lowered car today ran into problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 723
Likes: 3
From: pittsburgh pa
lowered car today ran into problem
lowered car today on stock bolts ran into a problem. the back of the car turned out great was easy to do. the front was a problem. i couldn't get the bolts to budge. i rounded off the passengers side pretty good.
after that didn't bother to try drivers side. car is a 98 with no z51 suspension. not sure what to do now. seen where i can get new bolts to lower front for under 30 dollar. any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 
after that didn't bother to try drivers side. car is a 98 with no z51 suspension. not sure what to do now. seen where i can get new bolts to lower front for under 30 dollar. any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
The front can be a very painful experience. Get a can of PB Blaster and saturate the bolts then let them sit for at least a few hours. You'll also want to pick up a "Bolt Out" or similar tool; it will turn the rounded head.
FWIW, I only had a problem with the drivers front. I went as far as to remove the spring and still no budge. I now have C5 ZO6 springs front and rear (lowered of course).
FWIW, I only had a problem with the drivers front. I went as far as to remove the spring and still no budge. I now have C5 ZO6 springs front and rear (lowered of course).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor Florida
I ran into same problem..PB Blaster was no help..I just got a quote from Corvette Doctor to do the whole thing for about $125 and dealing with the stubborn bolt..I'm thinkin about just letting them deal with it since I dont want to scrape my knuckles again!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,430
Likes: 4,829
From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
I had the same problem. Bolts would not budge. Let it soak for 2 days even. Finally took the spring out and had to use a vise to get the bolts to move. Wound up changing the spring out anyway and now all I have to do is jack the front up to get the weight off the spring and it turns fine. Good luck with your bolts.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: Athens OH
Nothing against Corvette Doctor, but lowering is pretty easy. I don't think i would pay that much for it. You need to jack the front of the car up and set it on jackstands, then, as stated above, use a jack to rasie the spring off the A arm. It took me a few tries to figure it out, but once I did, it was really simple. Put the jack as far to the outside of the spring(close to the wheel) as you can.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 0
From: Ball Ground Georgia
St. Jude Donor '11
Guys, I had a pretty good solution for bolts and nuts that are hard to break free. Try brake fluid. DO NOT LET IT TOUCH YOUR PAINT!!!! Brake fluid is warm if you were to pour a little bit into your hand...The heating helps break the nut free. Just a little tip!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,899
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Me too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 5
From: Denver, North Carolina
Thats why you shouldn't drive your Vette in the rain. The lowering bolts will rust to the spring. Just kidding. Same thing happened to me so I ordered Z06 springs and put them on. Much better now.
Just kidding. Same thing happened to me so I ordered Z06 springs and put them on. Much better now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
Don't let the brake fluid contact any rubber parts, the parts will swell up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 40
From: Osage Beach,MO,USA
WISE GUY! This is a member asking for some help---are you so pious that you can't offer the help or keep your typing fingers to yourself? Your wise cracks are not appreceiated. If you cannot contribute in a positive manner then keep your typing fingers to yourself!