Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

[Walter F.]

I have been told early C4 bushing squeaks are normal sounds when going over dips or bumps in the road. ALL the bushing front and rear have been replaced on my 84 and it still squeaks on bumps. The roof also makes squeaking sounds on bumps in the road. Did these Corvettes have these issues when new ?

[Pete B.]

Re: Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

Suspension....No they did not.... If bushings were replaced with urethane bushings, yes they may (will) squeak.

The C4 particularly the pre 1990's, did have a lot of body rattles, even when new. Try lubing the top and door seals with silicone grease, it may help.
FYI, the more squeaks you fix the more you'll hear... been there done that... its not a fun rabbit hole to go down.
Pete

[Joe L.]

Re: Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

Walter and Pete-------


ALL Corvettes, not just early C4, are well-known for squeaks and rattles. Of course, some are worse than others but none are "exempt". Two types are the worst: (1) those that have been driven hard and abused, and (2) those that have undergone body-off restorations.

[Edward J.]

Re: Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

Walter, stabilizer bar bushings to frame were the most common, as stated above silicone grease will cure this. and this was not just Corvette its pretty much all GM with stabilizer bars. and seems to worsen with cold weather.

[Walter F.]

Re: Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

I have been told that any petroleum based lubricants will crack plastic or rubber based bushing, including polyurethane. Any truth in that ? I do not want that to happen.

[Michael W.]

Re: Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

Stabilizer bar bushings are not supposed to rotate with respect to the bar. If they do, replace them.

[Joe L.]

Re: Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

Stabilizer bar bushings are not supposed to rotate with respect to the bar. If they do, replace them.

Mike------


I agree. There should be absolutely no movement of the bar relative to the bushings and no movement of the bushings relative to their retainers.

[Joe L.]

Re: Early C4 bushing squeaks normal

I have been told that any petroleum based lubricants will crack plastic or rubber based bushing, including polyurethane. Any truth in that ? I do not want that to happen.

Walter-------


No petroleum-based lubricants should be used on any of the suspension rubber bushings/cushions. Not only will such lubricants damage the bushings/cushions, the lubricants won't do any good.

I recommend NEVER using polyurethane bushings or other suspension parts. As far as I know, GM has never used polyurethane suspension bushings or other parts, either once-upon-a-time or now. There's a message in that.