Steering rack/balancer replacement experts, come on in!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 4
From: Wichita KS
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
I looked at the instructions that came with my hi-volume oil pump and it said there might be some interference with the timing chain cover which would require milling a little off the inside surface of the cover. Has anybody ran into this?
Also, I'm not sure of the befits of replacing the timing chain with a double roller chain. I know it's stronger and less prone to breaking but is there any other benefit? Can I replace just the chain or should I put new gears in too?
BTW, my C5 has 74K miles on it.
Last edited by ShootCraps; May 21, 2010 at 10:27 AM. Reason: Added BTW.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 46,003
Likes: 0
From: in hiding
Hey fellas, unfortunately I am probably going to have to undertake this job myself. I tried to ask around and find a decent shop in my area (Ft. Myers) that can do the work for me but nothing as of yet. I travel a lot for work and don't have a ton of time to invest but it needs to be done and I suppose it will be good experience.
Couple of questions...what's the best place to start with a job like this...buy a service manual I assume? Something I can get from a dealer or is there an aftermarket version that's better?
Was also wondering if there are any special tools I will need? Are there any other parts that I should replace since stuff is going to be tore up already under there?
Anyone have any experience with this balancer -> http://marylandspeed.com/slp-harmoni...225-p-425.html
How many hours should I expect to devote to this? I'm reasonably "mechanically inclined" and do all maintenance on my vehicles myself. I've been lucky that I haven't had any serious problems for the last few years so I don't really know of any good repair shops around here.
Any resources on the web that I should check out?
<sorry for the mini-thread hijack>
Couple of questions...what's the best place to start with a job like this...buy a service manual I assume? Something I can get from a dealer or is there an aftermarket version that's better?
Was also wondering if there are any special tools I will need? Are there any other parts that I should replace since stuff is going to be tore up already under there?
Anyone have any experience with this balancer -> http://marylandspeed.com/slp-harmoni...225-p-425.html
How many hours should I expect to devote to this? I'm reasonably "mechanically inclined" and do all maintenance on my vehicles myself. I've been lucky that I haven't had any serious problems for the last few years so I don't really know of any good repair shops around here.
Any resources on the web that I should check out?
<sorry for the mini-thread hijack>
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Not really. There is a steering wheel position sensor inside the steering column, and if the steering shaft were to be rotated either too far, or if the steering shaft were rotated 360* (for example), the sensor will, or could be damaged, and it requires dis-assembly of much of the steering column/steering wheel to replace. It's a necessary component of the active handling system.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 4
From: Wichita KS
Hey fellas, unfortunately I am probably going to have to undertake this job myself. I tried to ask around and find a decent shop in my area (Ft. Myers) that can do the work for me but nothing as of yet. I travel a lot for work and don't have a ton of time to invest but it needs to be done and I suppose it will be good experience.
Couple of questions...what's the best place to start with a job like this...buy a service manual I assume? Something I can get from a dealer or is there an aftermarket version that's better?
Was also wondering if there are any special tools I will need? Are there any other parts that I should replace since stuff is going to be tore up already under there?
Anyone have any experience with this balancer -> http://marylandspeed.com/slp-harmoni...225-p-425.html
How many hours should I expect to devote to this? I'm reasonably "mechanically inclined" and do all maintenance on my vehicles myself. I've been lucky that I haven't had any serious problems for the last few years so I don't really know of any good repair shops around here.
Any resources on the web that I should check out?
<sorry for the mini-thread hijack>
Couple of questions...what's the best place to start with a job like this...buy a service manual I assume? Something I can get from a dealer or is there an aftermarket version that's better?
Was also wondering if there are any special tools I will need? Are there any other parts that I should replace since stuff is going to be tore up already under there?
Anyone have any experience with this balancer -> http://marylandspeed.com/slp-harmoni...225-p-425.html
How many hours should I expect to devote to this? I'm reasonably "mechanically inclined" and do all maintenance on my vehicles myself. I've been lucky that I haven't had any serious problems for the last few years so I don't really know of any good repair shops around here.
Any resources on the web that I should check out?
<sorry for the mini-thread hijack>
As for the balancer, the two of choice seem to be the Powerbond and the ATI. I went with the ATI and pinned it.
I took my time and probably had a good 12 hrs into the job, and that included upgrading the timing chain to an LS2 chain and replacing the water pump. In all honesty, the hardest part is removing the steering rack - the hose connections are tough to get to and I have an oil cooler so snaking it out through the additional lines. The rest of the job is fairly straightforward.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
I think it's because if you move the steering wheel after it's disconnected from the rack it will be out of alignement when you put it back on and your steering wheel won't be centered. But don't quote me until somebody more knowledgeable pipes in.
I looked at the instructions that came with my hi-volume oil pump and it said there might be some interference with the timing chain cover which would require milling a little off the inside surface of the cover. Has anybody ran into this?
Also, I'm not sure of the befits of replacing the timing chain with a double roller chain. I know it's stronger and less prone to breaking but is there any other benefit? Can I replace just the chain or should I put new gears in too?
BTW, my C5 has 74K miles on it.
I looked at the instructions that came with my hi-volume oil pump and it said there might be some interference with the timing chain cover which would require milling a little off the inside surface of the cover. Has anybody ran into this?
Also, I'm not sure of the befits of replacing the timing chain with a double roller chain. I know it's stronger and less prone to breaking but is there any other benefit? Can I replace just the chain or should I put new gears in too?
BTW, my C5 has 74K miles on it.
The steering sensor is only half of the reason, the other half is due to the airbag's clock spring that can olny be turned so far before breaking the wires.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
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
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Hey Bob,
I was never to worried about the steering sensor as I was the airbag clock spring, since it's a PIA getting the steering wheel off.
I always use a bungie cord on the steering wheel down the brake pedal to keep it from turning.
I was never to worried about the steering sensor as I was the airbag clock spring, since it's a PIA getting the steering wheel off.
I always use a bungie cord on the steering wheel down the brake pedal to keep it from turning.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Bungie sounds like a good idea. I don't have AH on my FRC, but I have seen and/or heard of others who have experienced "issues" from the steering wheel being rotated too far while disconnected.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Especially if you pull of and rebuild suspension and you're out of alignment you'll get the ABS, Active Handling issues until you get your car re-aligned.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
), and although we don't have the system installed, we do indeed have the position sensor in the wheel.
