2002 C5 Torque Tube Rebuild

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Apr 20, 2024 | 01:47 PM

LS147

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Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2021

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From: Illinois

2002 C5 Torque Tube Rebuild

Ever since I purchased my 2002 M6 coupe I have heard a loud metallic sounding rattle/banging coming from under the car when sitting at idle with the clutch out. If I push the clutch in the noise goes away, and I do not hear it when driving, nor do I feel any noticeable vibration. After browsing the forum I believe I either have worn out torque tube couplers or a bad throwout bearing, but I am not sure. Regardless it looks like the torque tube is going to have to come out of the car, and since I will be paying for this repair, I'd like to know what other parts should be replaced at the same time to save on labor costs in the future. Should the clutch, flywheel, pilot bearing, throwout bearing etc be replaced at the same time?

Apr 20, 2024 | 04:40 PM

lucky131969

Tech Contributor

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 19,240

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From: Dyer, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS147

You will have to have it evaluated by a trusted shop. Not having any idea what your experience/ownership is with manual cars, it's hard to know if you can discern between clutch chatter, and a real problem. Just on your description alone, I would say without question that a loud metallic rattle/banging sound is absolutely not normal for a manual transmission, unless you drive a junker. If your shop has to drop the torque tube, you might as well freshen everything up: couplers, bearings, clutch, slave/throwout bearing, remote bleeder, flywheel, and pilot bearing. Fluid for differential, and tranny.

Apr 20, 2024 | 04:48 PM

lucky131969

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Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 19,240

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From: Dyer, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorvetteHeadz

I would just show it to another corvette owner first. Or I would post a video of the noise with clutch in and out. C5’s are some of the loudest for clutch chatter. Torque tube, diff, trans, noise would not go away if the clutch goes in.

ok....

Apr 22, 2024 | 03:33 PM

LS147

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Joined: Jul 2021

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From: Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky131969

Yes the Corvette is my first manual car, however I have owned it for about two years and put roughly 12,000 miles on it. The noise is different from the "marbles in a can" noise described by forum members that occurs when accelerating slowly in first gear. This noise occurs at idle, and sounds similar to the noise made when shutting the car off without pushing the clutch in, only it is constant. In addition, there is a burning smell that occurs whenever I drive the car at high RPM (5000+) which does not smell like burned up clutch or tires. I have ruled out clutch slip as the car increases speed consistently with RPM increase. I will try and record a video of the noise in the next few weeks as I currently do not have the car with me.

Apr 24, 2024 | 10:27 AM

ipuig

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Joined: Jan 2008

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From: Florida

St. Jude Donor '09

Quote:

Originally Posted by LS147

In addition, there is a burning smell that occurs whenever I drive the car at high RPM (5000+) which does not smell like burned up clutch or tires.

This may sound like a radical recommendation, but it may not be a good idea to drive the car at 5000+ RPM with a loud metallic noise emanating from the driveline. Perhaps raising the car, starting it, let it idle with the clutch engaged, and listening to the driveline with an automotive stethoscope would be a better course of action.

Apr 24, 2024 | 11:18 AM

ipuig

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Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 1,722

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From: Florida

St. Jude Donor '09

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorvetteHeadz

😂😂😂 5k is pretty high even for a c5 in perfect working condition 😂😂

Not really if there are no loud metallic noises emanating from the driveline as described by the OP. The LS6 in my Z06 redlines at 6500 RPM. I believe the redline for the LS1 is around 6000 RPM.