[The Raven]

So, I've been following the discussion with interest and educating myself on XTS suspension and General Motors Magnetic Ride Control Technology. Magna ride appears to be dampening, or literally electrically variable shocks controlled in real-time .
I don't have Magna Ride or Load Leveling(?) and I haven't been or seen under my '18 Lux but it has:

6FG - COMPONENT FRT LH COMPUTER SEL SUSP
7FG - COMPONENT FRT RH COMPUTER SEL SUSP
8FB - COMPONENT RR LH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (8FB)
9FB - COMPONENT RR RH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (9FB)
GNB - SUSPENSION FRONT PERFORMANCE
GNE - SUSPENSION, REAR H ARM

What do I have? Rear Air Springs/struts? Compressor? Standard front struts?

Well you have Magneride (COMPUTER SEL SUSP), but the components you list don't explicitly tell us if you have the rear air suspension. However, I believe that all the trims with Magneride also come with the air suspension, maybe ccclarke can chime in on that one.

 

[Woodoggie]

FYI - Non-GM Vehicles that use MagneRide

• Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (2015- model year)
• Ferrari 599
• Ferrari F12berlinetta
• Ferrari California
• Ferrari FF
• Ferrari 458 Italia
• La Ferrari
• Lamborghini Aventador
• Audi TT
• Audi S3
• Audi R8
• Acura MDX
• Acura ZDX
• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
• Land Rover Discovery Sport

 

[Woodoggie]

Well you have Magneride (COMPUTER SEL SUSP), but the components you list don't explicitly tell us if you have the rear air suspension. However, I believe that all the trims with Magneride also come with the air suspension, maybe ccclarke can chime in on that one.

If I have MagneRide shouldn't I have a suspension mode selector somewhere, because I haven't seen it.

 

[The Raven]

If I have MagneRide shouldn't I have a suspension mode selector somewhere, because I haven't seen it.

Nope. The only change in "mode" happens when you shift to "M"...that changes the shift maps, enables the paddles, and alters the suspension program. It may also alter the fuel map for the engine...dunno if the XTS has that or not.

 

[Woodoggie]

I don't think I have Magneride. If fact, I don't think its available as an option on the Luxury trim. The "COMPUTER SEL SUSP" is GM speak for "a Computer selected the part/valving for this particular corner of your car"

 

[Cutlass]

I have a lifetime of automotive experience and know the XTS suspension well. Furthermore, I have extensive suspension experience that goes well beyond the automotive world. I could completely rebuild the XTS dampers on my workbench in my shop...and fully intend to tear one of mine open when one dies to see if the collar is easily fixable. What i've stated here is verifiably true, just look up the definitions of "strut" and "shock" for starters.

I believe and respect your experience but you must be thinking of a different car. The XTS 4 door car rear suspension is very similar to the front suspension of most 60s and 70s RWD cars. It has an upper and lower control arm, with a knuckle in between. The weight is supported by a spring (air spring vs metal coil spring). And it has a shock to dampen movement. It basic suspension 101.

 

[The Raven]

I believe and respect your experience but you must be thinking of a different car. The XTS 4 door car rear suspension is very similar to the front suspension of most 60s and 70s RWD cars. It has an upper and lower control arm, with a knuckle in between. The weight is supported by a spring (air spring vs metal coil spring). And it has a shock to dampen movement. It basic suspension 101.

Actually I think you may be thinking of a different car. The XTS does not have a "double wishbone" rear suspension (where you have two a-arms, one connecting to each the top and bottom of a knuckle). The XTS has only a lower a-arm, which connects via a dogbone link to the top of the knuckle. There are two two-point control arms that connect to the front (9 o'clock position) and back (2 o'clock position) of the knuckle, however these arms mount low and just to the outside of the lower a-arm on the frame. The bottom of the knuckle is supported by...wait for it...THE STRUT. Thus, the strut not only controls vertical travel speed, but also helps to control vertical and torsional angle. Shocks can't do that, by definition.

See diagram:

At this point, we probably should lay this to rest. It's ancillary to the subject of the post anyway.

 

[Cutlass]

I like a good debate! And I agree we should lay it to rest...but...
So I purposely over simplified my comparison to a double wishbone suspension. But this does have one upper and one lower arm. The other arm is the toe adjustment rod, similar to a front tie rod.
Regardless, I stand by my statement and knowledge that the rear has a shock that offers no structural/torsional support and it is not a strut. And GM and everyone else calls it a shock.

 

[Cipro]

Raven. Do you know if magnetic shocks can be rebuilt when they leak.

 

[The Raven]

Raven. Do you know if magnetic shocks can be rebuilt when they leak.

Any shock can be rebuilt...the question is whether or not it's worth the effort/cost. That I won't know until I get a chance to open one up. My interest lies in the magnetic collar...most Magneride units fail not due to the damper, but due to the electronics. It should be easy and almost cost-free (for me) to repair the electronics. But again, won't know until I get a chance to examine one.

 

[ccclarke]

Obtaining the ferrite-laden oil for a leaking mag. shock might be a bit problematic. . .

CCC

 

[Cipro]

Getting the oil was my concern also. I have one shock leaking slightly and I will replace it soon but I would like to rebuild the old one.

 

[The Raven]

Obtaining the ferrite-laden oil for a leaking mag. shock might be a bit problematic. . .

CCC

Fox sells it.

 

[Cipro]

Just got off a chat with Fox. They said they do not carry it and would not know who does.

 

[Woodoggie]

Magneto Rheological (MR) Fluid

 

[Cipro]

Thank you Woodoggie does anyone know how many mls in each shock.

 

[m_eaton53]

Just got off a chat with Fox. They said they do not carry it and would not know who does.

We use Lord shocks on active seats (called VRS... Vibration Reduction System) that go into big rigs.
Tell you what, they really work great. It's WAY better than a regular air ride seat.

Now, whether they would sell you the fluid or tell you anything is a good question.
They tend to keep everything very close to the vest...

 

[Woodoggie]

To actually rebuild one you need the oil, The appropriate seals and boots in the correct materials, hydraulic press maybe or other special tools?, then what would be the success rate or life cycle? At $375 per shock new what would a rebuilt one cost?

 

[twanlo456]

Great wealth of knowledge from everyone! So, I returned the car to the dealership to have the suspension checked again. I was told that my height level sensor was bent and that everything else was inspected and was good to go. The car still seems to be sitting lower on the rear passenger side. Definitely taking it back AGAIN! I've read several helpful posts that spoke about calibration issues/setting trim height values and etc. Thanks!

 

[twanlo456]

The rear on mine was low after the compressor was replaced. The dealer mechanic "used GDS to set the rear suspension trim height values to 470mm (maximum) to raise the rear of the vehicle body" quote. That fixed the lowrider look.

First that I've heard of this. The dealership said the compressor is good, maybe the trim height value change would fix it. Just had the hight level sensor replaced.