steering problem
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 3
From: Granada Hills CA
The only time I can recall feeling a vibration/unbalanced sensation in the steering was when my crank pulley bolt had loosened sufficiently to allow the crank pulley to have contact with the steering rack, amazingly enough the belt stayed on that time so the power steering never failed and the charging system was still functioning so no warnings on the DIC.
I was able to shut down immediately. Since it had happened only a week earlier I was keenly aware of any and all noises the car was making. It was definitely a rough feeling directly through the wheel.
I was able to shut down immediately. Since it had happened only a week earlier I was keenly aware of any and all noises the car was making. It was definitely a rough feeling directly through the wheel.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos CA.
I have the same noise (rumble and vibration) too...automatic and Z51. I figured it was a normal characteristic and it doesn't seem to affect performance. Sure would be nice if those people in Kentucky would explain the reason for the "normal characteristic" in their service bulletin PIC#3109. Sounds like the're hiding some design flaw.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Folsom Ca
Originally Posted by TYLERTONY
I've noticed the same problem as well lately..only 1300 miles and auto too...anyone else?
I have posted this problem on other threads.
A4 Z51
A vicious growl...when cranking the steering...as the car begins to move...the grinding sound and then the vibration is telegraphed to the steering wheel...don't know if it is the rear end, trans, or brakes??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
I notied that when I took the run-flats off and put toyo tires on alot of tire rubbing noises disappeared and the car ran smoother on the road! With what kerbeck did and i did my steering problem and noises are gone touch wood!! Thank you, Kerbeck for bringing a gm tech!!
Last edited by dolphin2551; Aug 29, 2005 at 12:24 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Originally Posted by 2005ArcticWhite
normal characteristic 
The problem is that the pump can't make enough hydraulic hp to turn the wide front tires at a stop when the engine is turning less than 600 RPM. So you get cavitation groan. This is typical behavior for a hydraulic pump. You have to turn it faster than some minimum speed to allow it to meet demand.
In the Corvette at a stop, that minimum RPM is a bit more than 600. That's why the guys with the MN6s typically don't see it. Their engines idle faster because they aren't loaded by a tranny sitting in drive.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by shopdog
Yep, normal. Check the tach the next time it does it. You'll notice the engine is turning less than 600 RPM, because the torque converter, the PS pump, alternator, etc are loading the engine enough to prevent it from idling faster. Jazz the throttle enough to get it to about 800 RPM and there will be no noise.
The problem is that the pump can't make enough hydraulic hp to turn the wide front tires at a stop when the engine is turning less than 600 RPM. So you get cavitation groan. This is typical behavior for a hydraulic pump. You have to turn it faster than some minimum speed to allow it to meet demand.
In the Corvette at a stop, that minimum RPM is a bit more than 600. That's why the guys with the MN6s typically don't see it. Their engines idle faster because they aren't loaded by a tranny sitting in drive.
The problem is that the pump can't make enough hydraulic hp to turn the wide front tires at a stop when the engine is turning less than 600 RPM. So you get cavitation groan. This is typical behavior for a hydraulic pump. You have to turn it faster than some minimum speed to allow it to meet demand.
In the Corvette at a stop, that minimum RPM is a bit more than 600. That's why the guys with the MN6s typically don't see it. Their engines idle faster because they aren't loaded by a tranny sitting in drive.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
