Need help on some mech problems/ My 2000 FHC

[Dr C5 Corvette]

Hi, After Purchasing my car I Found some issues That I hope The forum can help me with. This is a 2000 Hardtop and has the Z-51 suspension and the Z-06 Wheels and Tires 295 rear and 265 front. Driver side tires (F & R) seem to be wore more than the Passenger side tires. #1. banging noise from the divers side rear when going over bumps or ruts sounds like a broken stut or mount or exhaust?? #2. steering wandering and a little darty on uneven roads. #3. drive train slop (clack sound) from the center rear area like a bad universal ? The dealer is giving me a little hassle about these issues and I need to know what I am talking about when I approach them. Car Purchased 11/03/05.
Thanks .................Dr C5 Corvette :confused

 

[MsSchroder]

Dr C5,
I'm moving this over to the C5 section. Hopefully someone over there will have experienced what you're describing.

When you say FHC, do you mean FRC (fixed- roof coupe?).

Tammy

 

[Patrick]

Hi, Dr. C5. Welcome to the Corvette Action Center!

Let's see what our very knowledgeable members can do to help. First- how many miles do you have on your 2000?

#1. banging noise from the divers side rear when going over bumps or ruts sounds like a broken stut or mount or exhaust??

Has your Corvette been lowered at all? Can you detect any obvious looseness in the exhaust mount when you walk around to the back?

#2. steering wandering and a little darty on uneven roads.

I will say this- on my Z06, the steering has always been extremely sensitive to items like ruts in the roads or uneven paving. I think what you're describing is normal, particularly if your previous vehicle (or daily driver) is not a performance sports car.

#3. drive train slop (clack sound) from the center rear area like a bad universal ?

Here, I have no idea. I've never experienced this phenomenon.

Don't worry, though- you'll have ample advice and recommendations from our members soon


-Patrick

 

[DRTH VTR]

I would make a couple of comments. First, I have quite a bit of driveline noise, too. A certain amount of "slop" may be normal. There is not all that much sound insulation in the FRC, so I think I hear things that I might not otherwise hear. Second, those big wide tires do tend to get thrown around on uneven roads. Highways with truck ruts in them require that I straddle one of the ruts to keep the car going uniformly straight.

I suggest that you find a shop with an experienced Corvette mechanic to check it out for you. Some better mechanics than me (just about anyone!) will chime in here. There are a few things that tend to happen to the C5 and there is quite a bit of experience in the CAC membership.

There have other complaints of rear end noise discussed before. I did a forum search and found something that I have seen c4c5 specialist write about.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72659&highlight=splines

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Hi, After Purchasing my car I Found some issues That I hope The forum can help me with. This is a 2000 Hardtop and has the Z-51 suspension and the Z-06 Wheels and Tires 295 rear and 265 front. Driver side tires (F & R) seem to be wore more than the Passenger side tires. #1. banging noise from the divers side rear when going over bumps or ruts sounds like a broken stut or mount or exhaust??
Sway bar mount or link bolt.
#2. steering wandering and a little darty on uneven roads.
Normal, but increased tire pressure (> 30 PSI) will reduce it.
#3. drive train slop (clack sound) from the center rear area like a bad universal ?
Worn CV Joint.
The dealer is giving me a little hassle about these issues and I need to know what I am talking about when I approach them. Car Purchased 11/03/05.
Thanks .................Dr C5 Corvette :confused

How many miles are on it?
Here's link to GM Parts Direct.
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?singlepart=1&partnumber=C5

Click on Catalog, and enter your 2000 year, make, and model. The follow the suspension links to view the exploded parts diagrams.

 

[Dr C5 Corvette]

Yes, I Think that is the Proper name for the Hardtop? FRC? I thought it was Fixed Hardtop Coupe or FHC sorry Im New ....Thanks Dr.

 

[Dr C5 Corvette]

Hi and Thanks, There are 45,000 miles on the hardtop, Not Lowered that I can tell or any exhaust hanging or mods that I can see but thanks for the input..........Dr C5

 

[Dr C5 Corvette]

Thanks, good article about the upper control arms thanks I wrote it down Thanks.........Dr C5

 

[Dr C5 Corvette]

Hi, Can"t get any diagrams of the suspension. I only get part numbers ? yes I did the pressure decrease to 30 psi for all the tires, they were 32+ all around. thanks for the suggestion about the cv joint and the sway bar mount or link bolt, Thanks Dr C5

 

[mqqn]

Hi Dr. -

There is sometimes a "popping" noise that is casued by the sheet metal behind the drivers seat flxing (like the bottom of an oil can).

That is one thing to look for.

First thing I would have done is a 4 wheel alignment.

If that checks out ok, then check for the rear builkhead flexing.

As has been mentioned, any tire in the 225-275 mm width will follow road irregularities - sometimes if you are not careful, it can really jerk the wheel.

The driveline consists of a long torque-tube that connects the clutch pressure plate to the trans in the rear.

There is, by design, significant mechanical noise that will come from this arrangement, but there should be no "slop" - Jack the car up and grab a wheel and rotate it back and forth, while watching the half-shafts on the IRS and listening for the clacking you are hearing. If there is slop, it will show up as a delay between the wheel turning and the torque-tube rotating (which you cannot see BTW....).

Be aware that there is mention in the owners video of clattering noises from the rear drivetrain components when releasing the clutch and strting to move the vehicle - see if you can locate a copy of that video to watch and determine if what you are hearing is that noise.

Good luck and Best Regards -

mqqn

 

[Dr C5 Corvette]

Thank for the info, but the noise is not what you described,There is no flexing sound. 4 wheel Alignment is a good suggestion. I just thought a car of this stature should ride a little better givin that it has the Z-51 suspension. I Think the suspension & Drivetrain should be tighter for the miles 44k, oh well! live and learn. I wonder if the Goodyear F1's are also part of the wandering problem? Are there any other tires that would have a better ride? Thanks for your help...Dr C5

 

[mqqn]

Hi Dr.

It is not a flexing sound - it is a pop or bang - sounds like someone hit the side of the car right behind the drivers seat with a tennis ball -

I have Pirelli's on my Z06, and it still will follow the road irregularities.

Both of my cars have 40+k miles on them, and niether of them have what I would decribe as loose suspension or sterring characteristics - they are tight as a drum and very precision feeling.

If your tires are wearing "funny" , then your car must have some issue - please post after the alignment - and good luck Dr.!

best regards -

mqqn

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Hi, Can"t get any diagrams of the suspension. I only get part numbers ? yes I did the pressure decrease to 30 psi for all the tires, they were 32+ all around. thanks for the suggestion about the cv joint and the sway bar mount or link bolt, Thanks Dr C5

Click on the rear suspension, then a part like wheel bearing. Over to the right is an icon that says IMAGE, click that and an exploded diagram will pop up.
You can see all of the parts in the assemby to get an idea of what parts are involved. The knowledge may keep the dealer from throwing a lot of extra parts on the bill.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Thank for the info, but the noise is not what you described,There is no flexing sound. 4 wheel Alignment is a good suggestion. I just thought a car of this stature should ride a little better givin that it has the Z-51 suspension. I Think the suspension & Drivetrain should be tighter for the miles 44k, oh well! live and learn. I wonder if the Goodyear F1's are also part of the wandering problem? Are there any other tires that would have a better ride? Thanks for your help...Dr C5

The Z51 does ride pretty rough compared to the stock suspension because of its stiffer shocks,springs, and swaybar. The F1's ride a lot better than the stock EMT's and are a lot quieter.

 

[LLC5]

Definately get it on an alignment rack with a tech that knows C5's. Banging noises and uneven tire wear would worry me. Have them check for any crash damage, hopefully there won't be any. Did you buy the car from a dealer?

 

[Dr C5 Corvette]

Yes, I bought it from a Chevrolet Dealer in Berlin, NJ. I am going to purchase the GM 3 yr power train warranty from them for $1475 after the 2 month warranty expires. They also guarantee inspection and I have a friend who ownes an inspection station he said he will check it over, even measure tire depth and suspension so that may help as well. but a 4 wheel alignment is on my to do list thanks............ Dr C5