C5 stability
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
C5 stability
Anybody notice when they first started driving a C5 that the rear end kind of hunted around a little? maybe its just the way independent rear suspension is but it feels to me like I'm wanting to counter steer and I don't really trust the rear end when hitting normal bumpy sealed pavement. Might be the width of the tires too cause the front wants to grab the wheel from your hands when your in indented wheel tracks and I know that's partially from the wider tires. I'm not used to performance cars either so it could be me??
Thanks for any perspective!
Thanks for any perspective!
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 210
From: Huntersville, NC
What tires do you have? the Goodyear F1's have a reputation of following a groove in the road when they get older. I think it is called "tramlining" Usually a switch to a better tire solves the problem. It will feel like the car is wiggling, if that helps describe. I usually felt it when I was on a road where there was heavy truck traffic and the trucks put a depression in the asphalt. If you can find some fresh pavement and dirve on it and still feel it, then this isn't the problem.
Other than that if you have a loose suspension component like a tie rod end. That may be it too. The tire rod ends on these cars are tough, so it might be the connection of the rear tie rod to the transaxle cross member, which is a stud- nut. Also, may be loose sway bar links, another common problem. If your car is low mileage, under 80k, I would first suspect tires, though.
I had that on a C5 I had several years ago and a switch to Michelin PS2's stopped it.
Other than that if you have a loose suspension component like a tie rod end. That may be it too. The tire rod ends on these cars are tough, so it might be the connection of the rear tie rod to the transaxle cross member, which is a stud- nut. Also, may be loose sway bar links, another common problem. If your car is low mileage, under 80k, I would first suspect tires, though.
I had that on a C5 I had several years ago and a switch to Michelin PS2's stopped it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
Anybody notice when they first started driving a C5 that the rear end kind of hunted around a little? maybe its just the way independent rear suspension is but it feels to me like I'm wanting to counter steer and I don't really trust the rear end when hitting normal bumpy sealed pavement. Might be the width of the tires too cause the front wants to grab the wheel from your hands when your in indented wheel tracks and I know that's partially from the wider tires. I'm not used to performance cars either so it could be me??
Thanks for any perspective!
Thanks for any perspective!
No not at all
maybe you have a mechanical issue or a tire issue?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 53
From: Warrington Pa.
Your profile isn't filled out so I don't know where you live, that said if you are in an area that sees temperatures in the 30's and low 40's in the winter and you have summer performance tires you will have an unstable feel till the tires warm up and get some grip. If you live in a warm area then check the tire pressure (30 psi cold) if that doesn't help and the tires are in good shape you may need to have a 4 wheel alignment.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 128
From: Valdosta GA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Anybody notice when they first started driving a C5 that the rear end kind of hunted around a little? maybe its just the way independent rear suspension is but it feels to me like I'm wanting to counter steer and I don't really trust the rear end when hitting normal bumpy sealed pavement. Might be the width of the tires too cause the front wants to grab the wheel from your hands when your in indented wheel tracks and I know that's partially from the wider tires. I'm not used to performance cars either so it could be me??
Thanks for any perspective!
Thanks for any perspective!
Have you checked the tire pressure in all tires ?
Are the tires a "matched" set -- in terms of brand and size (front to rear)?
How old are the tires?
Are they showing any unusual wear patterns?
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I haven't had the OEM tires on my car for over 4 years, but with the Hankook Ventus V12s that are on there now my car does not follow any grooves in the road - it goes straight and true.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You must have a worn suspension component, a tie-rod end maybe? I have to agree with the others on here. I've got a Z06 that has 130k miles on it and I have never had that issue. Unfortunately for you, it is not a common problem and seems like it is just your car that needs checking out. Could also be a worn bearing too.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
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I have a 2002 Coupe with Z51 suspension and lowered on stock bolts and stock shocks with 71K miles on it and it handles great like it is on rails.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 221
Likes: 10
From: Utah
Mine does the same thing. 2001 with 60k miles. Driving it back from Colorado to UT was downright scary in some parts. It has Michelin run flats on it. Im going to try new tires when I get my new wheels and an alignment and see what happens.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Alignment could be an issue, but I bet it is tires (or/and shocks).
You cannot believe how much of a difference top notch tires make on these vehicles.
When I had the Perelli PZeros on my Z06, they would spin with traction control on whenever I shifted at 3,000 RPM in first to second rather aggressively. If I really got on it, the wheel hop was terrible.
After I put Michelin Pilot Super Sports on it, well, it will not spin now when shifting at 4K plus. The tires stick like glue and the car handles like an entirely different car.
Don't skimp on your tires on a C5 Corvette. It is one of the best roadwise investment you can make.
Get rid of the run flats, they make way too much noise and ride like you are in a buggy. They will not catch either and if you are performing aggressive maneuvers will slide the rear end like grandma on ice.
One of the first things I did on my Base C5 coupe was ditch the run flats. Went to Michelins again and it made a huge difference, like night and day.
You cannot believe how much of a difference top notch tires make on these vehicles.
When I had the Perelli PZeros on my Z06, they would spin with traction control on whenever I shifted at 3,000 RPM in first to second rather aggressively. If I really got on it, the wheel hop was terrible.
After I put Michelin Pilot Super Sports on it, well, it will not spin now when shifting at 4K plus. The tires stick like glue and the car handles like an entirely different car.
Don't skimp on your tires on a C5 Corvette. It is one of the best roadwise investment you can make.
Get rid of the run flats, they make way too much noise and ride like you are in a buggy. They will not catch either and if you are performing aggressive maneuvers will slide the rear end like grandma on ice.
One of the first things I did on my Base C5 coupe was ditch the run flats. Went to Michelins again and it made a huge difference, like night and day.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Thanks guys! I guess I should have been a little more specific, I'm really talking about 2 problems. I know the front is likely tires or possibly alignment but the rear when its hitting bumps seems like its hoping sideways or something. this is a 98 with adjustable ride so maybe the shocks are getting bad. I'll do what you guys say, check tires, alignment, and suspension. Also I will be aware of the weather
Last edited by motoman250f; Jan 4, 2015 at 02:14 AM. Reason: changes
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
I think the OP has some maintenance issue's he needs to address...my Z06 with OEM wheels, drives like a dream, I have never experience any of the items he is talking about,,
I would look at getting
Alignment
the condition or age of your tire's and maybe replace them
age/ condition of the shocks
sway bar
tie rod end link's
differential bolts ( that bolt it down to the rear support)
I would look at getting
Alignment
the condition or age of your tire's and maybe replace them
age/ condition of the shocks
sway bar
tie rod end link's
differential bolts ( that bolt it down to the rear support)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 449
From: Puyallup WA
Your profile isn't filled out so I don't know where you live, that said if you are in an area that sees temperatures in the 30's and low 40's in the winter and you have summer performance tires you will have an unstable feel till the tires warm up and get some grip. If you live in a warm area then check the tire pressure (30 psi cold) if that doesn't help and the tires are in good shape you may need to have a 4 wheel alignment.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 35
From: Godfrey IL
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
When I first drove my '97 with run-flats, the car seemed to be all over the road. Especially on freeways with rain grooves. A switch to non-runflats (BFG g-force KDW2s) immediately fixed that problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Had the same problem on these roads when my 2001 was "new". Car would start driving itself and I was just along for the ride! Could be any of the suggestions people have made above.
For me switching to Michelin A/S ZPs and installing C6-Z51 Sway Bars eliminated 95% of the problem.
For me switching to Michelin A/S ZPs and installing C6-Z51 Sway Bars eliminated 95% of the problem.
