Engine cradle noise???
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 94
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From: PA
Engine cradle noise???
I just recently purchased a 1998 vette with 13K miles. There's a popping noise in the front somewhere and sometimes you can feel it in the floor. Happens mostly during turning around in a driveway that's not level. Have heard it going slow around turns with a decent.
I had my mechanic check it all out and can't find anything in the front suspension or steering.
I have a feeling it's the engine cradle. I had the same problem with my 2000 impala and they installed shims and the problem went away.
Anybody have any ideas?
Thanks
Joe
I had my mechanic check it all out and can't find anything in the front suspension or steering.
I have a feeling it's the engine cradle. I had the same problem with my 2000 impala and they installed shims and the problem went away.
Anybody have any ideas?
Thanks
Joe
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 20
From: PA
I torqued all 4 of the cradle to body bolts, I think there's 4. Didn't change anything with the noise. This is my first vette and I'm not sure what that composite bar thing that's on the cradle that looks like it's pushing down on the lower control arm. What's that called? So I can search. Can it make noise?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 5
From: Stark County Ohio
That composite (long transverse) bar that spans the car from side to side (front & rear) is the fiberglass spring.
Word of caution; NEVER clean the fiberglass spring with any type of solvent such as paint remover, etc. It will cause the spring to delaminate and fail. It may take several weeks or months after exposure, but it will fail.
Word of caution; NEVER clean the fiberglass spring with any type of solvent such as paint remover, etc. It will cause the spring to delaminate and fail. It may take several weeks or months after exposure, but it will fail.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 681
Likes: 2
From: The Woodlands TX
I'm having the EXACT same problems. I've been through the front end twice and can't find anything. I'm wondering if maybe a shock in going back -- although if that were to happen I don't know if I'd feel it in the floorboard. This one is frustrating me ... 
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8
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Popping noise in front end.
I'm having the same problem on my 98. I'm convinced it's either the lower a-arm bushings or the leaf spring adjustable mounts. However, I can't pin point it to be sure. Mine gets so bad sometimes when I go over a speed bump it sounds like something is metal to metal. It's so loud that I would think it would be easy to locate, but it's driving me crazy. My car has about 75,000 miles on it. Any ideas or suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Check your sway bar bushings as well. If they're dried out, they make a heck of a noise similar to the one you described. I just had to grease mine as they were making some very loud clunking noises. Grease fixed it.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I was just going to suggest the same thing. You are absolutely correct and they need to be replaced every couple of years too.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 94
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From: PA
It's the shock or sway bar bushings
I believe it's the front shock mount bushings or the sway bar bushings. I'll change/lube them here soon to pin point it more, but I did tighten the front shock mount more and it seems to be less popping but I'm out of threads to tighten it anymore. I'm thinking of Koni FSDs anyway so I'll change the shock bushings then. I'll lube the sway bar bushings too and see if that helps. Since my 98 C5 only has 13K miles I believe the bushings are dried out and shrank some.
Thanks
Joe
Thanks
Joe
