Background: 98 Vert with Z51 package.

Ok, I got tires on yesterday, and have an appt to get it aligned tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM

I asked, while it was up on the lift if the tire guys could look for a bad component. I reefed on the rear wheels myself for a bit and saw the tie-rods need ends replaced. I wasn't under the car, but the mechanic did feel at the inner end of the tie-rod and could feel movement there, or so he said.

What components do I need (names of them) and where can I get them on short notice? Parts places around here don't even list anything for the C5s. Only 92-96's.

Thanks in advance?

 

First, cancel your appointment for alignment until you can sort this out. Or, have them just do a good inspection to see what parts you need. You can then take your time to figure out and select the parts you want. A good alignment shop should know how to get what you need, it is their job. They should be able to cut you some slack if you need to bring it back when you or they have the right parts. Your tires aren't going to wear out while you sort this out.

 

Just as your post came in, I had just got off the phone to postpone it. Looks like it'll be Tuesday before the parts are in. At which time, they'll stick em on and do the alignment. Truth is, I can do my own alignment on the car if it came to that. Just not with my back in its present condition...

 

First things first: CANCEL your appointment! Your alignment won’t be that far off that you can’t wait until you sort out what’s wrong GOOD RECOMMENDATION!

Next. Your parts supplier will be Gene Culley. www.gmpartshouse.com for GM only stuff

Unless you already have replacement shocks, I STRONGLY recommend ordering some C6 ZO6 shocks from Gene. They are a DIRECT bolt on improvement! You will like them! $255 for all four!

With the car on the ground, have someone sit in the driver’s seat and turn the steering wheel left and right to the point that it just starts to move the tires. While they are doing that, observe the movable tie rod joints AND the bolts, bushings and clamps that secure the steering rack in the K member. See if there is any excess deflection.

Put the car on four jack stands. Have someone PUSH /PULL the rear tire at the 12:00- 6:00 position and the 9:00/3:00 position while you observe and actually feel for any LOST MOTION at any joint that allows the suspension to flex UP or Down and secures it to the chassis.

Wheel bearings. Push/Pull the wheel and see if you get any slop in the front and rear wheel hubs. A new good bearing will have little or NO deflection. If you can detect any real noticeable deflection, it would be wise to replace.

Look at your sway bar links. If you don’t already have metal end links or the ones that you have are in bad shape, replace those with new metal end links. I would also pop for replacement poly sway bar bushings.

When I get home tonight I will see what I can do to get you a diagram of rear-end suspension write-ups and definitions:

Bill

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...rts-house.html

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25819268 – Z06 Rear Shocks

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10339124 – Rear stabilizer bar
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Use part number c6z51bars on our website under Chevrolet make.

These sway bars do fit any C5 without any modifications.

This kit does not come with metal end links. If you want to add metal end links use part number 20822934 for $26.75 each.

GM has now updated all C5-C6 end links to the 2013 version.

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Wow, thanks Bill.

I've got a set of service manuals, so I'm ok on that. What that manual says tho is "Check for play...". It doesn't say where to raise the vehicle in order to be able to check play. Meaning, if I jack at the wrong point, I might be adding so much pre-tension in the joint that I can't check for play. Those springs are tougher than I am! :p

I'll keep the shocks in mind. For this alignment, I'm pretty much resigned to getting it done now. I head in for back surgery Friday, so I'm paralyzed till then, and not worth much more once I get out. I'll be a while before I can get back to doing this stuff myself.

I will definitely keep the info, and I had every intention of doing a bushing kit on the car, all but my leg going numb didn't allow me to mess with the car much lately.

 

It's typically recommended you support the vehicle by the springs (ie under the lower control arms) when checking ball joints.

 

^^^
Gotcha! Thanks.