The Rear Wheel Wiggle
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Hubertus Wisconsin
The Rear Wheel Wiggle
I am newer to this forum and had no idea what a Corvette could really do until I bought one on Monday
(a test drive really does no justice). To learn about this thing I thought I would drop all the fluids and start fresh; what an ordeal that is. While I had the rear end up to drain the oil in the back of the pan, it seemed like a good idea to give the back wheels a wiggle checking for play.
There is a slight bit of play equal on both wheels, if I had to guess I would say no more than a 1/32". Is this normal and would it be tie-rod ends or wheel bearings? Is there a place that shows how to replace what ever is wrong? Thank you in advance for your time and advice.
Dan
(a test drive really does no justice). To learn about this thing I thought I would drop all the fluids and start fresh; what an ordeal that is. While I had the rear end up to drain the oil in the back of the pan, it seemed like a good idea to give the back wheels a wiggle checking for play.There is a slight bit of play equal on both wheels, if I had to guess I would say no more than a 1/32". Is this normal and would it be tie-rod ends or wheel bearings? Is there a place that shows how to replace what ever is wrong? Thank you in advance for your time and advice.
Dan
Resident moron
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,746
Likes: 20
From: Assachusetts
What year/model/mileage C5 did you buy?
What direction is the wiggle apparent? Side to side? Up and down?
Can you see what is moving? While wiggling see where the articulation is coming from. If you wiggle the tire up and down and you can see movement in the balljoints (upper or lower), there's your answer.
If you can wiggle side-to-side it could be the tie-rod, check that connection for movement.
If you can wiggle it everywhere, it could be the wheel bearing, but usually those are very apparent (howling or rhythmic hum from the affected bearing)
Dope
What direction is the wiggle apparent? Side to side? Up and down?
Can you see what is moving? While wiggling see where the articulation is coming from. If you wiggle the tire up and down and you can see movement in the balljoints (upper or lower), there's your answer.
If you can wiggle side-to-side it could be the tie-rod, check that connection for movement.
If you can wiggle it everywhere, it could be the wheel bearing, but usually those are very apparent (howling or rhythmic hum from the affected bearing)
Dope
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
If you intend on doing your own work on this vehicle I can not stress enough the importance of getting a service manual. You can buy hard copy manuals both new and used on Ebay.
The manual is also available on DVD and can be downloaded for free. The download version is hard to install but there is a current thread discussing all the issues. If you do a search you will find it.
I bought my DVD from a forum member and it has been invaluable.
The manual is also available on DVD and can be downloaded for free. The download version is hard to install but there is a current thread discussing all the issues. If you do a search you will find it.
I bought my DVD from a forum member and it has been invaluable.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Hubertus Wisconsin
I can't wait for my service manuals to arrive!
Thanks again for all the input!
