C-5 Front Spring broke potential defect
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster MA
C-5 Front Spring broke potential defect
Thought I'd pass this on and maybe find out more about a potential defect on the C-5.
My 2001 has only 14K and for no immediate cause the front spring is apparantly broken. My front end dropped nearly 4 inches and was unable to drive on any surface not perfectly smooth. It is getting a new spring today but they had to get it from Michigan directly which leads me to believe this is uncommon and a rare item to break. The dealer says they have never heard of one breaking like this. Have any of you?
Also for those that may have it happen to them and we can track this as it may become a recall item.
Of note. I have not hit anything or any potholes just daily highway driving.
I'll followup if anything new comes of this.
Doc
[Modified by Docyit, 8:53 AM 10/10/2002] :confused:
[Modified by Docyit, 8:54 AM 10/10/2002]
My 2001 has only 14K and for no immediate cause the front spring is apparantly broken. My front end dropped nearly 4 inches and was unable to drive on any surface not perfectly smooth. It is getting a new spring today but they had to get it from Michigan directly which leads me to believe this is uncommon and a rare item to break. The dealer says they have never heard of one breaking like this. Have any of you?
Also for those that may have it happen to them and we can track this as it may become a recall item.
Of note. I have not hit anything or any potholes just daily highway driving.
I'll followup if anything new comes of this.
Doc
[Modified by Docyit, 8:53 AM 10/10/2002] :confused:
[Modified by Docyit, 8:54 AM 10/10/2002]
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Re: C-5 Front Spring broke potential defect (Docyit)
I bought my 1998 last January with 2,700 miles on it. In June I noticed that the front composite spring was cracking length wise. Within the next month it cracked more, consequently lowering my front end by about 3 inches. I finally put a VBP 350lb sport spring on and the Chev Dealer told me that this spring cracking is not an uncommon problem for older C5's. My extended warranty wouldn't pay for it claiming that it was "brakeage" not failure. Anyway, it may have something to do with age of the C5 not necessarily mileage or driving type. Suggest you look up the Vette Brake Products homepage for a better, sturdier and higher performance spring. Good luck. :flag
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster MA
Re: C-5 Front Spring broke potential defect (Docyit)
Just to put some closure on this...
They ordered a replacement and installed it in 24 hours. Nice job on the turnaround. I looked at the broken one and it had a big crack near the cross bar support at one end. They reported that they had to send it to GM for inspection. Cause and reason is still a mystery. They was no indication of chemicals corrosion on the spring. Could be just one of those things.
At least if it does start showing up elsewhere we now can track it and it may help the next victum of this problem.
Thanks for the replies.
Doc :D
They ordered a replacement and installed it in 24 hours. Nice job on the turnaround. I looked at the broken one and it had a big crack near the cross bar support at one end. They reported that they had to send it to GM for inspection. Cause and reason is still a mystery. They was no indication of chemicals corrosion on the spring. Could be just one of those things.
At least if it does start showing up elsewhere we now can track it and it may help the next victum of this problem.
Thanks for the replies.
Doc :D
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Re: C-5 Front Spring broke potential defect (Docyit)
I just took my 2000 coupe in for the same problem. While changing the oil I noticed a crack/fracture on the driver's side near the mounting bracket of the crossmember. I took it to the dealer and in 15 minutes said that it would be covered under warranty. (I'm still under the factory one by a few months). So now I gotta wait for the part to come in. Hopefully the car doesn't drop down a couple inches like what happened to you.
I don't know how it could have happened either, since I drive on fairly smooth roads all the time. Oh well at least I don't have to pay for it.
I don't know how it could have happened either, since I drive on fairly smooth roads all the time. Oh well at least I don't have to pay for it.
