Hello 3si community,
I’m proud to announce I have developed the tools and methods required to service our Front ECS Shock Absorbers.
A little bit of background on this project. I’m a mechanical engineer living in Vancouver, Canada. Back in 2019, I purchased the last six factory fresh ECS front Struts (MB892370) in North America. I kept two specifically for this project and sold the balance. Using these as a baseline, I’ve run them on the shock dyno, measured nitrogen pre-charge, oil amount and viscosity at different temperatures to establish factory baseline numbers. I’ve purchased several used and blown out pairs of front ECS struts, developed the service procedure and dyno tested the results to EXACTLY MATCH the factory parameters. To ensure my process and parts stand the test of time, I performed static pressure tests to ensure proper seals, high-cycle tested on my shock dyno and am currently road testing. I will post the shipping address once testing is 100% complete. Target completion date is Mid-October.
My Base Service for Front ECS Shocks ($200USD/ea, $350USD/pair)
New NOK Oil Seals
New Shock Oil (Redline Brand) mixed to OEM Viscosity
New Piston Rod Guide Bearing
Piston Rod Cleaning and Buffing
Base Valve and Main Valve Teardown, Clean and Inspection
Piston Rod Motor and Switch Check
Nitrogen Charge to OEM Spec
Shock Dyno Verification + QC Report
Full Refurb Service for Front ECS Shocks ($275USD/ea, $450USD/pair)
Base Service
24hr Electrolysis Bath to Remove Rust from Shock Body
3 coat (min) Rust-oleum Paint Job
Nickle Plated Dust Cap
Other Services:
N2 refill only ($50/Pair) - Easy to do for local owners. Can’t recommend as long term fix
Shock Dyno Testing only to compare used Shock to OEM performance ($45/each)
Special Notes/Instructions:
In order to rebuild your shocks, you need to ensure they’re in serviceable condition. This means:
No piston rod scoring you can feel with your finger nail (visual imperfections only)
No previous attempts to open up the shock absorber
No excessive rusting on the shock body; no rust holes on the spring base mount
Prior to shipping, please teardown the front shock assembly to the Shock Only. I nest shock pairs together on return shipping to minimize shipping volume. If you leave the spring installed, USPS will charge you extra for shipping, I’ll have to charge you time to disassemble/reassemble and extra shipping to return.
-Make sure to package your old shocks to protect the electrical connector at the top of the piston rod. Very easy for them to poke out and get damaged.
-Before you ship, make sure to include your name, contact number and the service you want on paper INSIDE the packaging. Once you ship, PM me with the tracking number and service you want (as a backup).
I’d be thrilled if you could help spread the word!
I would be interested in your service. I have one brand new ECS strut that came with no charge to it and I have my original front struts that will need to be recharge. So let me know when your testing is completed. Also you didn’t state what the payment methods are acceptable (credit card, check cashier’s check money order)?
Sincerely,
Craig Stephens
I’ll update this section with new helpful questions from time to time
Q&A:
Where do I send them for service?
Answer:
KRIS BARNS
PO BOX 99900 ES 617 612
RPO WILLOUGHBYCENT
LANGLEY BC V2Y 0W2
What is the turn-around time?
Answer: Target is 10 business days or less from when I received your shocks to when I ship them back out. Depending on how inundated I get, I may need a bit more time and will inform you accordingly.
Which shipping service should I use to send my old shocks to Canada?
Answer: USPS is the only one that will deliver to PO boxes. They’re also they cheapest when I compared to UPS and FedEx. Also, USPS is least likely to charge duties, taxes and brokerage fees. If you’re unable to ship USPS, PM me and we’ll try to work something out.
What info do I enter into the Customs forms?
Answer:
Ship-to Address: Per above
Reason for Shipment: Repair
Description of Goods: Damaged McPherson Struts (Shock Absorbers)
Origin of Goods: Japan
Value of Goods: $100 USD/pair (If required, I can provide proof of Ebay transactions that establish mkt price)
If needed, the HTS code is 8708.80.13.00
Payment Terms
Answer: PayPal Invoices for all transactions, Net 10
100% After Service and Ready to Return.
Invoice will list out:
Exact brokerage fees, duties or taxes I paid to receive your shocks
Price of chosen service(s)
Shipping quote (with proof) from Canada to your address (Ref: V2Y0L0 to 16506 is $59 USD)
*Note: You may have to pay duties, taxes and brokerage fees once you receive your rebuilt shocks.
What if you receive shocks that aren’t servable?
Answer: I have stock of ECS shock cores that I can pull parts from depending on what’s wrong. We can discuss pricing options as needed. Ultimately, if you decide not to move forward with repairs, I can send them back to you or buy them from you at $100 USD/pair.
Does your repair cover 3000gt and Stealth Front ECS Shock Absorbers?
Answer: Yes, it covers both makes and both part numbers (MB633385, MB892370). Struts are rebuilt to match MB892370 performance specs.
Do you service rear ECS shock absorbers?
Answer: Not at this time. They are still available to purchase new.
My shocks “stick” and the ECS light starts blinking. They adjust position when i apply 12V directly. Can you fix them?
Answer: I’m pretty sure that the root cause of this issue due to buildup of debris and scoring between the rotating shaft (the one with the Large and Small Holes drilled into it) and the outer sleeve. During disassembly, I check to see if there is any binding between those two components and smooth down rough edges. Upon re-assembly, I cycle test the shock several times to ensure proper operation.
I absolutely love your videos. They have helped me in so many areas. You are the absolute best !! Many of your videos mention to contact you, but there is no information that I can find to do that, so I am trying this.
I really need a few things that you have mentioned that you may have:
(4) oil seals for the struts.
(2) of the rear strut lower bushings.
(1) of the tapered tubes you use to install the rear lower bushings.
(1) of the sleeve to put over the strut while trying to bend open the detents that hold the seal in place,
I also have some questions that would be about the tasks after your video about the strut teardown:
Is there a method to filling the strut with the new oil? It looked like a lot of the oil came out of the inner tube. Does this need to be filled specifically or does the suction action fill it anyway?
Did you decide on 250mL as the right volume?
Do you have a video to show, or have some instructions how to properly bend the end of the strut tube back in to hold the new oil seal in place?
Please be aware that my car is a 1995 Dodge Stealth R/T with FWD and does not have ECS struts.
I am really struggling with this, so any help you can provide would be most appreciated !! Finding these parts is getting harder and harder.
You are in the right place to contact me but you should send a private message rather than message on a open forum.
Please click on my avatar and then click on message. I can then help you.
Hi Joe, can you refurb a rear ECS shock for my 1991 3000GTO?
Its stuck in soft mode and will not adjust and there was knocking sound from that arera when driving the car. Any help appreciated.
Many Thanks Sam
Hi Sam, I have a couple of used rear ECS shocks with oem springs that I am planning to sell, if you’re interested in one or both? I can plug them in to test they are operational first. Where in the UK are you?
