Hello all! New guy here with rear susp. problem

[1950Johnny]

Hey all!
I'm John, an ASE master tech, and I just had a 1984 (85?) Vette roll into my shop.
Car sat for a few years, owner complained of a "bell-ringing" noise from the rear. Also, the car seems to be gaining negative camber on both sides equally (in the rear). I question the hub bearings, but they didnt feel loose, and would they both wear out equally?
I'm new to these suspensions, and it seems they're designed to take all the load thru the axles? Pushing the axles into the center section, or does the sway bar hold the camber setting and take load as well? I just can't imagine what keeps the camber setting intact on the top, like the arms do on the bottom..........:confused

Any ideas , knowledge, and insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[1950Johnny]

Anybody?

 

[HD2HVETTE]

John-just saw your posting-my alignment tech will be in tomorrow, and he has done a number of Vettes. If memory serves me correctly. camber is controlled by the lower arms. The sway bar has no effect on camber-but I will talk with him tomorrow and give you an answer. I align my 92 in the spring after pulling it out for the first time, and the rear camber is usually off. This is my first year with the 93, so I'll see if it has changed also.

 

[XLR8]

John,

I can't help you with your suspension issue, but I just wanted to say Hi and welcome to the Corvette Action Center. I see HD2HVETTE is looking into getting some info for you and I'll also forward this thread link to Paul - C4C5Specialist.

In the meantime, here is a link to the Knowledgebase index for service bulletins and technical info regarding the C4 model years 1984-1996. And this link is to the C4 Chassis and Suspension list in the Knowledgebase.

Good luck and again - welcome to the CAC.
Jane Ann

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
The suspension system is a very durable system.
It relies on the lower link from the spindle to the differential for one point of the camber setting and the other is the axle drive shaft itself.
As you have said, negative camber is always there on C4.
If you look at the spindle but have no play, the next inspection is to relieve the spring tension to the spindle and look for in and out play at the differential yokes.
If you camber is increasing negatively, then you might have a problem inside the differential.
I would also be looking very carefully at all the universal joints, as these would affect your camber as well.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[XLR8]

C4C5Specialist signature:
ALMOST GM world class certified! 9 down, 1 to go. Chevrolet Professional service guild NCM#7993. My greatest asset, my daughter.

Paul,
You're not ALMOST world class, my friend - you ARE WORLD CLASS!

Jane Ann

 

[1950Johnny]

I think this week I'll be inspecting these U-joints, they seem to be original. Any suggestions for the best ones to replace them with? I could just get some at Napa, or are there heavy-duty ones that you'd recommend? I think I saw somewhere here where the comment was made that the ones with grease zerks were weaker ???

Thanks very much for the invite and the good suggestions as well !

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
The ones with the greaseable fittings ARE WEAKER!!!!!
The trunion diameter is SMALLER, thus resulting in a weaker joint.
GM is the ones that I prefer. If installed correctly, they are very very good.
Remember, the key to ujoint function and longevity is that they have an angle to constantly cycle and that the seals keep moisture and dirt OUT!!!!
Allthebest, :bash

 

[johnny80]

Just want to say welcome aboard. This is by far the greatest site ever. I was not much of a wrench turner until I got some great advice one late nite regarding getting a key out of the tumbler. Since then I have save myself hundreds if not a thousand dollars in expenses regarding simple repairs from headlight replacement, 4+3 help, tires, brakes and paint jobs. This is the greatest site ever for any corvette owner. Best of luck and again welcome.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

How do we get the likes of C4C5, Gordon, Grumpy and the rest? There is not a University on earth with more Corvette knowledge than we have here at CAC… for free.

C4C5 what is going on with your career move?—I still have room for a ¨chief Mech¨ at the go-kart track. $5/hour and all of the pork-skins you can eat. (you gotta know dem Hondas… Brigs & Stratton mechanics need not apply)

 

[o2bnkc]

John,

I can't help you with your suspension issue, but I just wanted to say Hi and welcome to the Corvette Action Center. I see HD2HVETTE is looking into getting some info for you and I'll also forward this thread link to Paul - C4C5Specialist.

In the meantime, here is a link to the Knowledgebase index for service bulletins and technical info regarding the C4 model years 1984-1996. And this link is to the C4 Chassis and Suspension list in the Knowledgebase.

Good luck and again - welcome to the CAC.
Jane Ann

I just wanted to give kudos to Jane Ann here for all the help she has tried to give me about posting pics on this site. I know I am off the thread subject here, but I saw her post and even though I am still trying to learn "world wide web" stuff (thanks Mr. Gore) she has been a great help for going beyond the call of duty. You'll find the best help at cac. Thanks again, Jane Ann

 

[XLR8]

How do we get the likes of C4C5, Gordon, Grumpy and the rest? There is not a University on earth with more Corvette knowledge than we have here at CAC… for free.
...............

Because the the cream always rises to the top!! And the Corvette Action Center is the cream of the crop!!

I just wanted to give kudos to Jane Ann here for all the help she has tried to give me about posting pics on this site. I know I am off the thread subject here, but I saw her post and even though I am still trying to learn "world wide web" stuff (thanks Mr. Gore) she has been a great help for going beyond the call of duty. You'll find the best help at cac. Thanks again, Jane Ann

Outwest..

Thank you very much for the kind words. I enjoy the Corvette Action Center and I want to make it a positive experience for members whenever I can. I get a lot from my membership here, if I can be of some help to others, it's my chance to give something back.

Jane Ann

 

[1950Johnny]

This is all good stuff! I was down with the flu this weekend, so no automotive work done at all. On the upswing now tho! I'm going to order all 4 Ujoints this week, may as well replace them if I'm in there!
What would be inside the differential that the axles push against? Do they just press against the cross pin? My manuals seem kinda vague on this.

Thanks again!
John