methylmarty

Hi, 2005 Vette here.

So I have been chasing this clunking sound in the front passenger area, first replacing my sway bar links, then my tie rod ends, and inspecting everything along the way. Then I think to use my stethoscope (every mechanic should have one of these, seriously) while manipulating the lower control arm with a jack.

I find that there is no longer a bushing between the leaf spring and the lower control arm.

Now I have searched for over an hour on some sort of pictures or description of how this bolt and bushing through the leaf spring work, to no avail. It does not appear to be attached to the control arm, and it looks like it should have a nut, but apparently it doesn't? Can anybody shed some light on how this works?

Or maybe just tell me where I can purchase new bushings without the entire leaf spring and give some direction on how to change it?

Thanks,
Marty

RicK T

I believe you are talking about the lowering, or ride height, bolts.

These:?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...t-warning.html

If yes, you can buy new stock bolts or after market versions but stock is probably what you want. You would need to remove the wheel and take the load off the spring to swap it. But first it's a good idea to soak the bolt with penetrating oil for at least 24 hours.

Here is some info that might help:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-not-cost.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-c6-video.html

methylmarty

You're the man. Thanks, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Now here's another question: it looks like I have to turn clockwise to remove the bolt through the bottom of the spring, since the bottom has the flat part for the bushing. So will jacking up the spring give enough room to remove the bolt completely, or do I have to remove the lower control arm to do that?

Also, I still cannot find a place that sells the stock bolt or just bushings. I don't want to lower the car, stock height is already too low for most of my driving, and my driveway, for that matter. Do you know of any place? Or if there is something in forum rules about listing vendors, can you PM me?

Thanks,
Marty

glenB

You can't buy stock bolts separately, they only come with the spring.

You might wanna call some venders that do suspension work and see if they have any adjusters laying around from a swap.

Zoxxo

The stock bolts are not sold separately. At least I have been unable to document how/where you can do so. No parts listing for the C6 has ever showed those bolts apart from the spring and I am unaware of anyone ever posting here that they acquired new stocks ones.

There are really no aftermarket bolts that are up to snuff. All have short lives in service. Often very short (my wife's lasted less that a week.) The only truly robust units are the Hardbar Delrin-head bolts that have zero cushioning value.

If, in fact, what he's describing is the "lowering bolt" (see illustration on this page: http://orders.partstaxi.com/parts/20...agramCallOut=5) then the best thing to do (IMO) is to pony up for a new stock spring (which comes with the correct bolts) and either simply replace the bolts in the current spring or replace the entire spring and refresh the ride a bit. Either way be sure to get the correct spring! Note on the above web page that there are several versions of part #5 listed (base, performance, soft ride, etc.)

Z//

RicK T

Yea, you'll have to disassemble some suspension to get them out. Here's a pretty good step-by-step:

http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_07.../photo_16.html


As for new stock parts, try our vendors:

partstaxi.com and gmpartshouse.com.

RicK T

Hmmm, hadn't heard that before. Good to know but hope it isn't fact. Seems strange they wouldn't be serviced but.......

Thanks for the info.

glenB

Dat's da facts, Jack

99NassauVette

I would check Corvette Recyclers out of Utah. I bet you can get the bolts and/or springs for fairly cheap.

Thanks!

methylmarty

Thanks to everyone for all the help! I now understand the function of this part and how to replace it. I've placed a WTB ad for a set in the FS/WTB forum, and I have a few vendors searching their stock for some. If anyone has a set that they would like to sell, please let me know.

Thanks,
Marty