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Hello! I recently bought a 1999 C5 corvette, and I'm pretty new to the corvette scene. I have a general understanding of mechanics and a long history of working on motorcycles, but I'm out of my element here. There's a couple issues I need fixing and I was wondering the best way to go about it:
1. Brakes Screech loudly. (guessing its a brake pad issue not sure)
2. Fuel gage sits constantly on empty
3. Suspension squeaks when going over bumps at a low speed. Is this an issue with the bushings?
(DIY repair is fully possible, so the less mechanic work the better)
Welcome and nice ride! Screech I'm guessing are the wear indicators on the brake pads. Squeaking on bumps could be the sway bar bushings/end links - had to change them on my '00 right after I got it. One option would be to disconnect sway bars then do some bumps - if still squeaking perhaps A-Arm bushings. Take a look at them (A-Arm bushings) and see if they are red - if so perhaps replaced and the squeaky poly ones. There are posts here about the use of Techron in the fuel to help with sender issues - but this is typically where its reading "some fuel level" and then suddenly drops (mine was going from 1/3 to zero before regular Techron use). A gauge reading zero may be a more serious issue....
A must : C6 sway bars and bushing front and rear... Do it now!
Your fuel level gage tank reader is carroded with a black substance that must be removed by adding... at each fuel-up... a bottle of "Techron" (a Chevron product) cleaner to your gasoline until the gas gage remains working properly... several fill ups adding this stuff cures it!... Continue using Chevron or Shell fuels ONLY.
Thanks a ton! Always wanted a corvette and ended up buying myself one for my 18th birthday, couldn’t be happier. It’s gonna be a great piece to work on, thanks for everyones advice.
Not going to repeat what others have already said. But congrats on the new ride!
Pretty low maintenance sports cars for as old as they are honestly. Sounds like you know some basics to work on things like this. Not hard car to work on and a ton of info here, on youtube and the internet in general on C5 things.
A must : C6 sway bars and bushing front and rear... Do it now!
Your fuel level gage tank reader is carroded with a black substance that must be removed by adding... at each fuel-up... a bottle of "Techron" (a Chevron product) cleaner to your gasoline until the gas gage remains working properly... several fill ups adding this stuff cures it!... Continue using Chevron or Shell fuels ONLY.
Welcome to C5 ownership. It appears you are good DIY mechanically and willing to dive into fixing things you have no prior knowledge on. The C5's are known for their electronic gremlins that need sorting out when they occur,. . If you are not someone conformable doing electronica problem solving then search for a good local Corvette repair shop that can help. Your local Corvette Club could give recommendations.
Have a great time driving your C5. I have owned my M6 '04 C5 vert for 10 years and still enjoy the ride
If you're going to work on it yourself you'll need some ramps with less than 11 degree approach angle so you can clear the nose in front. Race Ramps are one option.
Also do your research on jacking properly so you don't damage the bodywork. The rubber lifting pucks that you can remove with a 90 degree twist are handy if you don't want to leave something there permanently.
Welcome and nice ride! Screech I'm guessing are the wear indicators on the brake pads. Squeaking on bumps could be the sway bar bushings/end links - had to change them on my '00 right after I got it. One option would be to disconnect sway bars then do some bumps - if still squeaking perhaps A-Arm bushings. Take a look at them (A-Arm bushings) and see if they are red - if so perhaps replaced and the squeaky poly ones. There are posts here about the use of Techron in the fuel to help with sender issues - but this is typically where its reading "some fuel level" and then suddenly drops (mine was going from 1/3 to zero before regular Techron use). A gauge reading zero may be a more serious issue....
SORRY!! Quoted the wrong guy. To the OP-Save your $$$ on Techron. The senders are 25 years old. Known C5 issue. How many miles? After I spent at least $100 on Techron, with 135,000 miles on my 2000 C5, when I found out how inexpensive the C5 senders are, I figured I had bought them twice over with my Techron $$$. I had luck with Techron......for awhile. Wish I'd never spent any $$$ on it. Just buy 2 new senders, while theyre still available (Rock Auto) and follow posts/threads here. A lot of them here. Best of luck to you.
To be fair Techron works in most but not all cases.
Still using it is not going to hurt a thing. It cleans the entire system.
Changing the pump is not easy but better than a 04 where you have to pull the tank.
You should use a Top Tier fuel Shellband Chevron are only two of many that have the proper cleaners. Google the list and you will find who is near you as not everyone has Shell or Chevron.
Agree with hyperv6. Techron can't hurt, but I once used 4 or 5 bottles in 4 or 5 straight fill-ups over 1,200 miles of driving before it helped. After another couple of months, it no longer did anyhing. My senders were just flat worn out. This is why I asked the OP what mileage the car has on it. Higher mileage cars may as well just replace the senders. There's a good thread in the forum with @spfautsch and @Mr Black chiming in. I did it myself, and I'd never changed a fuel sender before, much less 2 of them. Just make sure the area is well ventilated, turn off the electricity, and have a fire extinguisher close by, just in case. If I can do it, so can anyone else. ......
SORRY!! Quoted the wrong guy. To the OP-Save your $$$ on Techron. The senders are 25 years old. Known C5 issue. How many miles? After I spent at least $100 on Techron, with 135,000 miles on my 2000 C5, when I found out how inexpensive the C5 senders are, I figured I had bought them twice over with my Techron $$$. I had luck with Techron......for awhile. Wish I'd never spent any $$$ on it. Just buy 2 new senders, while theyre still available (Rock Auto) and follow posts/threads here. A lot of them here. Best of luck to you.
I have 125,000 miles, and recently treated with Techron.
I have 125,000 miles, and recently treated with Techron.
Sounds like NEW SENSOR time to me. LOL!
While you are in the passengers tank, MAKE SURE that the Educator that sucks fuel from the passengers tank and sends it to the drivers tank is CLEAN and not plugged up. If you read your DTCs using the cars BUILT IN DTC reading function, It will show you which Sender is malfunctioning. Sometimes just running cleaner and clearing the DTCs will get the sensors back on line BUT, not always.
Hello! I recently bought a 1999 C5 corvette, and I'm pretty new to the corvette scene. I have a general understanding of mechanics and a long history of working on motorcycles, but I'm out of my element here. There's a couple issues I need fixing and I was wondering the best way to go about it:
1. Brakes Screech loudly. (guessing its a brake pad issue not sure)
2. Fuel gage sits constantly on empty
3. Suspension squeaks when going over bumps at a low speed. Is this an issue with the bushings?
(DIY repair is fully possible, so the less mechanic work the better)
1999 c5
