Weird Noise! Looking for help.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Weird Noise! Looking for help.
I am new to the Corvette scene. I'm a huge Camaro fan and my dad just got rid of his '56 Chevy truck and got a '73 Corvette. It makes a strange noise that I have my own opinion on, but looking for some other advise. You only hear it under a pretty hard acceleration. It sounds like a belt slipping and squeeling. I don't think its that though. When you accelerate hard the back sits down and the front lifts up. I think the rear springs might be worn out and the front is coming up alot and the caster camber gets out of line and the front tires are actually what is squeeling. Has anyone had this problem or heard of such a thing? I don't want to just replace the rear suspension on a guess and hope it's a fix. I'm going to change the belts this coming weekend, but I'm about 98% sure its not them. They are old and wouldn't hurt to have new ones anyway. Let me know what you think about my mystery noise!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Is the squealing coming from the rear or the front? If the noise is in the rear, it could be the tires losing traction [no, wait a minute...it's a '73, that can't be it] or maybe the friction plates slipping in a dry differential. [Note: I never heard one actually do that, but I guess it might be possible.] If noise is in the front, one of the accessory drive belts is a distinct possibility. You can buy an 'anti-squeal' spray for fan belts. You spray some on just ONE of the belts while the engine is running {watch your fingers}, then try it out. Repeat with each belt until the squeal goes away; that last one is the culprit. You can either tighten that belt or replace it if you notice wear. DON'T just keep spraying goo on the belt to keep it quiet. I can't imagine the steering/wheel doing any squeeling just because you 'stab the gas'.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Look closely at the frame bumper where the upper control arm contacts the bumper stop. If it is not there, the front end will sometimes lift so much that the wheels fold under and squeal. I have also seen some that had serious frame damage to that same thing.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,681
Likes: 3,134
From: Shamong, NJ
Does your Corvette have air? If so check the ac belt, these have to be extremely tight (on the pre 77 style compressor) to keep them from squeeling.
You say that the rear sits down on acceleration. I've seen the drive shaft, on Vettes with weak rear springs, that rub on the floor, (under the rear compartment) when the rear squats on acceleration.This produces a scraping/squeeling sound.
You say that the rear sits down on acceleration. I've seen the drive shaft, on Vettes with weak rear springs, that rub on the floor, (under the rear compartment) when the rear squats on acceleration.This produces a scraping/squeeling sound.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Wombvette, it looks like you may be correct or at the least pointed me in the right direction. I went out and looked at the front end of his car. It needs new bumper stops and in addition to that he needs new bushings in the control arms themselves also. I'm sure the combination of all these bad bushings is the problem. I really appreciate all your help and suggestions. Thanks!
