Front end suddenly lower - frame hitting
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Front end suddenly lower - frame hitting
The front end of my 2000 has suddenly become about about an inch lower and the frame scapes pulling in and out of my own drive-way and other places it never did before. Tire pressure is correct and has plenty of tread. And no, I'm not talking about the front dam rubbing - this is the frame hitting and causing gouges in my drive-way.
Looking from the side, there is no longer any distance between the top of the tire and the edge of the fender, although the tire is not rubbing the panel edge since it sits inside the wheel well correctly. The whole front end is just sitting lower all of a sudden.
What could possibly cause this all of a sudden? Could both struts have blown out at the same time? HELP, PLEASE!
Looking from the side, there is no longer any distance between the top of the tire and the edge of the fender, although the tire is not rubbing the panel edge since it sits inside the wheel well correctly. The whole front end is just sitting lower all of a sudden.
What could possibly cause this all of a sudden? Could both struts have blown out at the same time? HELP, PLEASE!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 22
From: Lititz PA
The front transverse leaf spring (one) probably needs to be changed out. Upon bringing my car home from the dealership, I found that mine was cracked (at 15k miles) and my car was sitting 3/4" lower than it should have been.
It's definitely not something you want to ignore – get the car up on a rack ASAP and check it out.
It's definitely not something you want to ignore – get the car up on a rack ASAP and check it out.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I just went out and use two fingers to gage the clearance between the tires and the fender rim. I could easily clear the right side with some room to spare. The left side wouldn't even allow me to get the fingers in. Guess the front view as being level is an illusion.
Looks like you called it! Now I know what's what when I take it in for repair. Thanks again.
Looks like you called it! Now I know what's what when I take it in for repair. Thanks again.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
As I posted above, it looks like I have the same problem...on the same side. Thanks for the input.
BTW, do you have any idea how much it would cost to replace the actuator (motor?) for my right pop-up headlight? It makes a whirling sound for about 4 seconds after I shut off the lights.
BTW, do you have any idea how much it would cost to replace the actuator (motor?) for my right pop-up headlight? It makes a whirling sound for about 4 seconds after I shut off the lights.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Byron, I was just looking at a photo of a C5 front transverse spring. Is it possible the left side (which is the one with less clearance) bolt broke or possibly the mount? I ask because I don't have the ability to lift the car to check it out and don't want to be taken by a dealership for an expensive spring, if it's just a broken bolt or center mount.
Please advise...
Please advise...
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Bryon. Chevy dealership wants $96 just to put it on the rack and they usually don't allow customers in their service bays, so you have to take their suggestions on faith. Midas will put it up for $20 and let me take a look see. Plus, Chevy hasn't got back to me about the cost of replacing the spring itself. Midas quoted me with minutes on the phone. Approximately, $1100. The spring itself is $790 - my cost.
Guess who I'm going with.
The down side is it will take Midas a couple days to get the spring if that is what is needed. I take it I shouldn't be driving the vehicle, although it's been like this for some weeks without any noticible difference in handling.
BTW, did you read the other reply I got about his cracked spring after 14k miles?
You've been very helpful and I've learned something about my under-carriage. Obviously, I haven't spent the time learning about my own (2nd) Vette. I'm just too old to be working on my own vehicles (except my '95 Harley) and haven't kept up with the changes.
You and this forum has probably saved me some money - great forum - pass it on to the owners. Best.
Guess who I'm going with.
The down side is it will take Midas a couple days to get the spring if that is what is needed. I take it I shouldn't be driving the vehicle, although it's been like this for some weeks without any noticible difference in handling.
BTW, did you read the other reply I got about his cracked spring after 14k miles?
You've been very helpful and I've learned something about my under-carriage. Obviously, I haven't spent the time learning about my own (2nd) Vette. I'm just too old to be working on my own vehicles (except my '95 Harley) and haven't kept up with the changes.
You and this forum has probably saved me some money - great forum - pass it on to the owners. Best.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 13
From: Kinston North Carolina
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 13
From: Kinston North Carolina
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I'd personally post a wanted in the for sale section. Not too much demand for the stock base suspension springs because lots of people are replacing them with Z06 versions.
But then, I had a nice board member sell me Z06 springs and sways for $250 because he put on coilovers and aftermarket sways.
Peter
But then, I had a nice board member sell me Z06 springs and sways for $250 because he put on coilovers and aftermarket sways.
Peter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Remember the average response time to a 911 call is over 6 minutes. The average response time of a .357 magnum is 1400 fps.
Bryon. Chevy dealership wants $96 just to put it on the rack and they usually don't allow customers in their service bays, so you have to take their suggestions on faith. Midas will put it up for $20 and let me take a look see. Plus, Chevy hasn't got back to me about the cost of replacing the spring itself. Midas quoted me with minutes on the phone. Approximately, $1100. The spring itself is $790 - my cost.
Guess who I'm going with.
The down side is it will take Midas a couple days to get the spring if that is what is needed. I take it I shouldn't be driving the vehicle, although it's been like this for some weeks without any noticible difference in handling.
BTW, did you read the other reply I got about his cracked spring after 14k miles?
You've been very helpful and I've learned something about my under-carriage. Obviously, I haven't spent the time learning about my own (2nd) Vette. I'm just too old to be working on my own vehicles (except my '95 Harley) and haven't kept up with the changes.
You and this forum has probably saved me some money - great forum - pass it on to the owners. Best.
Guess who I'm going with.
The down side is it will take Midas a couple days to get the spring if that is what is needed. I take it I shouldn't be driving the vehicle, although it's been like this for some weeks without any noticible difference in handling.
BTW, did you read the other reply I got about his cracked spring after 14k miles?
You've been very helpful and I've learned something about my under-carriage. Obviously, I haven't spent the time learning about my own (2nd) Vette. I'm just too old to be working on my own vehicles (except my '95 Harley) and haven't kept up with the changes.
You and this forum has probably saved me some money - great forum - pass it on to the owners. Best.
Check with the form vendors. Gene Culley, GMPH, has the Z51 front spring for $600 shipped, and the base, FE1 for $315 shipped.
Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You can also buy aftermarket performance springs from Vette Brakes & Parts and tailor the ride and handling to your needs. I don't remember the price but much less than what you were quoted.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Silver Spring, MD
It seems like you got a decent quote on the labor. As previously posted check with Gene or in the Parts section of the forum and you will have saved about 50% of what you were orginally qouted
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
lionelhutz, thanks for the suggestion, but I really don't need a Z06 version. I'm not a racer. I just want stock that doesn't make my frame bottom out in and out of drive-ways. But thanks...I'm not there...I like the smooth ride of my C5, with the occassional Sport/Performance capabilities in the twisties.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
That's good to know. Maybe I'll be lucky and the left bolt broke or came loose. I'm going to let Midas put it on the rack tomorrow, and now that I have a photo of the entire front suspension they won't be able to screw me if it's just the bolt. As I said above, Chevy dealerships won't let you in their service bays to observe.
It sucks getting older. I remember when I re-built a 1954 Mercury and could work on all my cars up to mid-60's. Thanks.
It sucks getting older. I remember when I re-built a 1954 Mercury and could work on all my cars up to mid-60's. Thanks.