need help
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
need help
Just got of the phone with my GM dealer. He told me that GM is not warrantying the squeeky break problem on the Z51 anymore because the new 06 are out. This makes no sense to me, can anyone help? Thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
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From: San Clemente CA
[QUOTE=X-Blue-vette]Just got of the phone with my GM dealer. He told me that GM is not warrantying the squeeky break problem on the Z51 anymore because the new 06 are out. This makes no sense to me, can anyone help? Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE
It has been reported on the forum that dealers are not replacing the Z51 brakes as they were for awhile. I had not heard the reason is that the 06 was out. If they are bad enough to replace it is a very simple job to DIY.
It has been reported on the forum that dealers are not replacing the Z51 brakes as they were for awhile. I had not heard the reason is that the 06 was out. If they are bad enough to replace it is a very simple job to DIY.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 767
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From: near Spokane WA
The Z51 is a performance option, not designed for cush. The brakes may squeel (more resistant to heat in very hard driving), the ride is harsher, the tires wear faster (stickier compound than standard Vette), and extra $$ is spent on tranny & engine coolers that are never needed unless you do some serious driving.
Too bad GM doesn't make that abundantly clear to all buyers. Performance comes with compromises ... for me, I love it and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Too bad GM doesn't make that abundantly clear to all buyers. Performance comes with compromises ... for me, I love it and I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: NJ
brakes
this response is for normlunt. I think you missed the boat. To rephrase the question for you, to make it simpler. Here we go, why are they not replacing the brake pads anymore when they use to? They did but now they do not.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 767
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From: near Spokane WA
I am willing to put 25 cents on a bet that the new pads they were replacing with are not as temperature resistant as the original Z51 pads -- I might be wrong, but 25 cents says I'm right. (The Hawk HP Plus aftermarket pads squeel like H*** but they work beautifully on the track.)
I'm just saying that GM should probably warn people about most performance options ... it would make life simpler for them and the consumer would be forewarned for the multiple compromises that are a part of higher performace parts. (My Z51 compound tires will need replacement by 10,000 miles but I'm just glad that GM is providing high performance stuff from the factory.)
It's nice we have a choice between the standard Corvette, the Z51 and the Z06. My opinion is that most people who order the Z51s don't really dirve it in the manner to really need those options.
I also bet that GM finally said to themselves, hey, this is a performance option and those kind of brakes sometimes squeel. They decided to stop pandering to people who want it to be a Cadillac.
I'm just saying that GM should probably warn people about most performance options ... it would make life simpler for them and the consumer would be forewarned for the multiple compromises that are a part of higher performace parts. (My Z51 compound tires will need replacement by 10,000 miles but I'm just glad that GM is providing high performance stuff from the factory.)
It's nice we have a choice between the standard Corvette, the Z51 and the Z06. My opinion is that most people who order the Z51s don't really dirve it in the manner to really need those options.
I also bet that GM finally said to themselves, hey, this is a performance option and those kind of brakes sometimes squeel. They decided to stop pandering to people who want it to be a Cadillac.
Last edited by Norm_427; Apr 25, 2006 at 05:23 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Upper St. Clair PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09
Originally Posted by X-Blue-vette
Just got of the phone with my GM dealer. He told me that GM is not warrantying the squeeky break problem on the Z51 anymore because the new 06 are out. This makes no sense to me, can anyone help? Thanks in advance.
The TSB has been retracted since the fix (new pads) really didn't solve the "problem".
The Z51 pads are squeaky and dusty, because (as far as I know) all performance pads are squeaky and dusty. My dealer said that the wording on the retraction lead them to believe a new pad might be offered in the future. I think that GM decided to stick with their engineers, and encourage Z51 owners to get real. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 767
Likes: 6
From: near Spokane WA
I would have to agree with that. My guess is that the vast majority of Z51 owners never go to the drags, enter an autocross or do a track day at 110 + mph and brake hard for the turns. The owners who do those types of activities realize already what the issues are regarding brake squeel.
Then, I have to wonder if most owners don't enter track or timed events -- and no person in their right mind would drive hard or fast on public roads -- then why do so many people pay for the Z51 option and compromise their comfort? Is is because it sounds cool to say our cars have the "zee fifty one" option? Why buy something if you're not likely going to use it to its potential?
Save a hunk of money, get a better ride, quieter brakes, longer lasting tires, etc., and still have a wonderful, well balanced, good looking and a top-level performance car.
Then, I have to wonder if most owners don't enter track or timed events -- and no person in their right mind would drive hard or fast on public roads -- then why do so many people pay for the Z51 option and compromise their comfort? Is is because it sounds cool to say our cars have the "zee fifty one" option? Why buy something if you're not likely going to use it to its potential?
Save a hunk of money, get a better ride, quieter brakes, longer lasting tires, etc., and still have a wonderful, well balanced, good looking and a top-level performance car.