Noise when turning wheels - front spring???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 188
Likes: 5
From: Oregon
Noise when turning wheels - front spring???
Any feedback would be appreciated...I have very little technical background...
2006 Convertible with Z51 suspension. I've noticed a rubbing/grinding noise when I turn the wheels almost all the way (not all the way) when turning slowly. I took the vette to the dealership and they pointed out that one side of the front end is slightly lower than the other. They put it on the lift and felt that the front end spring may have a problem and are going to replace it. Does that seem logical?
Rich
2006 Convertible with Z51 suspension. I've noticed a rubbing/grinding noise when I turn the wheels almost all the way (not all the way) when turning slowly. I took the vette to the dealership and they pointed out that one side of the front end is slightly lower than the other. They put it on the lift and felt that the front end spring may have a problem and are going to replace it. Does that seem logical?
Rich
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 266
From: San Jose California
I doubt it's the spring.
Are you sure it's not just one front tire dragging when it's cold out? The different turning radii between the left and right wheels at full lock (or close to it) can cause one of the tires to get dragged across the pavement making a real thumping, dragging kind of sound. My car does this big time when both the weather and the tires are cold.
Take the car out and run it a bit and get the tires warmed up. Then try the turning bit on a sunlit parking lot so that there's heat in both the tires and the pavement. If it still happens than at least you know it's something mechanical and not something "normal".
I wonder how much the dealer wants for that job?
I'd make sure what it is before taking it to them for a "maybe it's this?" fishing expedition that costs ya $1000+ (GM retail for the Z51 front spring is $420 alone.)
Z//
Are you sure it's not just one front tire dragging when it's cold out? The different turning radii between the left and right wheels at full lock (or close to it) can cause one of the tires to get dragged across the pavement making a real thumping, dragging kind of sound. My car does this big time when both the weather and the tires are cold.
Take the car out and run it a bit and get the tires warmed up. Then try the turning bit on a sunlit parking lot so that there's heat in both the tires and the pavement. If it still happens than at least you know it's something mechanical and not something "normal".
I wonder how much the dealer wants for that job?
I'd make sure what it is before taking it to them for a "maybe it's this?" fishing expedition that costs ya $1000+ (GM retail for the Z51 front spring is $420 alone.)
Z//
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 188
Likes: 5
From: Oregon
I had the car out today for a few hours, temp 75 degrees, and still making the noise. I am putting new tires on tomorrow, so I'll have the car on a lift and will have the guys take a look. What might be the mechanical problem I should look for?
r.
r.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 266
From: San Jose California
I have no clue. I just wanted to eliminate one possible (simple) cause.
Does it happen both directions or only left OR right? Was the car lowered from stock? Lowering bolts cut or replaced with aftermarket pieces? You can get some "interesting" sounds from aftermarket or cut bolts as they wear. My wife's convertible C6 is lowered and it sometimes makes some odd noises when you crank the wheels.
Z//
Does it happen both directions or only left OR right? Was the car lowered from stock? Lowering bolts cut or replaced with aftermarket pieces? You can get some "interesting" sounds from aftermarket or cut bolts as they wear. My wife's convertible C6 is lowered and it sometimes makes some odd noises when you crank the wheels.
Z//
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 15
From: Rocky Mountains Colorado
I remember reading a thread on this forum where it was stated that the stock geometry of the C6 suspension had the passenger side slightly lower than the drivers side. This was said to compensate for the drivers weight in what would be the normal expected driving configuration (no passenger). Don't know if this is true but I do remember reading a thread that made this statement. Before changing out any springs, I would determine what stock geometry calls for and if adjustments to geometry are correct (lowering bolts adjusted correctly).
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
I have and o6 vert an it makes a grinding noise when I turn hard from a stand still. It sounds like something from the trannny but the car shifts gears very well. It only happens when I'm going 0 to 10 mph and in a sharp turn..
