2003 Front Spring Question

[George C.]

I have a 2003 convertible with 74K miles. This is my daily driver, and I admit to driving it and enjoying it every chance I get.
I felt like I was losing ground clearance, so I looked at the front end a few days ago. The front spring has a negative arch, and I don't recall noticing that before. I haven't done any measuring yet, but need to check the actual ground clearance.
I am hoping someone could tell me if the negative arch is normal, or if I have a prematurely failing spring.
I am also headed to the NTSB Site to look for a recall or safety notice on this.

Thanks in advance,
George

[Joe L.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

I have a 2003 convertible with 74K miles. This is my daily driver, and I admit to driving it and enjoying it every chance I get.
I felt like I was losing ground clearance, so I looked at the front end a few days ago. The front spring has a negative arch, and I don't recall noticing that before. I haven't done any measuring yet, but need to check the actual ground clearance.
I am hoping someone could tell me if the negative arch is normal, or if I have a prematurely failing spring.
I am also headed to the NTSB Site to look for a recall or safety notice on this.

Thanks in advance,
George

George ------


A VERY SLIGHT negative arch is normal. So, it depends upon just how much of a negative arch you are talking about.

[Tom H.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

George:

Here is a bulletin I found.


#PIC5335: Composite Transverse Spring Damage - (Mar 4, 2010)

Subject:Composite Transverse Spring Damage

Models:1997-2011 Chevrolet Corvette
2004-2009 Cadillac XLR

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
<A href="#ss1-2411840">Condition/Concern:

Front and or rear composite springs cracked and or broken on the same vehicle with no "obvious" reason for the repeat occurrence.
<A href="#ss2-2411840">Recommendation/Instructions:

It is important that the Transverse Spring Replacement Procedure is being closely followed and the related special tools: J33432-A & J42188 are being used. Refer to the appropriate Service Information document(s) to confirm the correct service procedure(s) are being followed when servicing this spring.
If the damage is not installation induced, chemical corrosion could be the cause. Engineering has found that two chemicals, Phosphoric acid and Hydrofluoric acid, are attacking the fiberglass/composite spring material. The acids are often found in engine compartment cleaners, wheel cleaners, and underbody cleaners. They are also used by many Touchless Car Washes as part of a buffered cleaning solution. If the concentration is not correct, vehicle damage can result.
Corvette Owners Manuals contain information such as "NOTICE: If you use acidic or corrosive cleaning products, engine degreasers or aluminum cleaning agents on fiberglass springs, you may damage the springs."
Bulletin 00-08-48-005 addresses the harmful effects of Hydrofluoric Acid as it relates to vehicle glass & how to determine if a vehicle has suffered excessive / repeated exposure. Such exposure can also have a negative effect on the fiberglass springs.
This info is to supply the dealer with information to be used by the dealer to counsel the customer.
This IS NOT to make any recommendation on whether or not to replace a spring under warranty or goodwill. The GM Fixed Operation Manager should be consulted by the dealer with regard to this area.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

Joe,
Thanks for the response, I will put the car up this weekend and measure just how much negative arch I have.

Tom,
Thank you for finding that notice, but I am hoping that is not the issue. I have never had to use any degreaser or even chemical cleaners on the car. The car also has only seen a commercial car wash about 6 times since new, so I am thinking that is not the problem.

I will take some measurements and post back with the results.

Thank you again,
George

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

Well, it seems measuring the negative arch in my spring is not as easy as I thought it would be.
So, I have taken a few photos and attached them. Please take a look an let me know what you think.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/gkcooper/IMG_0859.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/gkcooper/IMG_0857.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/gkcooper/IMG_0857.jpg

I am also going to look in the archives and see if I can find numbers for ground clearance, but it sure seems I am hitting more of those damn parking lot speed bumps.
Thanks in advance,
George

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

I am bumping this thread to the top, becasue I have no response since I added the pics.
Is anyone able to tell me if this seems like excessive negative arch?

Thank you,
George

[Joe L.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

I am bumping this thread to the top, becasue I have no response since I added the pics.
Is anyone able to tell me if this seems like excessive negative arch?

Thank you,
George

George-----


My familiarity with C5 springs is very limited. However, it appears to me that the negative "arch" seen in this spring is a "designed in" feature. Hopefully, someone else with a C5 will be able to say if the configuration is the same as their car.

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

Joe,
Thank you. I measured the clearance I have at the front air dam, easiest place to measure. Clearance on the air dam is about 3 1/8 inches, seems a little low to me.
I am still looking for an "offical" specification so I can do an accurate measurement. I checked the archives last night and didn't find anything. Hmm, I always find lot's of answers when I have questions about my 65.

Thanks again,
George

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

I just found some ground clearance specs for my car. It is documented at 3.7 inches. Mine is measuring 3 1/8, so it appears it is sagging a little more than half an inch.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem? I really hate the scrapping of the air dam when entering driveways. It even happens in some gas stations or stores in rural areas.
I think a trip to the dealer is in order, so I am looking for any input from others who may have this issue.

Thank you,
George

[Clem Z.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

I just found some ground clearance specs for my car. It is documented at 3.7 inches. Mine is measuring 3 1/8, so it appears it is sagging a little more than half an inch.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem? I really hate the scrapping of the air dam when entering driveways. It even happens in some gas stations or stores in rural areas.
I think a trip to the dealer is in order, so I am looking for any input from others who may have this issue.

Thank you,
George

you can lower the newer corvettes by playing with the bolt at the end of the spring. most owners lower them so i would guess you can also raise them the same way. i remember raising the back ends of mid years to install race slicks by using a spacer on the springs end bolt.

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

Clem,
All right, just the kind of information I was looking for!!
I don't have all the assembly and service manuals for the 03 that I have for the 65. I was guessing that adjustment was for alignment, Now do I run out to the garage and start cranking away or do I just take it to the shop and tell them to raise the ride height about 1/2 an inch and realign the car??
I guess I'll take the, do more research path, at least for another day or two.

Thanks Clem for your help,
George

[Clem Z.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

Clem,
All right, just the kind of information I was looking for!!
I don't have all the assembly and service manuals for the 03 that I have for the 65. I was guessing that adjustment was for alignment, Now do I run out to the garage and start cranking away or do I just take it to the shop and tell them to raise the ride height about 1/2 an inch and realign the car??
I guess I'll take the, do more research path, at least for another day or two.

Thanks Clem for your help,
George

i have never done this and if you can stand the flack you will get for "raising" your corvette the "corvette forum.com" will have a answer.

[Ray C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

I have a 2003 convertible with 74K miles. This is my daily driver, and I admit to driving it and enjoying it every chance I get.
I felt like I was losing ground clearance, so I looked at the front end a few days ago. The front spring has a negative arch, and I don't recall noticing that before. I haven't done any measuring yet, but need to check the actual ground clearance.
I am hoping someone could tell me if the negative arch is normal, or if I have a prematurely failing spring.
I am also headed to the NTSB Site to look for a recall or safety notice on this.

Thanks in advance,
George

I had a total front spring failure at 16,000 miles on my 2003 ZO6. Check the spring for minor or major stress cracks. I was told by an engineer from the spring manufacture that the acid in wheel/aluminum cleaner will cause this type of failure. I am the third owner of the ZO6 and the aluminum chassis-suspension parts looked brand new when I purchased the Z. I wonder if the previous owner had cleaned the underbody with this acid base cleaner. I check the front and rear spring every time I change oil.

Ray

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

Clem,
Thank you again. I can take the flack, I think it is better than tearing the air dams off the car.
I measured again, and I actually have right at 3 inches on the right side and about 3 1/8 on the left side.
I will jump on the CF and see what I can find out.
Thanks,
George

[George C.]

Re: 2003 Front Spring Question

Ray,
Hi, Tom also posted about that, and provided a bulletin regarding cleaning acids and composite springs. A little scarey for us all.
I hope your spring failure happend in the garage!! I will look at it some more and see if I find any cracks.
I did buy the car new and rarely use wheel cleaners. Mine is the anniversary edition with painted wheels, so pretty much just soap & water and wax.
Thank you for your response,
George