[Z06] ZO6 Suspension Noise
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
ZO6 Suspension Noise
I have a 2003 ZO6. Sometimes I hear a light knock or pop from the driver side rear wheel area. This happens only when I am turning when the road is uneven such as a intersection between a crowned road and a flat road. I took it to a dealer and they tightened an axial but the noise continued. I took it back and they couldn't find anything wrong. Could there be something that is reseating? Maybe this is normal. Anyone heard of this?
Tony
Tony
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (tgilbert11)
My car had the same noise after I installed Z06 sway bars and bushings. I had to remove the bushings and lube them good with grease to fix it. It's a real easy fix, 4 bolts and 15 minutes. Lots of info in the archive about this: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=573045
There's no axle up front, so the dealer's pulling your leg...
[Modified by Flareside, 7:26 PM 6/29/2004]
There's no axle up front, so the dealer's pulling your leg...
[Modified by Flareside, 7:26 PM 6/29/2004]
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,062
Likes: 9,825
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (tgilbert11)
I have the same thing on my 03 Z06. It sounds like a thump and occurs when I am making a right turn. I first heard it when I was on the track at Watkins Glen.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (tgilbert11)
Mine too makes a noise after the car has been sitting, dealer claims is has something to do with the car being lowered by the previous owner. They checked everything out to include returning the car to original Z06 specs (all covered under warranty) but I still get a "clunking" noise every once in a while.
After the car has been driven it doesn't do it. So getting it to do it at the dealers would require the car to sit over night and have them move it first thing in the morning or after it's been sitting for several hours like at work.
So I'm still living with it and working with the dealer to sort it out.
Tom
[Modified by AFVETTE, 6:53 AM 7/1/2004]
[Modified by AFVETTE, 7:27 AM 7/3/2004]
After the car has been driven it doesn't do it. So getting it to do it at the dealers would require the car to sit over night and have them move it first thing in the morning or after it's been sitting for several hours like at work.
So I'm still living with it and working with the dealer to sort it out.
Tom
[Modified by AFVETTE, 6:53 AM 7/1/2004]
[Modified by AFVETTE, 7:27 AM 7/3/2004]
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (tgilbert11)
Does this happen only when you are applying throttle? If so, it might be the limited slip. I don't have any real expertise here as far as the Vette is concerned, but on my old Supra, the limited slip would make an occasional odd noise when I rounded a corner on the gas, especially when the surface wasn't perfect. If the limited slip were failing, you might get a lot of this noise.
If the noise happens when you are on the brakes, I might guess it's the ABS responding to imperfections in the road surface.
If it happens when you just COAST through a corner, then it sounds like suspension.
If the noise happens when you are on the brakes, I might guess it's the ABS responding to imperfections in the road surface.
If it happens when you just COAST through a corner, then it sounds like suspension.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,062
Likes: 9,825
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (JiminVirginia)
Mine sounds like something loose thumping around in the rear compartment. First time it happened on the track I thought I hadn't cleaned out one of the storage wells then when I got back to the garage area I found they were all empty.
Bill
Bill
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Meadows Place Texas
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (tgilbert11)
Even when running Solo II in "showboat" or "best effort for a low time" mode, my Z06 has never made any odd or unusual sounds. From this, I conclude two things: (1) the issue you are reporting is not normal; (2) eventually, it can be cured.
My wish for you is that the dealer finds the cause quickly, resolves it completely to your satisfaction, and resolves it under warranty.
dave
My wish for you is that the dealer finds the cause quickly, resolves it completely to your satisfaction, and resolves it under warranty.
dave
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver B.C
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (tgilbert11)
Check the control arm bushings to see if they shifted back or have play or movement, I have heard that they can shift. Two ways of checking ok 3 waysfirst visually look to see if they are centered in the control arm, second have a buddy rock the steering wheel back and forth and have it on a hoist or be able to get underneith and watch for movement, third support the car under the control arms and have the same buddy grab the wheel at 6 o'clock
and 12 o'clock and lift up and out and try to make them move, if you have more than a little bit of movement that could be your problem. if you replace with polyurethane make sure to use the grease supplied (it's messy but worth it) Good luck
Hefty
and 12 o'clock and lift up and out and try to make them move, if you have more than a little bit of movement that could be your problem. if you replace with polyurethane make sure to use the grease supplied (it's messy but worth it) Good luck
Hefty
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,062
Likes: 9,825
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: ZO6 Suspension Noise (Hefty)
Having been through the control arm bushing problem on my 97 I am constantly watching them and so far the ones on the Z are fine. However, you do not hear them when they are making metal to metal contact.
As for the dealer finding the problem that can be a little hard to say. I can go to any of 3 dealers and get pretty good service. However, none of their techs are going to go out and scream around corners at 50 to 90 mph to see when the noise happens. If they can't hear it then they may not be able to fix it.
Bill
As for the dealer finding the problem that can be a little hard to say. I can go to any of 3 dealers and get pretty good service. However, none of their techs are going to go out and scream around corners at 50 to 90 mph to see when the noise happens. If they can't hear it then they may not be able to fix it.
Bill
