy enough to use the site. The price was $500 apiece so if they are 1K apiece, it's just another example of the shameless gouging that has become so prevalent since Covid.

Received in stock notification this AM from rockauto. They still had them listed at 481. So I pulled the trigger. Thanks!

[Brutale arancia]

You're welcome. I believe if you avoid sticking your foot in it while turning, they will last longer. It's fun to get a little slide going after a stop but the lateral stress is hard on them.

[ZMEnow]

Originally Posted by Brutale arancia

You're welcome. I believe if you avoid sticking your foot in it while turning, they will last longer. It's fun to get a little slide going after a stop but the lateral stress is hard on them.

I have done some research and I am not sure that every failure is related to seals. I have 4 sets and none of the 3 failed sets have any leaking fluid. One set has only 500 miles.. I believe the magnetorheological fluid is separating, and I read that it should stay unseparated for at least 20 years but then again this was a research document from the late 60’s as this fluid had other purposes.

I intend to put power to these to test the fluid for separation. I have seen some cut open so now I understand how they work. I plan on giving a call to strut masters to see if they would consider making one since they make a bunch for other GM vehicles. If not I have now found a few custom strut manufactures and will ask if they will build me a strut casing if I send them one. They make the tops threaded so you could reuse the oil and then have to charge the strut with gas. Will see if where this goes for now I have one complete set left and don’t intend to putting them on to I determined why these keep failing..

[Brutale arancia]

Originally Posted by ZMEnow

I have done some research and I am not sure that every failure is related to seals. I have 4 sets and none of the 3 failed sets have any leaking fluid. One set has only 500 miles.. I believe the magnetorheological fluid is separating, and I read that it should stay unseparated for at least 20 years but then again this was a research document from the late 60’s as this fluid had other purposes.

I intend to put power to these to test the fluid for separation. I have seen some cut open so now I understand how they work. I plan on giving a call to strut masters to see if they would consider making one since they make a bunch for other GM vehicles. If not I have now found a few custom strut manufactures and will ask if they will build me a strut casing if I send them one. They make the tops threaded so you could reuse the oil and then have to charge the strut with gas. Will see if where this goes for now I have one complete set left and don’t intend to putting them on to I determined why these keep failing..

No doubt, the community will be very interested in the results. Best wishes for this endeavor!

[Bigtime53]

This is one reason I sold my Z is because of these mag ride shocks. I am going to be watching this thread or better yet if ZMEnow would start a new thread if and when you can find mag ride replacements I will find me another 5th gen.