Front spring help
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 75
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From: ATTLEBORO MA
Front spring help
I need your inputs. My 87 with 144,000 is slowly sinking in the front. I noticed last year that the front tires were starting to rub under the hood.
My car has the Z52 suspension code. I replaced the Bilsteins several years ago, and I am 68 and don't autocross or race it.
I also know that is rides better with a full tank of gas.
Does anyone have suggestions for a new front spring?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.
My car has the Z52 suspension code. I replaced the Bilsteins several years ago, and I am 68 and don't autocross or race it.
I also know that is rides better with a full tank of gas.
Does anyone have suggestions for a new front spring?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 340
From: Adelaide South Australia
there is info on codes and spring rates in this thread,
any more questions just ask
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...84-96-z51.html
any more questions just ask
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...84-96-z51.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,361
Likes: 2,729
I believe that you first need to determine that it's a spring related failure. Once it's checked for what's really going on then it becomes time to consider options.
If you don't have the capability to get the car in the air then maybe it's time for a "for hire" inspection.
Do you have the FSM? There are dimensions that you can do to determine potential problems but a "visual" in the air is likely the first good move.
There's lots to remove for an early model spring replacement and with your stated miles I'd say you've very likely suspension component issues in addition to a "possible" spring problem or maybe is the issue.
If you don't have the capability to get the car in the air then maybe it's time for a "for hire" inspection.
Do you have the FSM? There are dimensions that you can do to determine potential problems but a "visual" in the air is likely the first good move.
There's lots to remove for an early model spring replacement and with your stated miles I'd say you've very likely suspension component issues in addition to a "possible" spring problem or maybe is the issue.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 275
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Inspect the spring visually for signs of it breaking or delaminating. Mine has up in the crossmember, just outboard of one of the mounts. I haven't fixed it yet. It hasn't affected ride height, but does influence the handling. My car over-steers and it didn't used to.
There aren't many options for replacement. VetteBrakes has two rates. Used 25+ year old composite springs are a crap-shoot, especially if they have been stored in the "un-installed" position for extended periods. They will fail shortly after being re-installed and put under stress again.
I have pics, but can't get them off my other machine to post them.
There aren't many options for replacement. VetteBrakes has two rates. Used 25+ year old composite springs are a crap-shoot, especially if they have been stored in the "un-installed" position for extended periods. They will fail shortly after being re-installed and put under stress again.
I have pics, but can't get them off my other machine to post them.
I agree
My spring delaminated and was close to complete failure, I went to coilovers ...... even coilovers can fail...
Check the 3 digit code on the spring, replace with the same, oil and grease may be the culprit of the spring failure.
Type the spring code on Ebay and there are plenty of good second hand ones available.
Last edited by gerardvg; Mar 2, 2016 at 05:17 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: ATTLEBORO MA
front spring help
How do I find the correct spring for my car? I do not want to race it, just continue to drive it on a daily basis.
Then, how do I change it? Are there any additional parts needed for the repair?
Help?
Then, how do I change it? Are there any additional parts needed for the repair?
Help?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 340
From: Adelaide South Australia
Front spring codes and the spring rate next to them
FRONT 84-87
BMB 102 n/mm - 582 lbs
HMZ 63.5 n/mm - 362 lbs
HKX 39.9 n/mm - 228 lbs
HMP 39.9 n/mm - 228 lbs
HM2? 57.2 n/mm - 326 lbs
HMN 54.4 n/mm - 310 lbs
just pick the spring rate you like and then search for the spring.
and a tech article on how to do it (this one relates to lowering but you can still use the information)
http://webpages.charter.net/khasting.../lowering.html
FRONT 84-87
BMB 102 n/mm - 582 lbs
HMZ 63.5 n/mm - 362 lbs
HKX 39.9 n/mm - 228 lbs
HMP 39.9 n/mm - 228 lbs
HM2? 57.2 n/mm - 326 lbs
HMN 54.4 n/mm - 310 lbs
just pick the spring rate you like and then search for the spring.
and a tech article on how to do it (this one relates to lowering but you can still use the information)
http://webpages.charter.net/khasting.../lowering.html
