[Z06] Suspension Problems
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Suspension Problems
I have a 2002 Z06 and it appears the suspension has collapsed about 2" on the passenger rear side. The body is only about 1/4" above to tire, but nothing is touching. Its only on the passenger rear, the front and drivers side rear is still normal.
I will try to up load a picture later.
I auto crossed the car for the first time last weekend and this appears to be a casualty of that. Any idea what this could be? I would like to take the opportunity to upgrade my suspension if that is the issue.
If I do replace the suspension what is a good one to go with? I've heard a little about coil overs but idk if thats what I want. I would prefer something that would maximize handling but could also be adjusted for drag racing.
Thanks for your help!
I will try to up load a picture later.
I auto crossed the car for the first time last weekend and this appears to be a casualty of that. Any idea what this could be? I would like to take the opportunity to upgrade my suspension if that is the issue.
If I do replace the suspension what is a good one to go with? I've heard a little about coil overs but idk if thats what I want. I would prefer something that would maximize handling but could also be adjusted for drag racing.
Thanks for your help!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Ok, I believe you could possibly have broken/cracked or stressed your rear spring.
Look for cracks, splinters.
Also look at the degree of arc from one side to the other side of the spring.
BUT .....
More than likely you have a spent/wallered out rear bushing, & the bolt or nut is trying to suck right through the hole of the bushing.
Is your car lowered with after market longer bolts/bushings?
Perhaps the bolt/nut is pulling through the bushing.
If the bolt would have broken, I believe the fender would have be resting on the wheel.
This is a picture of stock GM bolt & bushings.
Your one on the good side should look like the picture.
Let us know what you find out.
Be safe.
Use proper jacking & blocking prior to getting under your car.
If your not sure as to do that safely, take it to a shop that knows their c5 suspensions.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1551119643-post3.html
Look for cracks, splinters.
Also look at the degree of arc from one side to the other side of the spring.
BUT .....
More than likely you have a spent/wallered out rear bushing, & the bolt or nut is trying to suck right through the hole of the bushing.
Is your car lowered with after market longer bolts/bushings?
Perhaps the bolt/nut is pulling through the bushing.
If the bolt would have broken, I believe the fender would have be resting on the wheel.
This is a picture of stock GM bolt & bushings.
Your one on the good side should look like the picture.
Let us know what you find out.
Be safe.
Use proper jacking & blocking prior to getting under your car.
If your not sure as to do that safely, take it to a shop that knows their c5 suspensions.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1551119643-post3.html
Last edited by bumble-z; Jul 19, 2012 at 05:00 PM.
Thread Starter
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I'm guessing my options are either replace the leaf spring or switch to coil overs?
Can I switch to rear coil overs and leave the front alone?
If I switch to coil overs is there anything else I need to replace?
And how hard is a coil over install?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
You're correct. I took a quick look under the car and the leaf spring is cracked on the passenger side with about 25% of it still holding on. Seems like it should be strong enough not to crack, is this a common problem?
I'm guessing my options are either replace the leaf spring or switch to coil overs?
Can I switch to rear coil overs and leave the front alone?
If I switch to coil overs is there anything else I need to replace?
And how hard is a coil over install?
I'm guessing my options are either replace the leaf spring or switch to coil overs?
Can I switch to rear coil overs and leave the front alone?
If I switch to coil overs is there anything else I need to replace?
And how hard is a coil over install?
Are they after market (longer bolts/bushings & are you lowered, slammed or what.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 42
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I'm on vacation and don't have my jack or anything, I just looked under the car and saw the leaf spring. The car was stock with just cat back when I bought it and it sits at stock height so I doubt there are any aftermarket suspension components.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
You need a new spring.
Spring failures aren't totally uncommon, but ususally there is a reason.
You mentioned you have an aftermarket exhaust system. Some of these run too close to the spring and can cause too much heat in the spring, which frequently leads to failure, in particular after long runs on the highway or use at the track. Make sure you aren't close to the spring with the pipes and make sure you don't have any leaks that can leak hot exhaust gas on the spring.
Fiberglass springs and heat don't get along.
Spring failures aren't totally uncommon, but ususally there is a reason.
You mentioned you have an aftermarket exhaust system. Some of these run too close to the spring and can cause too much heat in the spring, which frequently leads to failure, in particular after long runs on the highway or use at the track. Make sure you aren't close to the spring with the pipes and make sure you don't have any leaks that can leak hot exhaust gas on the spring.
Fiberglass springs and heat don't get along.
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Thread Starter
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I thought about this, but it looks like a new leaf spring is around $500 and a set a coilovers is around $2000. Am I right in thinking that with coilovers you would remove the leaf spring anyway? So wouldn't this be a good chance to upgrade and in a way save $500?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Being your asking questions.
I've have a couple for you.
Do you do your own work on your car?
Are you going to change out your front & rear springs your self & install the coil overs your self?
Don't you think you could get a used spring for half the $500. price?
Would you change out your rear spring & replace it your self?
Another words are you leaving out the $ labor charges$ ?
PS...Earlier, you stated that your car is at stock ride height.
That's not your slammed yellow Z on your "about me" Site?
Last edited by bumble-z; Jul 22, 2012 at 08:48 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
Being your asking questions.
I've have a couple for you.
Do you do your own work on your car?
Are you going to change out your front & rear springs your self & install the coil overs our self?
Don't you think you could get a used spring for half the $500. price?
Would you change out your rear spring & replace it your self?
Another words are you leaving out the $ labor charges$ ?
PS...Earlier, you stated that your car is at stock ride height.
That's not your slammed yellow Z on your "about me" Site?
I've have a couple for you.
Do you do your own work on your car?
Are you going to change out your front & rear springs your self & install the coil overs our self?
Don't you think you could get a used spring for half the $500. price?
Would you change out your rear spring & replace it your self?
Another words are you leaving out the $ labor charges$ ?
PS...Earlier, you stated that your car is at stock ride height.
That's not your slammed yellow Z on your "about me" Site?
Could get a used spring, and it could just break again. My point is, why not upgrade when you have the chance since I have to replace it anyway.
I don't know what about me site you're talking about. I have one picture of my Z06 in my garage section and from what I can tell, its at stock ride height. (or was before my leaf spring broke
) About 6 inches from the rocker panel to the ground.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 1