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I am new to owning a Corvette and after a few months of owning my 2012 Grand Sport I noticed a noise coming out of the rear of the vehicle that sounded like a bearing going out, It only seemed to be happening at low speed turning like into a parking space and it happened in both directions. My son and I did hear it coming out of the rear driver side so we jacked up the rear end and there was no wobble but there was a grinding noise coming out of the hub. I brought it in to a local performance shop and they came back with the entire drive train is moving 3 inches and the drive train support needed repair at over $2000 just for parts. They also said the rear main was leaking and front suspension needed work. Total over $5000. There is no fluid leaking anywhere and the oil level never changes and transmission level is also constant. Does this sound ligit? Can a drive train move 3 inches yet work flawlessly on shifts? This is an automatic with paddle shifts.
Sounds like bs to me. How many miles on your car? What is wrong with the front suspension? Also, the noise you are referring to from the rear, may just be the rear axle nuts are loose. I'm not sure why it happens, but seems to be a thing with some Corvettes. If the rear axle nuts are loose and need to be tightened, it's recommended to replace them with new ones. Check the simple things first. I don't trust a shop coming back to me with a long extensive repair list.
Or the noise may be the limited slip differential. When I got mine it made rear noise on tight turns. The fix was a bottle of AC Delco limited slip additive. It's never been noisy since.
Definitely check the two rear axle nuts to see if they are loose & correct. The nuts are single-use, so if they are loose, you should consider replacing them & tighten to the proper torque. If tightening the axle nuts doesn't correct the grinding noise, it could be a bearing out in the left rear hub, so replacement of the hub would correct that. As to your differential, you should change the fluid using the GM approved oil that already has the limited-slip additive included. After the change, do some slow figure-eights to lube the rear-end gears and that should do it.
The drive train is dampened with rubber bushing, so some movement is allowed. The condition of the bushings should be checked & replace, as needed.
I am new to owning a Corvette and after a few months of owning my 2012 Grand Sport I noticed a noise coming out of the rear of the vehicle that sounded like a bearing going out, It only seemed to be happening at low speed turning like into a parking space and it happened in both directions. My son and I did hear it coming out of the rear driver side so we jacked up the rear end and there was no wobble but there was a grinding noise coming out of the hub. I brought it in to a local performance shop and they came back with the entire drive train is moving 3 inches and the drive train support needed repair at over $2000 just for parts. They also said the rear main was leaking and front suspension needed work. Total over $5000. There is no fluid leaking anywhere and the oil level never changes and transmission level is also constant. Does this sound ligit? Can a drive train move 3 inches yet work flawlessly on shifts? This is an automatic with paddle shifts.
Hard to believe anything could move 3" !! Agree to check rear axle nuts. Believe torque is 140 lb. As said if they're loose replace them as they're a "one time" torque item. Available on the internet or from a Chevy dealer. Next, change your diff fluid. Only use GM limited slip fluid. Procedure also available on the net. Just Google it. PS, gain access to the center nut by popping off the center cap on the wheels. Either 32 or 33 mm, can't recall which. Do it with the car on the ground. If you do replace them use blue (not red) lock tite and you can also install the old nuts on top of the new ones as lock nuts.
If you are not capable of performing the work yourself (no shame many aren't), You should obtain a 2nd opinion on the need for the work and estimate for comparison. Hopefully, you have some reputable Corvette-specific sales/service/repair shops within your area that can help you.
Noticed you are new to the forum & owning a Corvette, so welcome.
I had a great conversation with a mechanic that specializes in corvettes. I got a good sense of what needs to be done at a fair price and will be bringing it in for him to work on next week. Thanks everyone for the advice!
09-20-2021, 02:25 PM
Repair Question - Drive Train
