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Rear end noise Please help!!!!

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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 09:59 PM
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Default Rear end noise Please help!!!!

I am looking at buying a 97 c5 that I believe has been beat a little. It has bald back tires and a rumble from the rear end that I can hear, and feel in the floor a little. The sound starts around 10mph and seems to get quieter around 40 or so. Are there any common problems that might be making the rumble? As long as it isnt major I think the car would be worth buying.
Thanks
Jeff
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:10 PM
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You really need to get a Corvette Forum member in your immediate area to go along w/ you, to check this car out. It's almost impossible to give you a correct determination of what you are hearing. Good luck.
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:13 PM
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It's been my experience that it's usually less expensive in the long run to pay more for a nicer car up front,than to fix a cheaper car that has problems.Very good condition C5's are going for low dollars now.
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:27 PM
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How cheap is cheap? I can pick this one up for $8000
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:56 PM
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8 Big for a C/5 that is going on 13 yrs old. I have no idea, if this car is a good deal or not. Have some one in your area that is familiar with the Corvettes, check it out for you. If your not proficient on working on these cars your self, buying one that needs alot of work could "break the bank".
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 12:02 AM
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As others here have suggested, having someone that knows Corvettes check it out for you would be your best bet. The C5 can bite the pocket book with problems if you get the wrong one. For example, a number of C5's had batteries that puked there fluid right above the wiring harness causing electrical nightmares. Steering wheel locking systems that will fail and keep you from moving the car. This is just a brief example of many more.

The type of vibration you described sound much like an out of balance tire where the noise or vibration will go away at some speeds, but it could also be a bad CV joint, wheel bearing or a number of other things.

Best of luck on your Corvette purchase. They can be the greatest car to your worst nightmare.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 09:14 AM
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Thanks for your help Eric. I am going to take a 2nd test ride this morning.
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Old Jul 1, 2009 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by jpflug
Thanks for your help Eric. I am going to take a 2nd test ride this morning.
Would it be an easier choice if it had a sign on it saying "thrashed on a regular basis and poorly maintained" ? Pass on this car, unless you plan on gutting it, and turning it into a dedicated racer.

I'm not sure if putting a car up for sale with bald back tires is brutal honesty, or stupidity. In any case, it doesn't sound like the owner really cares.
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