Checked the topics Archive and found nothing... has anyone replaced a REAR
spring on a C4 - specifically a '92? Had aftermarket mufflers put on my son's
car today and while on the lift, discovered the rear spring is splintered on the
driver's side (badly) and slightly on the passenger's side. Don't know what
happened - I think we bought it that way - no other sign of damage anywhere.
No dents, scrapes, etc - shocks are fine. Spring needs to be replaced quickly.

Already have price(s) from Jeff K. I have the FE1 suspension, but the FE7
apparently will drop right in (costs slightly more). I'm undecided as to which
spring to get, but I'm leaning towards stock (FE1). I also have access to a
lift at a local muffler shop, so if its not too difficult a job... and don't need any
special tools (to prevent getting de-capitated when releasing the spring
tension)... GM quotes 2-3 hour job.

Anyone with experience?? :smash:

Thanks! :yesnod:

 

We're going to have to stop meeting in all these posts of you repairing the vette. I would put the FE1 spring back in. Seems like an easy enough job but you'll probably have to get the car aligned when done. That's a C-note in most shops. If you are thinking of lowering the car then this would be the time and it's not but $30-40 more to do it. Yourself that is. Hope this is the last "problem" you find. Take care :seeya

 

Be careful when removing the spring. It's under some pressure.
Service Manual calls for a spring compressor, but many have done without it.
I have heard of guys placing the floor jack under it to hold it form snapping out.

 

Hi again! Yup, we continue to find "little" things! Finally (after 3 weeks) got the
(2nd) winshield installed into the vette (perfect LOF unit this time). Dealer
tried to cut corners by having the glass company install a cheapo unit but it
cost them all new weatherstripping, window trim and another windshield in the
end! Bought a hardtop because they had seriously cracked the lexan unit, but
that's still being worked on - probably will result in court action if I get no
satisfaction from GM or AG's office.

Car has been running great since major tuneup. This is what we get for
looking under the car... but glad we found it sooner than later before more
serious damage resulted. This should be (keeping my fingers crossed now)
the last unplanned repair for the summer - I gues we'll see.

He'll be getting new tires mid-summer. He has Michelin Pilots right now with
about 50% thread (he actually doesn't like'm) and that's when we plan on
getting the wheel alignment.

I've replaced countless leaf springs, entire axles, ring & pinions, etc on my
'68 Hemi Coronet but I'm nervous about working on the vette. If it was a
rebuild, I'd be braver, but where its his "daily driver" (except for winter) I'd
be happer knowing it was done correctly.

I gotta do a bit more research and decide by Monday what to do... :yesnod:


Mr. Mogo
Yea, I've got a set of GM service manuals and have been reading since I've
posted. I'm going to check into the cost of one of these spring compressors
and if its too much (for what I hope would be a one-time use tool) I'll
probably lean towards getting it done by my dealer. I've been trying to teach
my son to use the right tool for the right job (something I've learned playing
golf :yesnod: ) and to be safe when working on any car - guess I can't cut
corners now just to save a few $$$.

 

The Helms manual shows how to remove the rear spring with a jack. I did it last winter during my mod fest, it's real easy.

Eric

 

That's what i did,release it very slowly!!!!!
Never had a prob.
Matt

 

Well, here I go... coping out (again) and not doing my own work! :rolleyes:

Got the replacement spring from Jeff K (always OUTSTANDING service/prices)
and discovered my dealer will install it for $86.40. I simply can't compete with
that - not only will it get done fast and right, but with a warranty! Work to be
done this Friday (spring arrives Thursday).

Thanks for everyone's inputs. :yesnod:

 

$86.40 is what i would do. its not worth getting your clothes dirty for that.

 

I'm sure your dealers are different/better, but if my local dealer did it for free, I'd still do it myself. They need to give a warrenty, it's sure to take them a few tries to get it right :(

Eric

 

Oh don't be too sure my dealers are better or worst than anyone else's!
I just do some checking (verifying the dealership has GM Certified Corvette
Technician's) on staff, before I have any work done. I've been known to
"wander" into a service area to check while work is being done - call me
cautous - to strike up a conversation with the mechanic. Word of mouth
also plays a role in selecting a dealership for service. A lot of dealerships
in my area have been around since the '60s - don't think they would have
survived so long if their service was totally crap.

As to Warranties, it isn't the dealerships who provide these - GM warrants
work done at GM Dealerships with Certified Technicians using GM parts, for
specified periods of time depending upon the component being replaced. It
behoves the dealerships to do the best they can the first time. Some seem
to make an honest (and succesful) attempt at accomlishing Quality Service
while others are not so successful. As consumers, we just gotta weed out
the bad ones... sort'a like shopping for a used vette! :yesnod:

While I too would prefer to work on my own vehicles (I have six now and the
vette is the **ONLY** one I don't work on at the moment), until my/my son's
actual knowledge of these things increases (as does my supply of the various
tools necessary to do the work right), I'll use my local GM dealership when the
price is right and I know the level of service they provide.

Oh my, I'm starting to sound like Mr. GoodWrench!! :eek: :crazy: :eek:

 

Actually, removing the rear transverse spring alone is not a bad job at all. All you have to do is remove the exhaust, one rear wheel, the assembly unit to the diff, and the spring ends off of the bolts (make sure if you do it that you get new urethane bushings and new cotter pins). I guess it all depends on what kind of tools you have at your disposal. :)