Need input ...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
Need input ...
Okay so first of Im a woman so please don't jump on me for having a car that I dont know how to fix and cant afford hundreds of $ to fix. I got put in a bad situation after a split and I cant get rid of the car so yea ... please be nice and offer some advice, just that ... thank you! 
First off I have a 04 Z06 Commemorative Corvette. She has about 50,000. Im going to get her oil changed, however, have been told that she is also in need of a tranny and differential flush, but thats big bucks at the dealership.
Also noticed a ticking today coming from the engine when the aircon is on, so wondering if its belts or compressor? Sigh. Could it be one of the fuses went bad?
Do you guys think I should also look at having all her belts i.e timing and serphentine replaced?
Any input would be nice so I can atleast get some kinda idea of what I need to do. And hell, if there is anyone local to me that can take a look at her and tell me what they think, Ill buy you a pitcher of beer and dinner!!! LOL
First off I have a 04 Z06 Commemorative Corvette. She has about 50,000. Im going to get her oil changed, however, have been told that she is also in need of a tranny and differential flush, but thats big bucks at the dealership.
Also noticed a ticking today coming from the engine when the aircon is on, so wondering if its belts or compressor? Sigh. Could it be one of the fuses went bad?
Do you guys think I should also look at having all her belts i.e timing and serphentine replaced?
Any input would be nice so I can atleast get some kinda idea of what I need to do. And hell, if there is anyone local to me that can take a look at her and tell me what they think, Ill buy you a pitcher of beer and dinner!!! LOL
Last edited by voodooviolin; Oct 9, 2012 at 12:37 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
First of all you never have to worry about asking questions on this forum. It has nothing to do with being a man or a woman it has everything to do with being a Corvette owner. We all help each other out. We were all beginners at one point and no matter how much we know there are always folks who know more.
Unfortunately living where you do there is no one that I can recommend to you that is close by however I bet that someone here will chime in who can.
PS an 04 Z06 is a really nice car
.
Unfortunately living where you do there is no one that I can recommend to you that is close by however I bet that someone here will chime in who can.
PS an 04 Z06 is a really nice car
.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
First of all you never have to worry about asking questions on this forum. It has nothing to do with being a man or a woman it has everything to do with being a Corvette owner. We all help each other out. We were all beginners at one point and no matter how much we know there are always folks who know more.
Unfortunately living where you do there is no one that I can recommend to you that is close by however I bet that someone here will chime in who can.
PS an 04 Z06 is a really nice car.
Unfortunately living where you do there is no one that I can recommend to you that is close by however I bet that someone here will chime in who can.
PS an 04 Z06 is a really nice car
.and yes, i love here ... my baby so i want to make sure she is running good before i put her away for the winter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 1,149
From: Green and Wet Western Oregon
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2018 C6 of Year Winner
voodooviolin (very cool screen-name!)
You might want to check with the local Corvette club in the tri-cities, 3 Rivers Corvette Club, they will probably have some good information for you. Their website is: http://www.3riverscorvetteclub.net
Is there a reason you are shying away from a Chevy dealer for this service? Transmission and differential flush shouldn't be that expensive. Have they quoted you an outrageous amount?
You might want to check with the local Corvette club in the tri-cities, 3 Rivers Corvette Club, they will probably have some good information for you. Their website is: http://www.3riverscorvetteclub.net
Is there a reason you are shying away from a Chevy dealer for this service? Transmission and differential flush shouldn't be that expensive. Have they quoted you an outrageous amount?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 26
From: Manchester - Political correctness is tyranny with manners.
You also did not mention whether or not it was an auto trans or an M6 manual transmission. If it's a manual, just about anybody can change it as long as they use approved fluids and additives. The differential is the same. Be sure the proper additives are put in at the oil change. I doubt if the serpintines need changing at 50K. Not sure about the clicking on the A/C. There will be a click as the clutch engages and disengages, but it should not make a continual clicking sound. Corvette engines will make some noise when they run, and lifters sometimes will make noise at start up.
As duckvette suggested, your safest bet and cheapest advice will be from members of the club in Kennewick. It's hard to fix cars on the interweb.
As duckvette suggested, your safest bet and cheapest advice will be from members of the club in Kennewick. It's hard to fix cars on the interweb.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 28
From: Vancouver Washington
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,439
Likes: 405
From: Portland OR
How many hours from Portland to Kennewick......
You know, you could wait until spring to take car of these items especially since winter starts this weekend according to the Portland forecast. Maybe it won't rain there.
Collect the items over the winter while you locate a good shop? Not a bad idea to change the diff and trans lubes. And the belts (just the 2 serpentine belts, not timing chain)
The ticking with the AC on could be the idler or tensioner, common problems.
BTW.....there are more than a few "guys" on these forums who don't know what a serpentine belt is or exactly where the transmission is, so don't worry about the woman thing.
Ron
You know, you could wait until spring to take car of these items especially since winter starts this weekend according to the Portland forecast. Maybe it won't rain there.
Collect the items over the winter while you locate a good shop? Not a bad idea to change the diff and trans lubes. And the belts (just the 2 serpentine belts, not timing chain)
The ticking with the AC on could be the idler or tensioner, common problems.
BTW.....there are more than a few "guys" on these forums who don't know what a serpentine belt is or exactly where the transmission is, so don't worry about the woman thing.
Ron
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
voodooviolin (very cool screen-name!)
You might want to check with the local Corvette club in the tri-cities, 3 Rivers Corvette Club, they will probably have some good information for you. Their website is: http://www.3riverscorvetteclub.net
Is there a reason you are shying away from a Chevy dealer for this service? Transmission and differential flush shouldn't be that expensive. Have they quoted you an outrageous amount?
You might want to check with the local Corvette club in the tri-cities, 3 Rivers Corvette Club, they will probably have some good information for you. Their website is: http://www.3riverscorvetteclub.net
Is there a reason you are shying away from a Chevy dealer for this service? Transmission and differential flush shouldn't be that expensive. Have they quoted you an outrageous amount?
the dealerships seem to want to charge alot more than some of the local shops and honestly, ive had some bad experiences with dealerships charging more and doing worse jobs.
i guess i would rather give my $ to a small shop and make friends, talk cars in case she needs to go back, than a dealership that wont remember me a few months down the line and im just another customer.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
How many hours from Portland to Kennewick......
You know, you could wait until spring to take car of these items especially since winter starts this weekend according to the Portland forecast. Maybe it won't rain there.
Collect the items over the winter while you locate a good shop? Not a bad idea to change the diff and trans lubes. And the belts (just the 2 serpentine belts, not timing chain)
The ticking with the AC on could be the idler or tensioner, common problems.
BTW.....there are more than a few "guys" on these forums who don't know what a serpentine belt is or exactly where the transmission is, so don't worry about the woman thing.
Ron
You know, you could wait until spring to take car of these items especially since winter starts this weekend according to the Portland forecast. Maybe it won't rain there.
Collect the items over the winter while you locate a good shop? Not a bad idea to change the diff and trans lubes. And the belts (just the 2 serpentine belts, not timing chain)
The ticking with the AC on could be the idler or tensioner, common problems.
BTW.....there are more than a few "guys" on these forums who don't know what a serpentine belt is or exactly where the transmission is, so don't worry about the woman thing.
Ron
mmmm im not sure havent done the drive yet since i just moved here in may, but im guessing its 3 hours?!
and that sounds like a great idea IF i can get a shop that will use the parts i get over the winter and just charge me for labor. im gonna wait on the transmission/differential. i really dont think she needs it.
oil change and the ticking is what is really bugging me. she has some hard miles on her moving twice in one year from WA to CA, and CA to WA again. so im prob just gonna do oil, and look at belts, and hopefully can get it figured out what the ticking is with the aircon.
thanks you guys!!!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
im signing up today with them to get some info, thank you.
the dealerships seem to want to charge alot more than some of the local shops and honestly, ive had some bad experiences with dealerships charging more and doing worse jobs.
i guess i would rather give my $ to a small shop and make friends, talk cars in case she needs to go back, than a dealership that wont remember me a few months down the line and im just another customer.
the dealerships seem to want to charge alot more than some of the local shops and honestly, ive had some bad experiences with dealerships charging more and doing worse jobs.
i guess i would rather give my $ to a small shop and make friends, talk cars in case she needs to go back, than a dealership that wont remember me a few months down the line and im just another customer.
As others have said, servicing the trans and diff is not a difficult job. Your quote from the dealer is high as others have noted, especially when compared to reputable independent repair shops. Dealers usually charge much more for labor (sometimes $20 to $30 per hour more
) and the materials are also much higher. There is nothing special about the fluids; Mobil-1 for engine oil, a good oil filter, Synthetic ATF for the trans, and a good synthetic 75W-90 gear oil and GM additive for the differential. Figure around $100-ish for parts.One thing you may also want to consider is a coolant system flush and re-fill. With 50K miles on the car, it's time for that if it hasn't been done. Expect some cold temps in the Tri-Cities over the winter and fresh coolant will be important.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
The members of 3 Rivers Corvette Club should be able to give you good recommendations for a local shop that will do work on your Z06. Also look around for a shop that is recommended by AAA. Go to the AAA website and you can search for shops in the Tri-Cities.
As others have said, servicing the trans and diff is not a difficult job. Your quote from the dealer is high as others have noted, especially when compared to reputable independent repair shops. Dealers usually charge much more for labor (sometimes $20 to $30 per hour more ) and the materials are also much higher. There is nothing special about the fluids; Mobil-1 for engine oil, a good oil filter, Synthetic ATF for the trans, and a good synthetic 75W-90 gear oil and GM additive for the differential. Figure around $100-ish for parts.
One thing you may also want to consider is a coolant system flush and re-fill. With 50K miles on the car, it's time for that if it hasn't been done. Expect some cold temps in the Tri-Cities over the winter and fresh coolant will be important.
As others have said, servicing the trans and diff is not a difficult job. Your quote from the dealer is high as others have noted, especially when compared to reputable independent repair shops. Dealers usually charge much more for labor (sometimes $20 to $30 per hour more
) and the materials are also much higher. There is nothing special about the fluids; Mobil-1 for engine oil, a good oil filter, Synthetic ATF for the trans, and a good synthetic 75W-90 gear oil and GM additive for the differential. Figure around $100-ish for parts.One thing you may also want to consider is a coolant system flush and re-fill. With 50K miles on the car, it's time for that if it hasn't been done. Expect some cold temps in the Tri-Cities over the winter and fresh coolant will be important.
thank you all tho for all the info, im youtubing the clicking sound this afternoon so u guys can hear it! im kinda leaning toward it being the compressor ...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,477
Likes: 10
From: Aurora OR
Another "girl" here with a 2002 Z06 with 83,000+ miles. Hubby and I belong to 2 Corvette Clubs. Both are just great!! We have tech days every few months and very informative. You really should join a club near you! Ours are our daily drivers (he has a 2007 with 73,000) and have a beat up truck we only use for gravel or when it snows.
Enjoy!!!!
Enjoy!!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oMrJ...ature=youtu.be
here is the youtube. its crappy though. my neighbor came out to listen to it as well. the aircon was already on so thats what it sounded like with the clicking sound. he said it might be the bearing by the pulley or the compressor. but if the aircon still puts out cold air, might not be compressor, just bad bearing. belts look good from what i could see.
here is the youtube. its crappy though. my neighbor came out to listen to it as well. the aircon was already on so thats what it sounded like with the clicking sound. he said it might be the bearing by the pulley or the compressor. but if the aircon still puts out cold air, might not be compressor, just bad bearing. belts look good from what i could see.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
Another "girl" here with a 2002 Z06 with 83,000+ miles. Hubby and I belong to 2 Corvette Clubs. Both are just great!! We have tech days every few months and very informative. You really should join a club near you! Ours are our daily drivers (he has a 2007 with 73,000) and have a beat up truck we only use for gravel or when it snows.
Enjoy!!!!
Enjoy!!!!
very very nice car you got there !!!!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver WA
The local club is a good idea. Usually they have a wrencher among the members who can help. The maintenance you are seeking is not time sensitive. You can wait until spring. Also, most of that work is very simple that any good mechanic can do (Chevy or not)
good luck
good luck
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
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From: Kennewick Washingon
i will have to get it done before next summer and its gonna b about $1200 if done by a shop. fml.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,855
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From: Sammamish WA
WA Events Coordinator
Also good time to flush the brake fluid. It should be done every few years but no one but racers seem to do that. But I highly recommend you get that done also with some quality DOT 4 Fluid.
Welcome to CF!
Welcome to CF!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 54
From: Chandler, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
Well, I think I may be the closed one to your location on this forum. Yakima Dealer Prices are...Oil change $69 (includes Mobil 1 oil & filter), Trans flush (auto) $180 (includes fluid) and manual is a lot less, Belt replacement is 1 hr labor at $90 + cost of belts. That should give you some comparisons to your shop in Tri-cities.