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I just bought a 2005 C6 with 32,000 miles with a manual in great shape. Now I find out that the wheels are the wrong size, the rear end is growling when turning right, and I just got the Service Colum Lock message today. I have new wheels on order, have an appointment to get the rear end diff fluid changed and now the column lock message. Did I make a mistake? I hope not, since I've always wanted one of these.
Its just normal stuff, especially the column lock on 2005, dont forget to check both rear axle nuts and if they are loose you need to order new ones and use locktite and torque to either 140/150 lbs the specs has changed. My 2006 and 2008 both made a rear end noise when making right turns & the new alxe nuts solved my problems.
Last edited by leebay; 08-26-2021 at 02:50 PM.
Reason: Add to post
Did you catch a good deal? If yes, take it to the dealer and have an inspection done with the money saved. Also change all the fluids, brakes and battery. No need to jump...its only a toy. Then you can relax and enjoy.
I'll mention the axle nuts when I drop it off at the dealer on Monday morning. I think I got a reasonable deal. It has a new battery and an oil change when I bought it. Thanks for the input.
Column lock is a common issue. Relatively easy fix with an available electronic device. Go to Tick Performance Inc (can also be found on e-bay) and find "column lock bypass kit for 2005 C6". You'll need to follow the directions and it requires removal of the instrument cluster to install it. It's not difficult. Fools the computer into thinking the lock mechanism is working properly while it's actually permanently in the unlocked mode. My problem showed up when the car refused to start and got the message check column lock. Had to disconnect the battery which reset everything then it would start. Also, if this is your first Vette remember you'll need to index the windows anytime the battery is disconnected. Easy to do. There are several little issues with these cars but you can almost always find the answer and a fix on this site. Search for threads or post a new one with the issue. You'll also want to get rid of the "shift to 4th" problem if it hasn't already been done. This is where if you're accelerating rather slowly in first it want's you to skip to 4th and won't allow you to shift into 2nd or 3rd. Don't know why the factory did this but it's a pain in the butt. Again, there's a very simple little device to defeat this problem. It also fools the computer and prevents the lock out. It installs at the transmission in about 10 minutes. You'll still get the message on the dash but you can shift to any gear you want. Has your radio (head unit) been changed out? If not and if you don't have the NAV radio you might want to consider doing that too which will allow you to install a rear view camera and incorporate Apple Carplay so you'll have hands off phone and the ability to transfer the navigation on your phone to the screen on the new head unit. Lots of threads on this issue on the site. Welcome to Corvette ownership, don't get bummed out, they're a blast to drive and own. PS...if changing the rear fluid doesn't help your noise, and it's only when turning, you may have a wheel bearing going out. If you can get it diagnosed it's also a relatively easy fix that a competent do-it-yourselfer can do.
You'll be ok. Like others mentioned, the turning noise is most likely the rear axle nuts. They are a one time use, so when they get loose you are suppose to change them. You could try to tighten the ones you have as a temporary fix and see if that solves the noise issue. The column lock is a 2005 model year issue. You can purchase a bypass or have the dealer program it out. Did you purchase a lemon...... no, just a few small things to iron out and you should be good to go.
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23
Oldtimer
There are always little burps when buying your first Vette, I bought my 07 last year and I did notice a wobble in the harmonic balancer, got great advice here and had in done by the end of November. You have to expect a little something from a 15 year old machine, great people here and they will help you through the process !
If that's all that's happened to you, then that is not bad at all. Just bought my used C6 few months ago and had the typical bad harmonic balancer, differential noise, broken radiator support, wheels, stuck in park, and now there's a grinding noise from the rear that maybe the known Torque Tube coupler issue. But I love the car and gotten all of it repaired.
The "growling" or graveling from the rear end may be if a PO raced it, or it just may be because that's the way it sounds.
It was a recall early on, and many of us got the rear diff replaced, and then found out it just sounds like that, anyway. It turns out if you don't race it, it's no problem. It may need a fluid change, however. that does seem to help the noise.
Sorry, got to go with buckmeister2 on this one.....no need to jack up the car or remove any wheels. Just pop off the center cap exposing the nut. 33 mm socket, remove the existing nuts, put new ones on using blue (NOT red) locktite, torque to 140lb....done. If you like put the old nuts back on too as a lock nut.
Sorry, got to go with buckmeister2 on this one.....no need to jack up the car or remove any wheels. Just pop off the center cap exposing the nut. 33 mm socket, remove the existing nuts, put new ones on using blue (NOT red) locktite, torque to 140lb....done. If you like put the old nuts back on too as a lock nut.
Welp, I had a major brain fart. I was thinking the wheels had hub covers and the wheels needed to come off to access the nuts. Hey, I just had the wheels off my Colorado so it was a logical mistake. Really. Dammitall, I hate it when I am wrong...
Re diff chatter: I would drive slowly in tight circles both left & right. That may solve your problem.
There was a differential fluid upgrade in 2008 - the new fluid does not require any adding of friction modifiers.
TSB # 07-04-20-002A, Dexron LS Gear Oil 75W-90, P/N 88862624 (Canadian P/N 88862625).
Probably not a bad idea to change the fluid to ensure you have the new stuff. Then I would drive those tight circles to ensure the new stuff is coating the clutches.
These are great and fun cars. Slowly work your way through your list of problem - it will be worth it in the end.
Re diff chatter: I would drive slowly in tight circles both left & right. That may solve your problem.
There was a differential fluid upgrade in 2008 - the new fluid does not require any adding of friction modifiers.
TSB # 07-04-20-002A, Dexron LS Gear Oil 75W-90, P/N 88862624 (Canadian P/N 88862625).
Probably not a bad idea to change the fluid to ensure you have the new stuff. Then I would drive those tight circles to ensure the new stuff is coating the clutches.
These are great and fun cars. Slowly work your way through your list of problem - it will be worth it in the end.
M...
with Mike Green9
FWIW - I changed to a "top of the line" fluid for limited slip differentials. About 50 miles later growling first on one side then both. I switched to ACDelco and a few tight circles in both directions and the noise was gone and has stayed away.
BTW -- I have a 2005 Z51 MN6. Awesome car and it can get a bit cantankerous, but don't forget it's 16 years old. Compared to most cars of that age my '05 is incredible.
The previous owner installed a set of Cray wheels 19 x 9 in back and 18 x 9 in front. I was told it has something to do with the backspacing. They look great but the back tires rub coming off bridges, etc. I was told they will fit a wide body. Decided to replace them with correct size C7 Z06 wheels. Also just received my new Sony head unit.
The previous owner installed a set of Cray wheels 19 x 9 in back and 18 x 9 in front. I was told it has something to do with the backspacing. They look great but the back tires rub coming off bridges, etc. I was told they will fit a wide body. Decided to replace them with correct size C7 Z06 wheels. Also just received my new Sony head unit.
The previous owner installed a set of Cray wheels 19 x 9 in back and 18 x 9 in front. I was told it has something to do with the backspacing. They look great but the back tires rub coming off bridges, etc. I was told they will fit a wide body. Decided to replace them with correct size C7 Z06 wheels. Also just received my new Sony head unit.
Really appreciate all the input from everyone.
Those are not widebody sizes. It could be the tires that are causing the rubbing.
08-26-2021, 02:07 PM
Did I Buy a Lemon?
I was thinking the wheels had hub covers and the wheels needed to come off to access the nuts. Hey, I just had the wheels off my Colorado so it was a logical mistake. Really. Dammitall, I hate it when I am wrong...
with Mike Green9 
