2004 C5 Clunk.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 86
From: San Diego CA.
To all my clunker friends.... I found the source. As I've posted, I decided to put all new rotors and pads on the car. I'm desperate to find my clunk. I thought I'd find something broken. As I was turning the steering wheel to one side to get to the caliper better, I realized that I didn't have the key in. The steering wheel moves freely without the key. So whatever locks the steering wheel in place is broken. Somewhere in that system is my clunk. No idea how the system works yet, but I know that has to be the problem. A broken pin or something.... Thanks to all who have helped me with this and I'll post when I get it figured out and fixed!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Your steering is fine. Without asking or looking you have a M6 transmission.
There is (was) a recall out for the ECL (electronic column lock).
When voltage drops on the bus, you get a pull key wait 10 seconds message followed by service column lock. Your corvette is now dead. Install a bypass module, and it tricks the computer into thinking the ECL is just fine. During the process of installation, you allow the actuator to move the pins to unlock then disconnect the wire harness to the actuator. Automatics from 01-04 had the ECL/actuator and column collar removed.
So, let's get you educated:
Here's a video on ECL and C5/C6 electrical systems (watch both parts) Video
Here's how the bypass module was installed: clicky
Here's a link to the recall notice: 04006A-C
There is (was) a recall out for the ECL (electronic column lock).
When voltage drops on the bus, you get a pull key wait 10 seconds message followed by service column lock. Your corvette is now dead. Install a bypass module, and it tricks the computer into thinking the ECL is just fine. During the process of installation, you allow the actuator to move the pins to unlock then disconnect the wire harness to the actuator. Automatics from 01-04 had the ECL/actuator and column collar removed.
So, let's get you educated:
Here's a video on ECL and C5/C6 electrical systems (watch both parts) Video
Here's how the bypass module was installed: clicky
Here's a link to the recall notice: 04006A-C
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 86
From: San Diego CA.
You know, I was fat, dumb and happy. Can't let me have a day of happiness...lol.. Thanks for the education. Fine, the steering wheel is normal. The noise is all the time and really bad in a parking lot. At a Corvette thing last Sunday, a club member said he could hear it as a slowly passed by him. He was standing on the side. Could an sway bar end link be bad even though it doesn't move when tugged on or hit with a mallet? This crazy clunk... My new brakes work well.... By the way, I have an automatic trans.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 86
From: San Diego CA.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 10
From: Jesuit Bend Louisiana
JetJock -- why did you ask this??? Sometimes I get a little noise going slow in a turn in a parking lot.....what could this be????
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
The posi-traction binding up. If it is really noticeable, you can change out the rear end fluid with fresh fluid and new additive.
C6's are worst then C5's.
Generally, if you are just barely moving along in a parking lot and turn fully to one side or the other, you'll hear it going click click click. If I remember correctly, going left is more pronounced then going right. (At least in mine and a few C6's I've been in.)
C6's are worst then C5's.
Generally, if you are just barely moving along in a parking lot and turn fully to one side or the other, you'll hear it going click click click. If I remember correctly, going left is more pronounced then going right. (At least in mine and a few C6's I've been in.)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 10
From: Jesuit Bend Louisiana
The posi-traction binding up. If it is really noticeable, you can change out the rear end fluid with fresh fluid and new additive.
C6's are worst then C5's.
Generally, if you are just barely moving along in a parking lot and turn fully to one side or the other, you'll hear it going click click click. If I remember correctly, going left is more pronounced then going right. (At least in mine and a few C6's I've been in.)
C6's are worst then C5's.
Generally, if you are just barely moving along in a parking lot and turn fully to one side or the other, you'll hear it going click click click. If I remember correctly, going left is more pronounced then going right. (At least in mine and a few C6's I've been in.)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Takes 1.69 qts and 4 oz of limited slip additive. Should be pg 6-23 in your owner's manual gives you the GM part numbers of the lubricants.
You put the additive in first then top with the lube oil.
You put the additive in first then top with the lube oil.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 86
From: San Diego CA.
At least one of us is solving our problem. I sent away for new end links for the front sway bar. It feels tight to the tug, but I'm starting to simply throw parts at it. Don't know what else to do. It's cheaper for me to misdiagnose than a shop.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 86
From: San Diego CA.
Once again, to all my clunk friends. The problem is solved. Completely quiet. It was the front end sway bar links. The only folks out of all the pros who looked at it who were right were you, the posters. That's where the experience is. The after market sway bars I have didn't allow any indication that the end links were worn. The old ones in my hand feel looser than the new ones, but have no play. Let this post be here for whoever has this problem in the future, be it a C5 or C6. Same part for both. Ask me if I'm stoked?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 10
From: Jesuit Bend Louisiana
Good news!! YeeHaaaa!
Nothing better than solving & fixing a hard to find problem.
...and the people on this forum have more knowledge on this C5 platform than any dealership.....folks like JetJock, Bill Curlee, EvilTwin...and the list goes on and on....
We are in good hands!
Nothing better than solving & fixing a hard to find problem. ...and the people on this forum have more knowledge on this C5 platform than any dealership.....folks like JetJock, Bill Curlee, EvilTwin...and the list goes on and on....
We are in good hands!
