C5 ghost grind
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4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C5 ghost grind
This has been going on for over two years now. I've written about it before. Going to resubmit the issue and hopefully someone else has experienced this problem. I hear a grinding noise that is usually at lower speeds, <30mph, and it is not at one specific location. I'm on my fifth mechanic now including one dealership. I've had the rear end fluid changed 3 times in less than two years including the additive specified for the 04 C5. The sound leaves and within a month it's back. It is usually when the car is in a turn, so it seems as though something is binding. I am not the original owner, I'm #3. The last owner had it for 12 years. No documented wrecks. So far everything appears to be original equipment. I purchased the car with 74k miles. It now has 82k. I'm not a mechanic but with the sound appearing when its binding or being torqued as in a tight turn I am wondering if the bearings on the end of driveshaft could be the culprit. But the sound often seems to come from the corners as if maybe the body has moved. I have no clues as to what the origin is but would appreciate any input. My previous Vette was a 68 and never had anything close to this.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 1,018
I had the issue and the noise went away after the gear lube change, and so far, has not returned.
Now, it has only been a month since my gear lube change, but have my fingers crossed.
I would say that the issue is the differential clutches, so if the noise comes back, it will probably mean a differential clutch replacement for an ultimate fix.
So, this is what I think you're looking at, replacing the clutches.
Now, it has only been a month since my gear lube change, but have my fingers crossed.
I would say that the issue is the differential clutches, so if the noise comes back, it will probably mean a differential clutch replacement for an ultimate fix.
So, this is what I think you're looking at, replacing the clutches.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 92
Likes: 52
I had the same issue, even after changing the differential oil with GM recommended fluid. I solved it by flushing the oil with this:
https://www.amsoil.ca/p/amsoil-sever...?code=SVGPK-EA
The noise hasn't come back yet.
https://www.amsoil.ca/p/amsoil-sever...?code=SVGPK-EA
The noise hasn't come back yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 1,658
From: North Coast
A couple ideas. The car may have had the wrong oil and it may have glazed the clutch in the posi unit. They just are not locking up any more.
The drive shaft would make noise going straight down the road.
Just an odd thing but a grinding noise can happen in a turn or bumps on the sway bar mounts if they need lube it will be a grind or creaking noise. Something odd to check. Mine made noise in turn at corners.
The drive shaft would make noise going straight down the road.
Just an odd thing but a grinding noise can happen in a turn or bumps on the sway bar mounts if they need lube it will be a grind or creaking noise. Something odd to check. Mine made noise in turn at corners.
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