sagging suspension in the front
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 7
From: Yorba Linda California
sagging suspension in the front
C5 1997 base corvette. Care sits most of it life. 18,000 miles. What would cause suspension to sag on one side of the front. Haven't moved it for about 5 years. Took around the block and front end was dragging. Started to look and the right side of the front end is lower that the left side. We looked at the lowering bolts and they are the same on both sides. Does the spring in the front start to go bad after time? The car is in California in a controlled environment. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 7
From: Yorba Linda California
Checked what you said. there seems to be some oil around shock but worse that that the spring is splitting on that side. It looks like it is fiberglass or some type of plastic spring!
Thanks again. I'm ordering a new set of shocks and new spring.
Thanks again. I'm ordering a new set of shocks and new spring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The leaf springs are fiberglass and can crack. I would change just the spring first before you change a shock. Shocks do not support the weight of the car, they only control the ride and handling. If you just change the shock it probably won't have any affect on the ride height.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
The leaf springs are fiberglass and can crack. I would change just the spring first before you change a shock. Shocks do not support the weight of the car, they only control the ride and handling. If you just change the shock it probably won't have any affect on the ride height.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 144
From: Mobile al
Shocks don't support weight.
I would look at the rubber isolator on the end of the height adjustment screw, I bet some of or all of it is gone.
I would look at the rubber isolator on the end of the height adjustment screw, I bet some of or all of it is gone.
Last edited by FASTFATBOY; Feb 28, 2018 at 05:02 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 7
From: Yorba Linda California
New update, have the car on a rack. The a/c compressor leaked its oil on the leaf and the leaf is all split. So now we are replacing the shocks front and back just because, the leaf with leveling bolts, a/c compressor, accumulator, and other miscellaneous a/c components. for a car that is not driven this is a lot of fun???!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 498
From: Fords, NJ
New update, have the car on a rack. The a/c compressor leaked its oil on the leaf and the leaf is all split. So now we are replacing the shocks front and back just because, the leaf with leveling bolts, a/c compressor, accumulator, and other miscellaneous a/c components. for a car that is not driven this is a lot of fun???!!!
Make sure you have the tension released from both sides of the spring before you attempt to remove the 4 center mounting bolts.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
It is yours if you want it
I have a perfectly good front spring that was removed from my 2004 C5 (z51 - suspension package) I live in SoCal just over the hill from you. I replaced my suspension with a coil-overs so removed the springs. This one is sitting on the side of my house and is in good condition. It is yours if you want it.
PM me with a phone number and or contact info and I'll get in touch with you.
PM me with a phone number and or contact info and I'll get in touch with you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 7
From: Yorba Linda California
I appreciate the offer. I have ordered new spring and the car is sitting at west coast corvette right now.
it is John forces car and we’re sponsored by advanced auto parts. They were able to help out with the
shocks and a/c components. It should be done Tuesday or Wednesday.
it is John forces car and we’re sponsored by advanced auto parts. They were able to help out with the
shocks and a/c components. It should be done Tuesday or Wednesday.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 7
From: Yorba Linda California
I appreciate the offer. I have ordered new spring and the car is sitting at west coast corvette right now.
it is John forces car and we’re sponsored by advanced auto parts. They were able to help out with the
shocks and a/c components. It should be done Tuesday or Wednesday.
it is John forces car and we’re sponsored by advanced auto parts. They were able to help out with the
shocks and a/c components. It should be done Tuesday or Wednesday.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
I appreciate the offer. I have ordered new spring and the car is sitting at west coast corvette right now.
it is John forces car and we’re sponsored by advanced auto parts. They were able to help out with the
shocks and a/c components. It should be done Tuesday or Wednesday.
it is John forces car and we’re sponsored by advanced auto parts. They were able to help out with the
shocks and a/c components. It should be done Tuesday or Wednesday.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,044
Likes: 9,808
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
New update, have the car on a rack. The a/c compressor leaked its oil on the leaf and the leaf is all split. So now we are replacing the shocks front and back just because, the leaf with leveling bolts, a/c compressor, accumulator, and other miscellaneous a/c components. for a car that is not driven this is a lot of fun???!!!
Bill