Awful ride C5
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 41
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Awful ride C5
I picked up a 03 anniversary with 72K today and on the way home on the highway while going about 75 a slight turn a small and bump on the highway the car actually shifted over a little bit also I felt every bump on the highway, no matter what drive mode I was on . Just basically a terrible ride, I planned on replacing the shocks with the Bilsteins. Question is do I blame the awful ride on the shocks or could it be something else ? Thanks for any help
Forgot to add air pressure was 29 in all
Forgot to add air pressure was 29 in all
Last edited by Yankee Jim; Oct 9, 2024 at 12:33 AM. Reason: Adding something
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Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Waterford New York
I picked up a 03 anniversary with 72K today and on the way home on the highway while going about 75 a slight turn a small and bump on the highway the car actually shifted over a little bit also I felt every bump on the highway, no matter what drive mode I was on . Just basically a terrible ride, I planned on replacing the shocks with the Bilsteins. Question is do I blame the awful ride on the shocks or could it be something else ? Thanks for any help
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You might very well have to replace the shocks seeing they are over 20 years old if they are original. The first thing I would check is the date codes on the tires to see how old they are. If they are in the 6 to 7 year old range I would replace them before doing any thing else.
Oh I’m changing them alright
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Does your car have the F55 Magnetic Ride shocks? If so, have you checked to see if the dealer blocks were left in the shocks?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
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I have the F55 and run my tires at 33 cold. 29 is going to be bumpier, but not as bad as you’re describing. Just this week I’m feeling harsh bumps from my right front. That shock had a small amount of oil on it, and I suspect it’s failing.
Man, the F55s are an awesome ride, but replacing them is ridiculously expensive.
Man, the F55s are an awesome ride, but replacing them is ridiculously expensive.
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Does your car have the F55 Magnetic Ride shocks? If so, have you checked to see if the dealer blocks were left in the shocks?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
This was a problem when the cars were new and just could be no one ever took the blocks out. Hard to believe after this long it could happen, but worth checking.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 41
Likes: 8
Does your car have the F55 Magnetic Ride shocks? If so, have you checked to see if the dealer blocks were left in the shocks?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 41
Likes: 8
Does your car have the F55 Magnetic Ride shocks? If so, have you checked to see if the dealer blocks were left in the shocks?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-blocks.html
the blocks are to hold the shock compressed? You mean from the factory they left them on sometimes?
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Yes back in the day they can be left in place but most were removed as there was no suspension travel. Yours are likely gone unless you car is really low mile like 50.
How many miles on the car? You said it shifted to the side over bumps. That is Bump Steer and often that is a sign of a worn bushing or something in the steering or suspension is worn out. Often the rear will toe out on a bump and shift the car side ways.
I would get under the car and look over every bushing, ball joint and tie rod to see if there is any give or wear. Also check for codes on the suspension to make sure it is working right.
Corvettes will be firm but they should not bump steer.
Might even have the alignment checked.
How many miles on the car? You said it shifted to the side over bumps. That is Bump Steer and often that is a sign of a worn bushing or something in the steering or suspension is worn out. Often the rear will toe out on a bump and shift the car side ways.
I would get under the car and look over every bushing, ball joint and tie rod to see if there is any give or wear. Also check for codes on the suspension to make sure it is working right.
Corvettes will be firm but they should not bump steer.
Might even have the alignment checked.
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