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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 07:13 PM
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Has anyone replaced the OEM end links with the replacement GM metal links to cure an occasional clunk problem for a C5 Z06? The clunk occurs on speed bumps or irregularities on the road.
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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by tak06
Has anyone replaced the OEM end links with the replacement GM metal links to cure an occasional clunk problem for a C5 Z06? The clunk occurs on speed bumps or irregularities on the road.
By OEM end links do you mean the non metal ones? I have the OEM metal ones and I've heard a clunk once or twice.
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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 09:14 PM
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The stock metal links that came on the later Z06's are stronger and will not break like the plastic ones will. They are quiet, but I don't know how long they last before they start to make noise. Noise does not seem to be an issue with them.

The T1 end links that are adjustable and are sold as a replacement are adjustable for length (which allows the end links to be adjusted so that there is no preload on the bar when the car is cornerweighted) are noisy and you want to stay away from them if noise is an issue.
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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 09:43 PM
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Yes they are the non metallic links, I've heard the metal links have no noise issues.
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 07:01 PM
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I just replaced the end links on my 2000 vette very easy to do all you need is a 18mm deep socket and a 3/4 inch wrench on the front you need to remove tires in the back all you need to do is jack up the vehicle I got them for $99.00 + tax from the set of four East coast corvette West coast has them also free shipping on orders over $100.00 dollars great deal no more clunk ride is alot smoother.

Last edited by joe Villarreal; Jan 4, 2011 at 07:03 PM. Reason: forgot to add they are sold in a set
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 07:32 PM
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Actually it's my son's '02 Z06 with 30k. miles, it has the metal end links, I suppose even metal ones eventually wear out and needs replacement to solve the occasional clunk?
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by tak06
Actually it's my son's '02 Z06 with 30k. miles, it has the metal end links, I suppose even metal ones eventually wear out and needs replacement to solve the occasional clunk?
Unless something is loose, I don't see an endlink(at that mileage) being the source of the noise.
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 08:44 PM
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What causes the "clunk"? My 99 makes what sounds more like a pop sound when a front or rear corner goes over a sharp change in pavement height.

I've looked at my metal end links and they seem fine. Are they adjusted too tight and making the popping sound when they overcome the friction and "pop" loose? If this is the case, what is the proper torque # for the screws on the end links?

If this is not the case, what is causing the popping noise?

Any ideas welcome......

Last edited by flynhi; Jan 4, 2011 at 11:28 PM.
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 09:26 PM
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the plastic end links wear out pretty quickly.

metal ones made a dramatic difference on my Z06.
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 10:22 PM
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Originally Posted by tak06
Yes they are the non metallic links, I've heard the metal links have no noise issues.
Originally Posted by imavettegirl
the plastic end links wear out pretty quickly.

metal ones made a dramatic difference on my Z06.

Just replaced my stock end links with metal. Also added New C6 Z06 shocks,,,,no more noise,,,,anywhere!
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Old Jan 4, 2011 | 11:50 PM
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I believe the torque spec for the end links are 53 ft. lb's., There are extensive write ups and repair tutorials on the forum concerning the popping noise coming from the rear of the car, mainly remove the axle nuts and lubricate the output shaft where it enters the wheel hub, replace nuts and retorque 118 - 140 ft. lb's depending on whose tread you read.
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Old Jan 5, 2011 | 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by tak06
I believe the torque spec for the end links are 53 ft. lb's., There are extensive write ups and repair tutorials on the forum concerning the popping noise coming from the rear of the car, mainly remove the axle nuts and lubricate the output shaft where it enters the wheel hub, replace nuts and retorque 118 - 140 ft. lb's depending on whose tread you read.
Since my pops are coming from front and rear, I don't think it is caused by the axle.
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Old Feb 11, 2011 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by tak06
Actually it's my son's '02 Z06 with 30k. miles, it has the metal end links, I suppose even metal ones eventually wear out and needs replacement to solve the occasional clunk?
My metal end links lasted through two track days then went bad. The car had about 16K miles. I just replaced them. I do have Hotchkis sway bars on my 04. I wish there were a better alternative than oem for replacement. Quite is so important.
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