How Do I determine if I need shocks?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 6
How Do I determine if I need shocks?
I recently bought a C6 w/ Z51 package. I understand that this is a performance suspension system and not exactly a smooth ride but it seems that my car is REALLY bumpy and loud. It also doesn't seem to hold the road extremely well and is prone to jumping around. That may at least be partially because I need new rear tires and I have 607 HP turning them.
So... what is the easiest way for a long time lover but short time owner of a corvette such as mine to determine when or if I need to shocks or other suspension components. I know if I take it to a shop and ask, they will undoubtedly tell me I do, even if I don't. Any help would be appreciated.
So... what is the easiest way for a long time lover but short time owner of a corvette such as mine to determine when or if I need to shocks or other suspension components. I know if I take it to a shop and ask, they will undoubtedly tell me I do, even if I don't. Any help would be appreciated.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 510
Likes: 5
From: Pipe Creek TX
Tough question to answer ,because it is very subjective to what you expect and feel . Spring rates and shocks need to work together.
The shock dampens spring movement. Simply , how fast this happens is what you feel. Extended up and down body movement after passing over a gentle rise , would indicate worn out shocks to me. Excessive axle up and down movement after passing over a series of close bumps ,the same; no shock control.
I have friends that take my throwaways. They think I'm crazy.
The shock dampens spring movement. Simply , how fast this happens is what you feel. Extended up and down body movement after passing over a gentle rise , would indicate worn out shocks to me. Excessive axle up and down movement after passing over a series of close bumps ,the same; no shock control.
I have friends that take my throwaways. They think I'm crazy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,001
Likes: 243
From: Surprise, Az
How old is the car? How many miles? Look at the shocks, any signs of an oil leak?
Some of what you describe is normal, the GY Supercars have fairly sharp shoulders and will tend to follow the ruts in the roadbed. If the tires are a few years old the rubber will harden making them more noisy with less grip.
The suspension on these cars is fairly stiff so unless you have a lot of experience, the bounce test may not tell you much. Besides, I don't want someone putting their body-weight on my fenders to jounce the suspension.
I really liked the Z51 package, my '08 came equipped with it and it was great fun at hpde events. I ran with GY Supercars to start and ended with Michelin's and found them to be both good tires.
If you replace the tires, naturally have the alignment done and find a good shop to do the work. They will be able to diagnose any shock issues.
As a reference, my '08 had 6k miles on it when I discovered the right front shock was leaking, the car was 3 years old at the time. The dealer replaced it under warranty.
Some of what you describe is normal, the GY Supercars have fairly sharp shoulders and will tend to follow the ruts in the roadbed. If the tires are a few years old the rubber will harden making them more noisy with less grip.
The suspension on these cars is fairly stiff so unless you have a lot of experience, the bounce test may not tell you much. Besides, I don't want someone putting their body-weight on my fenders to jounce the suspension.
I really liked the Z51 package, my '08 came equipped with it and it was great fun at hpde events. I ran with GY Supercars to start and ended with Michelin's and found them to be both good tires.
If you replace the tires, naturally have the alignment done and find a good shop to do the work. They will be able to diagnose any shock issues.
As a reference, my '08 had 6k miles on it when I discovered the right front shock was leaking, the car was 3 years old at the time. The dealer replaced it under warranty.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
The Z51 suspension is pretty stiff, when I purchased my current car went with the F55 magnatic ride control. I will never have a non F55 car again, "ever". The wheels stay planted on pavement, a more pleasing feel, no jump.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 6
How old is the car? How many miles? Look at the shocks, any signs of an oil leak?
Some of what you describe is normal, the GY Supercars have fairly sharp shoulders and will tend to follow the ruts in the roadbed. If the tires are a few years old the rubber will harden making them more noisy with less grip.
The suspension on these cars is fairly stiff so unless you have a lot of experience, the bounce test may not tell you much. Besides, I don't want someone putting their body-weight on my fenders to jounce the suspension.
I really liked the Z51 package, my '08 came equipped with it and it was great fun at hpde events. I ran with GY Supercars to start and ended with Michelin's and found them to be both good tires.
If you replace the tires, naturally have the alignment done and find a good shop to do the work. They will be able to diagnose any shock issues.
As a reference, my '08 had 6k miles on it when I discovered the right front shock was leaking, the car was 3 years old at the time. The dealer replaced it under warranty.
Some of what you describe is normal, the GY Supercars have fairly sharp shoulders and will tend to follow the ruts in the roadbed. If the tires are a few years old the rubber will harden making them more noisy with less grip.
The suspension on these cars is fairly stiff so unless you have a lot of experience, the bounce test may not tell you much. Besides, I don't want someone putting their body-weight on my fenders to jounce the suspension.
I really liked the Z51 package, my '08 came equipped with it and it was great fun at hpde events. I ran with GY Supercars to start and ended with Michelin's and found them to be both good tires.
If you replace the tires, naturally have the alignment done and find a good shop to do the work. They will be able to diagnose any shock issues.
As a reference, my '08 had 6k miles on it when I discovered the right front shock was leaking, the car was 3 years old at the time. The dealer replaced it under warranty.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,001
Likes: 243
From: Surprise, Az
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
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,001
Likes: 243
From: Surprise, Az
With 91k there could be a lot of worn suspension components, from ball joints to A arm bushings to sway bar bushings to shocks. The only way to really tell is to put it on an alignment machine to see where the settings are at or if it can even hold them. I like using performance shops that cater to track cars, they seem to be more focused on getting things right.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Another good indicator for worn shocks is uneven tire wear. This condition could also mean some other worn out suspension components too.
The Vette with the low profile tire and having RF can be jarring over rough road as compared to your parents station wagon when growing up.
The Vette with the low profile tire and having RF can be jarring over rough road as compared to your parents station wagon when growing up.