Front Suspension
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Joined: Jul 2016
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Front Suspension
Hey guys!
I have a 2006 C6 and installed some Bilstein shocks, front and rear. I noticed after installing them, when I back up in my driveway, the little black flap underneath, not sure what it is called, but didn't scrub anymore. Now I noticed that it is scrubbing again and it appears the left front wheel well area is about a 1/2 " lower than the right, the right side seems to be the correct height. I started noticing this after new tires were installed and alignment was performed, but just thought it was due to the different tires I purchased, Michelin. Is there some type of coil spring that could be weak? Is there an adjustment in the alignment that could have changed the height? Could the new shock have gone bad? I know there could be a lot of scenarios, but was wondering if anyone else has ran into this, because I really don't want to go to the dealership to have it looked at.
Thanks in advance!!
JDawg
I have a 2006 C6 and installed some Bilstein shocks, front and rear. I noticed after installing them, when I back up in my driveway, the little black flap underneath, not sure what it is called, but didn't scrub anymore. Now I noticed that it is scrubbing again and it appears the left front wheel well area is about a 1/2 " lower than the right, the right side seems to be the correct height. I started noticing this after new tires were installed and alignment was performed, but just thought it was due to the different tires I purchased, Michelin. Is there some type of coil spring that could be weak? Is there an adjustment in the alignment that could have changed the height? Could the new shock have gone bad? I know there could be a lot of scenarios, but was wondering if anyone else has ran into this, because I really don't want to go to the dealership to have it looked at.
Thanks in advance!!
JDawg
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 221
From: Minot ND
Corvettes do not have coil springs unless you swapped to coilovers, which in this case you did not since you only changed shocks. Ride height is controlled by the lowering bolts on the applicable leaf spring. Have you actually measured the ride height or just eyeballing it? Its pretty simple to adjust yourself.
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Joined: Jul 2016
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Hey, I appreciate your reply. Yeah, I was aware it didn't have coil springs, just wasn't sure if it had some other type springs that would have gone bad.
I have measured at the front tires on each side from the ground to the fender edge above the wheel and the left side is a noticeable difference even by eyeballing it. If it is simple to adjust the ride height, I sure would like to know! Thanks!!
I have measured at the front tires on each side from the ground to the fender edge above the wheel and the left side is a noticeable difference even by eyeballing it. If it is simple to adjust the ride height, I sure would like to know! Thanks!!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 221
From: Minot ND
I’d spray some penetrating lube on the bolts a few hours before just incase they’re stuck.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-c6-video.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-c6-video.html
Last edited by ttx350z; Jan 12, 2019 at 02:11 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
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Wow! Just Googled how to adjust ride height! You can learn so much on this site and save so much time and money. Not sure if that is my problem, but it is the first thing I will check. Is this an adjustment they adjust when aligning the front end?
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 77
From: DFW Texas
I have been told that if you use the adjustment bolts to lower the ride height, you will need an alignment. I would take it back to whomever aligned it, and ask them if they adjusted the bolts and have them re-check the alignment.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2016
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I just found out my front suspension leaf spring has a crack in it, causing the sag. Any suggestions on doing it myself, upgrading to a better spring, etc.? I found GM part for $275 but not sure what the dealership will charge, I am sure an arm or a leg!
GM Direct shows a Soft Ride Suspension and a Sport Suspension, my vette is a Base, should I order the Sport?
GM Direct shows a Soft Ride Suspension and a Sport Suspension, my vette is a Base, should I order the Sport?
Last edited by JDawg; Jan 16, 2019 at 01:00 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 315
From: Bridgewater New Jersey
I just found out my front suspension leaf spring has a crack in it, causing the sag. Any suggestions on doing it myself, upgrading to a better spring, etc.? I found GM part for $275 but not sure what the dealership will charge, I am sure an arm or a leg!
GM Direct shows a Soft Ride Suspension and a Sport Suspension, my vette is a Base, should I order the Sport?
GM Direct shows a Soft Ride Suspension and a Sport Suspension, my vette is a Base, should I order the Sport?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 87
Likes: 5
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, just curious if anyone has tackled this job or if I should have the dealership install it. The dealership is such a pain in the ***, just called to get a quote and can even get a hold of a Service Advisor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 172
I just found out my front suspension leaf spring has a crack in it, causing the sag. Any suggestions on doing it myself, upgrading to a better spring, etc.? I found GM part for $275 but not sure what the dealership will charge, I am sure an arm or a leg!
GM Direct shows a Soft Ride Suspension and a Sport Suspension, my vette is a Base, should I order the Sport?
GM Direct shows a Soft Ride Suspension and a Sport Suspension, my vette is a Base, should I order the Sport?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 346
From: Mt. Pleasant S.C.
Changing the spring isn't hard. There are a few how-tos here and videos on you tube. You will definitely need an alignment after you do it. You can often find z51 or z06 spring sets in the for sale area by guys that have gone to coil overs. Some people don't mind that they are a little stiffer due to the increase in handling performance.
Last edited by Sox-Fan; Jan 16, 2019 at 01:46 PM. Reason: typo s/gays/guys/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 346
From: Mt. Pleasant S.C.
Cracks are not unheard of. If something hit it, or something really hot got too close, or the wrong chemical was sprayed on it. It's not frequent, but if you look around the forums you'll see that it does happen occasionally. Probably a good idea to try to find out why it happened in order to see if you can prevent it from happening again.