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87 with myriad of problems! Help!

N

netplayn

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Hello all! I'm new to this forum and am in DESPERATE need of help in SEVERAL areas....

I have an 87 Roadster with the following, in order of severity....=)

1. The BIGGEST problem right now is a TERRIBLE "creaking" noise coming from the as* end. The noise only occurs on turning and it isn't that bad after it has sat overnight. It gets progressively worse as it is driven. It is absolutely atrocious! I have had the following replaced in the last month .... tires, brakes & rotors, u-joints, wheel bearing, and several other miscellaneous items. I believe the problem is in the differential, but my mechanic continues to say, "no." Please help!

2. I've seen what I think is my next problem on the forum, but am unsure if it is the same problem. My electronic temperature control for my heater/ac is "stuck" at 75. Well, not entirely stuck -- I can decrease the temperature, but then there is no way to get it back up unless you disconnect the battery and it resets itself to 75. So, basically, I can't get it higher than 75. Is this a short somewhere or what? 75 is a nice temp, but.....Other than that the heater/ac works well.

3. Radio is going out -- it is the stock radio. I believe it is the tuner. Some days I can get all radio stations -- from 90 to 107. Other days, all I get is static. It isn't affected by the weather -- so it isn't reception. Some days, it is only the upper channels (from about 98 on up). Do I need a new radio or can this one be fixed?

Everything else has either recently been fixed or is getting fixed as we speak. I'm ready to sell her, but once she's back to tip-top shape, I might change my mind!

I appreciate ALL the help the readers of this forum can give me. If you can only help with one problem, that is GREATLY appreciated as well.

Mary
 
First off......welcome to the club Mary:D
Not sure about the creaking noise. I would definately make sure that there is some gear oil in the differential though........regardless of what any mechanic says, it doesn't hurt to have him check it. If it is not that bad after it sits overnight, it sounds like something might be heating up as you drive, especially if it gets worse......that's why I would check the gear oil.
Unfortunately I know nothing about the electrnic climate control stuff......
The radio sounds like it's on the outs. You can buy a refurbed stock radio from a company that advertises frequently in "Corvette Fever" or "Vette". Or, any aftermarket stereo system will outperform the stock one.....

Good luck to you, hopefully someone else will chime in with some suggestions......

Jay
 
Welcome to CAC, Mary!

I think you're right, the TERRIBLE creaking noise you're hearing IS the rear end.

Our 78 was making that same horrible noise 7yrs ago, and believe me, I tried to believe it was ANYTHING but the rear end! But it was. Cha-ching!
The only thing that solved the noise problem was to replace the rear end and its yokes. Since then we've had no problems with it.

Good luck with your other problems, and save the wave!

Silver aka:Heidi
 
Try adding a bottle of GM posi- traction additive to the differential. Drive the car in circles a couple of times to get it into the clutches. Hope this helps. Chuck
 
I too would add some positraction additive (after a gear oil change), mine did the same thing when I purchased it, It had only covered 3000 miles in five years and rigormortise had set in!
As for the radio, it sounds like an antenna problem. A radio repair shop could check it for you.
As for the climate control follow the link to The Corvette Do It Yourself site, it has the information you need. If you need any other information I have a set of 86 manuals that will cover most items on your 87.
http://batee.cc.umr.edu/corvette/
Mike
 
Thank you

Thank you all. I will try the posi-traction after a gear oil change and let you know!
 
The additive is the right answer, unless damage has been done, which is probably not. I have had the problem in several cars. The GM additive is very effective, and even Ford people recommend it!
 
Update on Noise

Just thought I'd give you an update on the rear end noise....

I took it to the Chevy dealer on Friday to have the differential changed and specifically told them I wanted 2 bottles of additive. They obliged. It sounds better....I think....but have not driven it enough since then to truly know if it worked. (As you may recall, the noise gets worse the longer it is driven.)

As a side note, the Chevy dealer didn't think the diff would make a diff(erence). =) They said the noise was coming from the area ... (now read slowly here) .... around the spring that is somehow connected to the fact that the rear end is attached to the frame ?????

If you can't tell, I'm not REAL mechanically inclined, so I didn't grasp this last part too well. They said that in order to find out exactly where the noise was coming from, they'd have to start taking the back end apart and they'd start off by charging me 6-7 hours labor for that venture.

Any insight into this, anyone?
 
Just my humble opinion...

RUN from the dealership and try to find a Corvette only shop/mechanic. Prices for parts and labor will be about the same, but I think you'll get more educated service from someone who works exclusively on Vettes.
Is there a Corvette club in your area? Try to locate one, they may have members who have Corvette shops or they'll be able to tell you who they trust with their Corvettes.
I don't have a lot of faith in the dealers, unless it is a warranty issue.

Silver
 
netplayn,

I agree with Silver here. Check with the local Corvette Club if there is one in your area, for a reputable corvette only shop, or a shop that handles mostly corvettes! :s I know our local Corvette shop has had or branch out to other autos in the last few years but he still mainly handles vettes.

An 87 convertible can be a really good vette once it's running properly! I hope you get everything fixed up and can really enjoy your baby. :w
 
We have several Corvette clubs here -- used to belong to one many moons ago (when I first bought her), but moved and haven't rejoined since being back.

You are so right in the fact that the local club members (as well as posters to this forum!) are the best sources of information.

Thanks, again, and I'll keep you posted on the turn of events!
 
shops

Mary,
I think you are on the right track with the gear oil and additive. It sounds like you have taken care of all the other normal wear items also. I can't think of anything in the suspension that would get worse as you drive and better after it sets, (ie. heat related).
I've used GM Posi Additive for years with good success starting way back with a '62 impala.

As far as shops go you need to know the shop either from reputation or referrals. Talking to Corvette people is a good idea. The thought that Chevrolet dealers don't know anything about Corvettes is somewhat deserved as many dealers don't want to mess with them and don't have anyone trained as a Corvette tech.

If you read these forums long enough you will hear horror stories from members that have taken their Corvettes to so called Corvette specialists also. In my area I know only a couple places I would actually turn over the keys too. Both are Chevrolet dealers. The small dealer where my wife works has a Corvette tech that has been around Corvettes as long as I have and still owns the '69 he bought new. He also is sent to all the newest GM schools and is very knowledgable in education and experience.

In other words just because it is a dealer don't pass them off and just because the sign on the repair shop says Corvette Specialist doesn't mean they are. Referrals is the best way to locate a good shop. chech them out.

Tom
 
Squeek-squak-clunk

Welcome Mary!

Not meaning to go against the group.... but there is an option that some people have forgot.... the rear end link arms... if some of the bushings are failing you could have a big squeek there... Mary
try the following.. when the car is cold, push ( carefully) on the top of each fender and start the car bouncing up and down on each corner. you will have to get it going pretty good about 1 inch of travel to test this theory. My 1884 front bushings would squeek LOUD and my 1988 rear right is just starting.. you can see where the rubber is getting worn. The additive will not hurt at all, and is a good maint thing to do.

Al here has the scoop on Vette radio's

Email corvetteradios@corvetteradios.com

I forgot you next question... gotta go back

Mike
 
Ahh Ac brain box

Sorry... that controller you will have to replace get it from a wrecking yard. Try this guy for a quote on the head unit.
GEORGE NAZARIAN <sportimports@worldnet.att.net>

or J&D corvette ( have to do a web search on this)

Mike
 
Re: Squeek-squak-clunk

vigman said:
Welcome Mary!

Not meaning to go against the group.... but there is an option that some people have forgot.... the rear end link arms... if some of the bushings are failing you could have a big squeek there... Mary
try the following.. when the car is cold, push ( carefully) on the top of each fender and start the car bouncing up and down on each corner. you will have to get it going pretty good about 1 inch of travel to test this theory. My 1884 front bushings would squeek LOUD and my 1988 rear right is just starting.. you can see where the rubber is getting worn. The additive will not hurt at all, and is a good maint thing to do.

Al here has the scoop on Vette radio's

Email corvetteradios@corvetteradios.com

I forgot you next question... gotta go back

Mike

Yea that's a good point ^^^^^^
 

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