2000 c5 high speed wobble?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
2000 c5 high speed wobble?
I just bought this car and at high speed about 140 mph car drives like a volkwagon bus. Something is wrong with it almost out of control anybody know what this could be?? Tie rods maybe?? Thanks in advance...
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
Likes: 1
From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
First thing I would do is eliminate the obvious. Are the wheels properly balanced and rotated? Could one of the wheels be slightly bent? I would have an alignment shop do a road force balance test on all your wheels and have a proper alignment done. While you have the vette up in the air, I would also have them check the wheel bearings. Once that is done, if you still have a problem, I would check your tie rods, bushings, etc., make sure everything is up to spec.
You shouldn't feel any vibration or wobble at that speed. I've had my vette up to 165 mph and other than the wind noise, it was very smooth and calm and it still had more room to go faster if I had more track.
You shouldn't feel any vibration or wobble at that speed. I've had my vette up to 165 mph and other than the wind noise, it was very smooth and calm and it still had more room to go faster if I had more track.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
It was a strange feeling it was like the car was loose on me. Was like I was fighting the wheel to keep the vette straight. Brand new wheels and tires were just put on the car. Dont plan on driving the car that fast just bought the car had a bmw wanting some on the highway and had to show him what was up. Just looked like I was drunk trying to keep the car straight...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,164
Likes: 4,172
From: Kannapolis NC
First thing I would do is eliminate the obvious. Are the wheels properly balanced and rotated? Could one of the wheels be slightly bent? I would have an alignment shop do a road force balance test on all your wheels and have a proper alignment done. While you have the vette up in the air, I would also have them check the wheel bearings. Once that is done, if you still have a problem, I would check your tie rods, bushings, etc., make sure everything is up to spec.
You shouldn't feel any vibration or wobble at that speed. I've had my vette up to 165 mph and other than the wind noise, it was very smooth and calm and it still had more room to go faster if I had more track.
You shouldn't feel any vibration or wobble at that speed. I've had my vette up to 165 mph and other than the wind noise, it was very smooth and calm and it still had more room to go faster if I had more track.
Anyway, try jacking up the front and check for play in your front end. If the front wheels have movement top to bottom or left to right, look for where the play is. Also look at the tire wear and see if you have any uneven or cupped spots. Was there a cross wind? Was the road smooth and even?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 403
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From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Nope did not rotate stock tires got all new tires and wheels put on.Dont think it was windy it felt like it was in the steering wheel like it was moving back and forth. And forth the record I was not street racing was just showing a guy that my vette was faster than his bmw.. I jacked the car up cant find anything loose or moving under there. I called the dealership they ofcourse told me to just bring it in they would give it a look. Car drives perfect in town..
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
Likes: 1
From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
If you rotated stock tires, I may know what your problem is.
Anyway, try jacking up the front and check for play in your front end. If the front wheels have movement top to bottom or left to right, look for where the play is. Also look at the tire wear and see if you have any uneven or cupped spots. Was there a cross wind? Was the road smooth and even?
Anyway, try jacking up the front and check for play in your front end. If the front wheels have movement top to bottom or left to right, look for where the play is. Also look at the tire wear and see if you have any uneven or cupped spots. Was there a cross wind? Was the road smooth and even?
How many miles does the vette have??
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 453
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From: gilford nh
i got the same problem,but it usually works its way out of at around 165. (kidding) any violent movement at high speed is not good, i hoped you backed off real fast. if you intended to go that fast that car should've been ck'd out front to back and side to side, you dont want to kill yourself.
Safety Car
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From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4
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From: phoenix az
Tire wear...
I also just bought a c5 and had a wobble that started at around 80... I put the car on a hoist and discovered the tires were worn bald on the inside and almost new on the outside ( probably due to neg. camber for handling ) so I replaced the tires and all is well. Now I need to find out what camber gives the best wear and handling so these new shoes last awhile... I'm sure those specs are on this site somewhere so of I go to search.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,900
Likes: 1,842
From: Hot Springs AR
Glassman,
You're a noob on this forum, so I'll be gentle.
Don't go bragging about speeds on the street or putting some driver in their place; it just makes you come across as an irresponsible brat (regardless of your age) with a great car.
To your problem: check the suspension parts and get an alignment done.
Also, these cars are meant to handle. That means they turn, which means they're not as stable as a Caddy. Elevated speeds amplify any steering inputs.
Get involved in a organized road racing group. Hallett is a great facility in OK for high speed tracking, and I'm sure there are some autocross groups for slower events.
Or go drag racing (although IMO that's not the C5's forte').
BUT GET IT OFF THE STREET
And, have fun with your new baby!
Mike
You're a noob on this forum, so I'll be gentle.
Don't go bragging about speeds on the street or putting some driver in their place; it just makes you come across as an irresponsible brat (regardless of your age) with a great car.
To your problem: check the suspension parts and get an alignment done.
Also, these cars are meant to handle. That means they turn, which means they're not as stable as a Caddy. Elevated speeds amplify any steering inputs.
Get involved in a organized road racing group. Hallett is a great facility in OK for high speed tracking, and I'm sure there are some autocross groups for slower events.
Or go drag racing (although IMO that's not the C5's forte').
BUT GET IT OFF THE STREET
And, have fun with your new baby!
Mike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Thanks guys the info I will get the fron end looked at see what they can see. Car has about 65 k miles on it. As for the guy who said get it looked at before I take out an innocent family you would have to be a real tool to say something like that. There was not one car on the road besides the bmw and he was way behind me if something were to happen it would have been to myself. I was only at that speed for a split second I was not going through traffic or something. And if any of you at one time or another can say you have never tried the potential of your Vette your either not telling the truth or you need to sell your Vette. I was not bragging or street racing or putting anyone at danger but myself. I have had several fast cars and have never hurt anyone ever. Thought maybe some of you guys might know what the problem was or have ever heard this before and could give me some good tech advice. Didnt ask anyone to be my DADDY. Also what is all this talk about you guys buying the best radar detectors what do you guys need them for I bet it is not for Hallet. I do not agree with sreet racing or reccomend it was just here looking for a few smart guys who I thought could help.
Last edited by glassman15; Mar 27, 2007 at 09:37 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
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From: DFW tx
If the above mentioned does not fix your issue, you may want to change your shocks. I had the base suspension and it was very floaty on the highway. Changed out the shocks and the ride improved a lot.
Be careful at those speeds, if you wreck, you are dead.
Be careful at those speeds, if you wreck, you are dead.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral Florida
Thanks guys the info I will get the fron end looked at see what they can see. Car has about 65 k miles on it. As for the guy who said get it looked at before I take out an innocent family you would have to be a real tool to say something like that. There was not one car on the road besides the bmw and he was way behind me if something were to happen it would have been to myself. I was only at that speed for a split second I was not going through traffic or something. And if any of you at one time or another can say you have never tried the potential of your Vette your either not telling the truth or you need to sell your Vette. I was not bragging or street racing or putting anyone at danger but myself. I have had several fast cars and have never hurt anyone ever. Thought maybe some of you guys might know what the problem was or have ever heard this before and could give me some good tech advice. Didnt ask anyone to be my DADDY. Also what is all this talk about you guys buying the best radar detectors what do you guys need them for I bet it is not for Hallet. I do not agree with sreet racing or reccomend it was just here looking for a few smart guys who I thought could help.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
I will second that
Well said Glassman. I get sick of these "holier than thou" attitude of some of these guys. Their "take it to the track" is nice but not all of us live near a track. In Idaho the closest track is Portland or just within the last year now Salt Lake City. We may not have tracks but we do have alot of open road that is EMPTY. So we are not a danger for all those familys people always point too. They tend not to be out standing in the desert at 3 AM when I make my speed runs.
But after that rant the better plan is to try Open Road Racing, but this is only an option 5 times a year. But only because if caught the law can do some nasty things to you. So I am ready let the flames begin.
Jeff
But after that rant the better plan is to try Open Road Racing, but this is only an option 5 times a year. But only because if caught the law can do some nasty things to you. So I am ready let the flames begin.
Jeff
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
I am rarely ever at that speed and dont really even plan to again but I do want this fixed . I called the dealer they said they would be glad to take a look and see if they can find any issues. The car does has the z51 package on it are those shocks supposed to be any better?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,900
Likes: 1,842
From: Hot Springs AR
I'll actually give you a nod for that. BUT, Mr. Glassman lives virtually next door to Hallett, stated that "had a bmw wanting some on the highway and had to show him what was up." and "I was not street racing was just showing a guy that my vette was faster than his bmw..".
Glassman,
As I said before (trying to be helpful here), before you start throwing parts at it, check out the suspension for worn bearings, tie rod ends, etc., then get it aligned to stock C5 specs. If the car's been lowered, then make sure the front suspension crossmember is about 1/2" lower than the rear to set the rake. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to check that before the alignment.
Have a good one,
Mike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: Bartlesville Oklahoma
Thanks mike the car has not been lowered and does have the rake stance to it. I have been to Hallet several times but with a bike not a nice car. I dont want to melt my street tires like that . I see those guys there with there nice cars and it looks like they are trashing them to me. If I want to road race I will build a road race car. But Hallet is about an hour away and it is a cool track. Just not for my car..