ZO6 Sway Bar Problem...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Lebanon NJ
ZO6 Sway Bar Problem...
I got the replacement C5 ZO6 sway bars from GM Parts Direct which had the metal links and rubber bushings (took a month to receive them). After installing the bars the front drivers side bushing is making a creaky,kind of knock sound. I took it back to who installed it and while up on the lift we located the sound by moving the sway bar. It's not in the link, but in the bushing. The front bushings had a serated profile-not smooth like the rear bushings (does that sound right?). I had him use a synthetic lubricant which is ok with rubber-there's plenty on the bushing- but it makes this sound when going over bumps. Maybe it'll go away but if I have to, where can I get poly bushings for the ZO6 sway bars? Anybody know? Also, should I use a lubricant if I install the poly bushings-and what type?
Last edited by Wiredman; Dec 13, 2006 at 02:25 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 160
From: Orlando FL
I had the same problem over a year ago. I bought polyurethane bushings from Ecklers for the front and rear and all noise went away. Originally only the fronts were noisy when I went over speed bumps at slow speeds but decided to replace the rears also to prevent any future problems. I discovered the poly bushings after trying a half dozen different lubricants that didn't work for me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,451
Likes: 2
From: East Peoria Illinois
when i did my exhaust and had to drop the rear sway, i had the same noise. Turned out the sway bolt wasnt torqed down far enough. I will be doing Z bars soon and will buy poly bushings from ecklers. they are 14$ for front and 14$ for back. Anyone know of cheaper?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 266
From: Huntington Beach CA
I had the same problem over a year ago. I bought polyurethane bushings from Ecklers for the front and rear and all noise went away. Originally only the fronts were noisy when I went over speed bumps at slow speeds but decided to replace the rears also to prevent any future problems. I discovered the poly bushings after trying a half dozen different lubricants that didn't work for me.
I agree. I went through the same thing earlier this year when I installed my Z06 sways. They immediately creaked and groaned, and I pulled them off a couple times to try different lubes. Nothing worked, then I bought the poly bushings from Ecklers, and now 6 months later still no noises!!!!
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Fla
Try putting a washer or two between the metal piece that covers the bushings and the frame. Even after lubing mine, the bushings were just too tight around the sway bar. This eliminated the noise and the bar is still held firmly.
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: San Carlos CA
What would I do without the Internet & Corvette Forum. I think I have the same exact problem.
Could someone confirm...with the Ecklers (part# 45015, right?) I will need to remove the bar from the links, no? From the photo it does not look split.
I'm tempted to just try a lubricant with the 'split' bushings.
Could someone confirm...with the Ecklers (part# 45015, right?) I will need to remove the bar from the links, no? From the photo it does not look split.
I'm tempted to just try a lubricant with the 'split' bushings.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14,610
Likes: 219
From: Ohio
I think just backing the screws out would not be a good idea, as it would not be torqued down to spec then.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,743
Likes: 1
From: Keep Me Working...Buy A Ford!
Got mine from GM Parts Direct also. Try sitting the car on something like Rhino Ramps and loosen the bushings. Re-torque the bushings with a load on the suspension. Worked for me.
While you're at it, remove the bar, lightly sand and clean it, and spray it with Krylon Fusion Red Pepper paint.
While you're at it, remove the bar, lightly sand and clean it, and spray it with Krylon Fusion Red Pepper paint.
Last edited by Autoworker; Dec 16, 2006 at 06:33 PM. Reason: Added Picture
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: American Canyon Lethal Injection