Bluemill
Well-known member
I have a 2000 six speed coupe with 49,000 miles that started developing a click in the rear axle while changing directions turning around in the driveway. It sounds like the click of a torque wrench hitting a higher setting when it does it, usually after backing up and then starting forward.
I have been following this story in Corvette Magazine about some C4 owners who apparently fixed the problem by replacing a spindle washer on the end of the axle inside the wheel bearing knuckle. My car has the same symptoms, but I don't think it has the same parts configuration. I attach my internet letter to CM for your opinions.
Thanks,
Bluemill
Still Clicking and Confused
I've been reading and enjoying your column faithfully since my first issue, CM 17, May '05. I own a 2000 coupe with a 6 speed manual and 49,000 miles. I have also started to read the Letters to the Editor section, which often touches on a lot of tech stuff, down the road, or after the fact, sort of like "Stump the Chumps" on the Car Talk radio show on NPR. The Mark Wilkinson letter in CM #37, December '07 is really confusing me about the rear axle clicking, that was originally brought up by Mike Barbetta in the March issue, and then apparently solved in the June issue by James Powell.
Both Barbetta and Powell are talking about their C4's, while my car is a C5, so I followed this story because I too have the clicking in my rear axle on backing up and going forward, but I didn't think that it really affected me directly because of the difference in generations.
Mr. Wilkinson's car is a 2004 C5, Z06, and he implies that his car has been repaired but never really comes out and says it. Powell, back in the June issue, gives a part number for the needed washer and the application is for later C4's, according to my favorite on line GM parts website. My GM/Chevrolet service manual for 2000 does not address any kind of spindle washer, cotter pin, or break down of the bearing knuckle to change the subject washer.
Did Mr. Wilkinson really get his C5 fixed, or was he just commending CM for following the story of how the C4 guys were able to get together through the magazine to solve their problem? Can I get the click out of my C5 rear axle and how do I do it?
I have been following this story in Corvette Magazine about some C4 owners who apparently fixed the problem by replacing a spindle washer on the end of the axle inside the wheel bearing knuckle. My car has the same symptoms, but I don't think it has the same parts configuration. I attach my internet letter to CM for your opinions.
Thanks,
Bluemill
Still Clicking and Confused
I've been reading and enjoying your column faithfully since my first issue, CM 17, May '05. I own a 2000 coupe with a 6 speed manual and 49,000 miles. I have also started to read the Letters to the Editor section, which often touches on a lot of tech stuff, down the road, or after the fact, sort of like "Stump the Chumps" on the Car Talk radio show on NPR. The Mark Wilkinson letter in CM #37, December '07 is really confusing me about the rear axle clicking, that was originally brought up by Mike Barbetta in the March issue, and then apparently solved in the June issue by James Powell.
Both Barbetta and Powell are talking about their C4's, while my car is a C5, so I followed this story because I too have the clicking in my rear axle on backing up and going forward, but I didn't think that it really affected me directly because of the difference in generations.
Mr. Wilkinson's car is a 2004 C5, Z06, and he implies that his car has been repaired but never really comes out and says it. Powell, back in the June issue, gives a part number for the needed washer and the application is for later C4's, according to my favorite on line GM parts website. My GM/Chevrolet service manual for 2000 does not address any kind of spindle washer, cotter pin, or break down of the bearing knuckle to change the subject washer.
Did Mr. Wilkinson really get his C5 fixed, or was he just commending CM for following the story of how the C4 guys were able to get together through the magazine to solve their problem? Can I get the click out of my C5 rear axle and how do I do it?
That was 20,000 miles ago, wheels have not fell off yet!!
