Noises from the front

[CadillacSam]

Hi there.

Read a lot about poping and creaking noises here on this board.
Have some noises from the front end, driving is a little wiggly.
So I've been to a garage (not gm) telling them about it and they said my
lower control arms are worn out. So I bought new ones (here in Germany only
found Mevotech, but that's another thing).

When I read the service manual it tells me to remove transverse spring,
but I wanted to ask you first if it is really necessary?!
I think mechanics here in Germany don't know much about transverse springs
and I don't want to crack them.

Maybe someone can help or tell me if I missed the right thread here for this.

Thanks.

Sammy

 

[gary1227]

same problem

I have the same problem i have been told that it is probably bushings. A bushing kit is not expensive but dont know where to get it done.

Also had my headlight lens start to peal off today... HELP

Gary1227

 

[ccclarke]

Hi there.

Read a lot about poping and creaking noises here on this board.
Have some noises from the front end, driving is a little wiggly.
So I've been to a garage (not gm) telling them about it and they said my
lower control arms are worn out. So I bought new ones (here in Germany only
found Mevotech, but that's another thing).

When I read the service manual it tells me to remove transverse spring,
but I wanted to ask you first if it is really necessary?!
I think mechanics here in Germany don't know much about transverse springs
and I don't want to crack them.

Maybe someone can help or tell me if I missed the right thread here for this.

Thanks.

Sammy

It's in GM's best interest to not add steps to procedures that aren't absolutely necessary. Time is money and removing/installing components often carries a risk of damage (especially with composite transverse springs.)

The front wheels are removed, followed by the transverse spring, front shocks, and front stabilizer bar links. Two special tools are required as you're probably aware. Any shop that works on C5 corvettes should be familiar with transverse spring removal.

CC

 

[ccclarke]

I have the same problem i have been told that it is probably bushings. A bushing kit is not expensive but dont know where to get it done.

Also had my headlight lens start to peal off today... HELP

Gary1227

Your local GM dealer should be able to help you get the bushings replaced.

For your headlight issue, you probably need to replace the grey butyl rubber seal that secures the clear bezel to the lamp housing. More info on how to do it here: https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/custom/upload/RetroRubber.pdf

If interested, contact them to verify the rope diameter is compatible with the XLR's headlight.

DON'T USE RTV! Stick with what the OEM built it with for best results.

CC

 

[CadillacSam]

It's in GM's best interest to not add steps to procedures that aren't absolutely necessary. Time is money and removing/installing components often carries a risk of damage (especially with composite transverse springs.)

The front wheels are removed, followed by the transverse spring, front shocks, and front stabilizer bar links. Two special tools are required as you're probably aware. Any shop that works on C5 corvettes should be familiar with transverse spring removal.

CC

No shops familiar with XLR or Corvettes in my area. So no shops having the special tools. What other way?

 

[ccclarke]

You are in a bad situation. With few viable options, it would appear a road trip is in your future to the nearest European GM service center if you want this problem fixed.

 

[CadillacSam]

You are in a bad situation. With few viable options, it would appear a road trip is in your future to the nearest European GM service center if you want this problem fixed.

My experience with all Cadillacs I had in my life tells me there's always an alternate way to do the job. ;-)
Think I found a post on a Corvette board, doin' it without special tools. Will check that first...

 

[ccclarke]

You are correct; one can always improvise. Without knowing your skill level and abilities, I always advise the most simplistic options.

GM special tools are often available on eBay. The Spring compressor might be tough to find though. In that case, I would fab my own.

CC

 

[gary1227]

Your local GM dealer should be able to help you get the bushings replaced.

For your headlight issue, you probably need to replace the grey butyl rubber seal that secures the clear bezel to the lamp housing. More info on how to do it here: https://www.theretrofitsource.com/media/custom/upload/RetroRubber.pdf

If interested, contact them to verify the rope diameter is compatible with the XLR's headlight.

DON'T USE RTV! Stick with what the OEM built it with for best results.

CC

Thank you very much. you were a big help

 

[xlrlist01]

My experience with all Cadillacs I had in my life tells me there's always an alternate way to do the job. ;-)
Think I found a post on a Corvette board, doin' it without special tools. Will check that first...

Let me support what CC said, you NEED the correct special tool for that transverse spring, do not attempt the job without the correct tool. There is a lot of energy in the spring and you have to pull it off the suspension. There must be Corvette specialists in Germany surely?

 

[CadillacSam]

Already done without. Thanks a lot for all the support.