How do you know? Shocks/suspension?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle PA
How do you know? Shocks/suspension?
I realize that corvettes are supposed to ride like trucks, but how do you know when it is time to replace shocks or other suspension parts? Between the car's structural quirks and the terrible roads around here in Central Pa, it's difficult to tell. Any opinions?
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: How do you know? Shocks/suspension? (vetteloverpa)
It is hard to really pin something down.
Bushing wear is obvious, you can see them get thinner, that causes alot of the squeaks you hear.
Our shocks are going to go bad after 75K, but unless they are leaking you may not even be able to tell. They can get rougher-riding as they age too and you might not notice it.
Alignments need to be done every few years, and you can usually tell from tire wear whether tie rods need replacing or that it wont hold alignment.
Balljoints have a wear indicator but its not quite right I think, but if your car vibrates alot at hwy speeds, those could be the problem.
Its still kinda hit & miss on diagnosing these things.
Bushing wear is obvious, you can see them get thinner, that causes alot of the squeaks you hear.
Our shocks are going to go bad after 75K, but unless they are leaking you may not even be able to tell. They can get rougher-riding as they age too and you might not notice it.
Alignments need to be done every few years, and you can usually tell from tire wear whether tie rods need replacing or that it wont hold alignment.
Balljoints have a wear indicator but its not quite right I think, but if your car vibrates alot at hwy speeds, those could be the problem.
Its still kinda hit & miss on diagnosing these things.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 1
From: Springfield VA
Re: How do you know? Shocks/suspension? (vetteloverpa)
With an 85 depending almost everything in the suspension is ready to be replaced. (Given how many miles and whether they have been replaced already)
1985s had some of the stiffest suspensions in any C4 and should have the least amount of body 'twist' if the top is on.
Look at the options list (under one of the lids in back or the console). Check for the RPOs FE1 or Z51. Z51 was the sport suspension and really made the car a good autocross car, but also gave it a very 'firm' ride.
1985s had some of the stiffest suspensions in any C4 and should have the least amount of body 'twist' if the top is on.
Look at the options list (under one of the lids in back or the console). Check for the RPOs FE1 or Z51. Z51 was the sport suspension and really made the car a good autocross car, but also gave it a very 'firm' ride.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: How do you know? Shocks/suspension? (vetteloverpa)
If you have gas-filled shocks keep em till they start to leak; if not upgrade to gas-filled.
You need to check suspension linkage periodically for worn bushings and excessive wear. Also keep the chassis properly lubed to minimize wear.
You can soften up the ride characteristics a little by dropping inflation into the low 30psi range.
You need to check suspension linkage periodically for worn bushings and excessive wear. Also keep the chassis properly lubed to minimize wear.
You can soften up the ride characteristics a little by dropping inflation into the low 30psi range.
