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ddtman
Guest
Have a 50th Anniv. Conv. with six speed, while idling and clutch disengaged makes quite a rattling sound, like something was loose, have been told this is normal, any feedback?
The 6 speed makes noise when the clutch is out in neutral. Apparently some noise is normal. The features that make this transmission strong also makes it noisy.
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cruzer99
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Most likely the Throw-out Bearing. Unless it get really noisy, don't worry about it.
yellow_2002_germany
Well-known member
ddtman -- the noise is quite normal. It surprised me too when I first heard it. If you have the video that comes with the car watch it and it should talk about it.
atmmac
Well-known member
I go the noise too its normal.
mshipon
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;stupid
Same here with my 6-speed. Sounds like a blender on low for a second or 2.
Same here with my 6-speed. Sounds like a blender on low for a second or 2.
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97RedCorvette
Guest
I have an early Z51 '97 Coupe with the 6-speed trans and yes; the slight "grinding" noise (oooh, I hate to use that word) is a natural sound that the transmission makes. In fact, in a friends '99 owner’s manual video, it illustrates the noise and proclaims that it's a natural sound that's inherent in the 6-speed transmission. Even knowing this, it still makes me cringe a little -- guess that's why I went with the in-dash CD/CD changer option.
erenneckar
Active member
I have a low grumbling noise coming from ther rear end when i start out but i have an auto... i know but i like to sit back and drive or should i say ride. Has anyone heard this low rumble on an outomatic. From a dead start (hot and cold) just for a few seconds or less. Oh; yeah today she started leaking oil from the rear end... GREAT!:confused
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Blade
Guest
Guess it is just a normal sound for these cars because mine does it too.
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cheri
Guest
We recently purchased a 2003 Anniv Edition Convertible and have the same problems. We disputed this problem with the dealership and GM. We went through arbitration with the Better Business Bureau Auto Line and because GM said these noises are inherent in the Vette there was nothing they would do.
Two issues:
1. ) It is unacceptable in my opinion to have a $60,000 that rattles and ticks!!!!
2.) If this is inherent in the Vette it should be disclosed to the consumer before purchasing!!
Yes, the owners video discusses the noises, but who listens to the video before purchasing the car??? We also were not allowed to test drive the vehicle before purchasing due to dealership policies. Had we driven the car we would have heard the noises AND never have purchased the vehicle.
We are currently working with a lawyer and discussing the possibility of a class action lawsuit. PLEASE, if any of you are interested in pursuing this with us contact me!!!!!!
Two issues:
1. ) It is unacceptable in my opinion to have a $60,000 that rattles and ticks!!!!
2.) If this is inherent in the Vette it should be disclosed to the consumer before purchasing!!
Yes, the owners video discusses the noises, but who listens to the video before purchasing the car??? We also were not allowed to test drive the vehicle before purchasing due to dealership policies. Had we driven the car we would have heard the noises AND never have purchased the vehicle.
We are currently working with a lawyer and discussing the possibility of a class action lawsuit. PLEASE, if any of you are interested in pursuing this with us contact me!!!!!!
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B
Blade
Guest
cheri said:
Welcome to the world of Corvette ownership. Shake, Rattle & Roll for 50 years!
When you weigh the plus vs the minus... The positive is going to strongly tip the scales. Relax and enjoy your corvette!
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Some people are never happy.
The 6 speed Vettes have been making this noise since the introduction of the 6 speed in 89. It's a good think GM doesn't install the 'hush' export exhaust on them here or there'd be lots more complaints.
Z06's have brakes that make noise - better stopping power but they make noise. Z06 owners can change their pads to the ones used on coupes and verts and get rid of the noise at the expense of stopping power.
GM does disclose the transmission noise - it's in the video. They aren't trying to hide it. I don't plan to join any class action suit on this issue. Everything else about this car more than makes up for the few short-comings it may have.
One last thing for Cheri, there are people still looking for AE's. Have you thought about selling it and moving on to what you really want?
The 6 speed Vettes have been making this noise since the introduction of the 6 speed in 89. It's a good think GM doesn't install the 'hush' export exhaust on them here or there'd be lots more complaints.
Z06's have brakes that make noise - better stopping power but they make noise. Z06 owners can change their pads to the ones used on coupes and verts and get rid of the noise at the expense of stopping power.
GM does disclose the transmission noise - it's in the video. They aren't trying to hide it. I don't plan to join any class action suit on this issue. Everything else about this car more than makes up for the few short-comings it may have.
One last thing for Cheri, there are people still looking for AE's. Have you thought about selling it and moving on to what you really want?
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- #14
cheri said:
I have a couple issues with this.
1. The 6-speed is noisy by nature and although I have not spent a large amount of time in a 6-speed equipped C5, I own a 1990 Corvette equipped with the ZF 6-speed transmission which is inherently "noisy" due to it's design. In fact, even a ZF rep has stated why the transmission is inherently noisy:
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/question.php?qstId=118
2. Did you bring the car to a dealer? Did they find anything wrong with it? Have you taken it to a couple different dealers to get second opinions?
3. As the owner of this site, in my opinion, I don't think it's fair of you to come here and request that other owners who experience the same thing you do, join you in a class action lawsuit against General Motors.
What is considered to be a "noise" to one person is "music" to someone else and unless everyone here can take a ride in your car to confirm that what you are hearing is a true "noise" caused by a defect in manufacturing, your request is invalid.
If you wish to pursue a class action lawsuit against GM for your Corvette, that is your business and you are free to do so if you wish, but please do not try to encourage others here to do the same.
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- #15
Notice to any C5 Owner attending Corvettes at Carlisle this weekend
If you feel that your 6-speed C5 Corvette has the same noise that everyone is talking about here - please take me for a ride in your car, so that I can hear this noise first hand.
I guess I'm having a hard time understanding how objectionable this noise can be when sitting at idle, in neutral.
Another question comes to my mind: as an owner, how much time do you sit at idle, in neutral listening to your car and not driving it?
If you feel that your 6-speed C5 Corvette has the same noise that everyone is talking about here - please take me for a ride in your car, so that I can hear this noise first hand.
I guess I'm having a hard time understanding how objectionable this noise can be when sitting at idle, in neutral.
Another question comes to my mind: as an owner, how much time do you sit at idle, in neutral listening to your car and not driving it?
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C
cheri
Guest
We have taken the car to 3 different dealerships to have the noise looked at and have been told the same thing by everyone.....it cannot be fixed. My concern is we were not fully informed of this when we purchased the vehicle.
Didn't mean to cause any trouble or upset anyone with my posting. Just wanted to pass our information along. Sorry if I stepped on any toes! Just voicing my opinion.....
Didn't mean to cause any trouble or upset anyone with my posting. Just wanted to pass our information along. Sorry if I stepped on any toes! Just voicing my opinion.....
cruzer99
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Turn up the radio..........the noise goes away. 
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M
magredc5
Guest
I look at it this way..........if it stops making noise, I'm gonna get worried. Just drive it and enjoy!
The manual transmission driveline noises started with the C4. Even the 4+3 had it. Some are worse than others, and one of the possible noises does sound like a throwout bearing.
Similarly, some C5's are worse than others, but there is noise inherent in the driveline design. Some noises can be eliminated by whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged and whether the transmission is in gear or neutral. Pulling the lever into neutral when coming to a stop instead of depressing the clutch will prevent certain noises. The rattles on acceleration can be controlled by how the clutch is released.
In short, all the tricks that worked on the C4's work on the C5's.
Rob, if you've ever heard a worn throwout bearing, that's about the worst they get. In some respects, it's rather like the 'exhaust jingle.' The noises sound like something is wrong it; just isn't.
It'd be nice if the cars were quieter, but they aren't. There are various acoustical mats and treatments that will reduce the noise level, however, fwiw.
Similarly, some C5's are worse than others, but there is noise inherent in the driveline design. Some noises can be eliminated by whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged and whether the transmission is in gear or neutral. Pulling the lever into neutral when coming to a stop instead of depressing the clutch will prevent certain noises. The rattles on acceleration can be controlled by how the clutch is released.
In short, all the tricks that worked on the C4's work on the C5's.
Rob, if you've ever heard a worn throwout bearing, that's about the worst they get. In some respects, it's rather like the 'exhaust jingle.' The noises sound like something is wrong it; just isn't.
It'd be nice if the cars were quieter, but they aren't. There are various acoustical mats and treatments that will reduce the noise level, however, fwiw.
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- #20
I spent considerable time talking to a GM Engineer here in Carlisle today about this problem. I'm not exactly sure what his position is, but I know that he is in contact with all dealerships. He has my business card and the site URL, so hopefully, he'll see this.
As he explained to me, it is NORMAL. The transmission case is aluminum. Aluminum does nothing to hinder noise unlike cast iron.
I can't remember the exact description of how it all works as he described it to me, but as certain cylinders fire, this transmits vibrations through the driveline. Some of this is counteracted by the clutch assembly. (similar to the dual mass flywheel in the C4 ZF-6speed.) Combine this with an aluminum case and the weight of the transmission oil used, you are going to hear a certain amount of noise from the transmission when the car is at idle in neutral. It is completely normal and "the nature of the beast" so to speak.
He asked me the same question I asked here yesterday: "how much time do you really spend sitting in your Vette idling in neutral with your foot off the clutch?"
He told me they have received numerous complaints about it, but it's completely normal and a normal trait found in a high performance transmission.
Personally, I agree with him 100%. This is the same situation we saw with the C4 when the ZF 6-speed came out. Because of the helical cut gears in that tranny, you here more gear whine. Customers complained so much, that in the second generation ZF around 1992, or 1993, the gear teeth design was changed in the ZF to reduce the noise, but as a result, the torque capacity of the transmission also decreased slightly.
In summary: if you want a high performance sports car engineered to sustain the performance that a Corvette is capable of, there are certain aspects of the car that may be negative, but you need to come to terms with. If you can't tolerate the noise, either buy an automatic, or sell the Corvette and buy something else that will be more cushy and quiet, but also, less of a performer. Just my opinion.
As he explained to me, it is NORMAL. The transmission case is aluminum. Aluminum does nothing to hinder noise unlike cast iron.
I can't remember the exact description of how it all works as he described it to me, but as certain cylinders fire, this transmits vibrations through the driveline. Some of this is counteracted by the clutch assembly. (similar to the dual mass flywheel in the C4 ZF-6speed.) Combine this with an aluminum case and the weight of the transmission oil used, you are going to hear a certain amount of noise from the transmission when the car is at idle in neutral. It is completely normal and "the nature of the beast" so to speak.
He asked me the same question I asked here yesterday: "how much time do you really spend sitting in your Vette idling in neutral with your foot off the clutch?"
He told me they have received numerous complaints about it, but it's completely normal and a normal trait found in a high performance transmission.
Personally, I agree with him 100%. This is the same situation we saw with the C4 when the ZF 6-speed came out. Because of the helical cut gears in that tranny, you here more gear whine. Customers complained so much, that in the second generation ZF around 1992, or 1993, the gear teeth design was changed in the ZF to reduce the noise, but as a result, the torque capacity of the transmission also decreased slightly.
In summary: if you want a high performance sports car engineered to sustain the performance that a Corvette is capable of, there are certain aspects of the car that may be negative, but you need to come to terms with. If you can't tolerate the noise, either buy an automatic, or sell the Corvette and buy something else that will be more cushy and quiet, but also, less of a performer. Just my opinion.
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