Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Suspension Front All sections

Suspension General Diagnosis Chevrolet Corvette C6

Suspension Front 2 illustrations ~1516 words

Trim Height Specifications

RPOService PreferredTolerance
MetricEnglish
Z Trim Height
FE1 (Base)48 mm (1.80in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE2 (W/RPO F55)48 mm (1.80in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE3 (W/RPO F51)47 mm (1.85 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE4 (W/RPO Z06)43 mm (1.70 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE5 (W/RPO SSC)43 mm (1.70 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
D Trim Height
FE1 (Base)115 mm (4.50 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE2 (W/RPO F55)115 mm (4.50 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE3 (W/RPO F51)114 mm (4.50 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE4 (W/RPO Z06)102 mm (4.00 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in
FE5 (W/RPO SSC)102 mm (4.00 in)±6.4 mm±.25 in

Begin the system diagnosis by reviewing the system Description and Operation. Reviewing the Description and Operation information will help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the Description and Operation information, and the vehicle RPO, will also help you determine if the condition described by the customer is normal operation. Refer to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis in order to identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.

IMPORTANTThe following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables.
  1. Determine whether the vehicle is equipped with an electrically assisted or active suspension system. Perform electrical diagnosis prior to beginning mechanical diagnosis. Refer to the following list in order to diagnose the system: «Diagnostic Starting Point - Tire Pressure Monitoring»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/warning-system/#tire-pressure-monitoring-system__diagnostic-starting-point-tire-pressure) «Diagnostic Starting Point - Electronic Suspension Control»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-real-time-damping-control__diagnostic-starting-point-electronic-suspension)
  2. Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the appropriate description and operation: «Front Suspension Description and Operation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__front-suspension-description-and-operation) «Rear Suspension Description and Operation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__rear-suspension-description-and-operation) «General Description»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__general-description)

Visual/Physical Inspection

  1. Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of any of the suspension subsystems.
  2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
  3. Inspect for proper tire size and inflation pressure. Refer to «Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom

  1. «Ride Diagnosis»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__ride-diagnosis)
  2. «Vehicle Leads/Pulls»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__vehicle-leadspulls)
  3. «Body Leans or Sways in Corners»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__body-leans-or-sways-in-corners)
  4. «Suspension Bottoms»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__suspension-bottoms)
  5. «Memory Steer»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__memory-steer)
  6. «Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-front-suspension)
  7. «Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-rear-suspension)
  8. «Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__suspension-strut-and-shock-absorber-testing)
  9. «Wheel Bearings Diagnosis»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__wheel-bearings-diagnosis)
  10. «Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__radial-tire-leadpull-correction)

Ride Diagnosis

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2IMPORTANT: Verify the vehicle suspension package RPO. Verify that the ride is too soft or too hard.Does the vehicle ride normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Check the tire inflation and adjust to specifications. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Did you adjust the tire pressure?Go to Step 6Go to Step 4
4Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 6Go to Step 5
5Inspect the following suspension components for wear or damage: Shock Absorbers-Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Springs Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 6
6Drive the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3
IMPORTANT
Verify the vehicle suspension package RPO.

Vehicle Leads/Pulls

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount of effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle straight path.
1Did you review the General Description and perform the visual/physical inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Road test the vehicle in order to verify the complaint. Does the vehicle operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect the tire/wheel assemblies for: Correct tire pressure-Refer to the tire placard. Correct tire size-Refer to the tire placard. Abnormal tire wear or damage Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 9Go to Step 4
4Perform the Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 9Go to Step 5
5Inspect and correct/adjust the suspension and steering systems for: Vehicle trim height-Refer to Trim Height Specifications . Excessively worn, loose, or damaged components Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 9Go to Step 6
6Inspect the brake system for brake drag. With the vehicle suspended on a hoist, brake drag can be identified by rotating each wheel several times and observing whether more force is needed to rotate the left wheel or the right wheel. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Disc Brakes . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 9Go to Step 7
7Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement . Did you correct the condition?Go to Step 9Go to Step 8
8Inspect the steering gear for unequal effort. The vehicle must be suspended on a hoist, the engine running, and the transmission in park or neutral. Grasp the tire assembly and manually simulate a turn from the left of center and the right of center observing whether more force is needed to turn to the left or to the right. If this condition exists, replace the steering gear. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3
9Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Body Leans or Sways in Corners

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Verify the vehicle leans or sways in corners. Does the vehicle operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect the following components for wear or damage: Rear Coil Springs Front Coil Springs Are the components worn or damaged?Go to Step 5Go to Step 4
4Inspect the stabilizer shaft link for wear or damage. Repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 6Go to Step 2
5Replace the springs as necessary. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 6
6Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Suspension Bottoms

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: A loud bang or thump that can usually be felt and/or heard when the vehicle is driven over bumps. This condition is commonly noticed when the vehicle trim height is too low.
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Verify that the suspension bottoms. Does the vehicle operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Inspect for vehicle overloading and correct the overloading condition as necessary. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label for specifications. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 6Go to Step 4
4Inspect the following components: Inspect the shock absorbers. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Inspect for damaged coil springs, torsion bar or leaf springs and replace as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 6Go to Step 5
5Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . Did you complete the trim height inspection procedure?Go to Step 6
6Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Memory Steer

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: The steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn.
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Verify that memory steer is present. Does the system operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Ensure that all of the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Has the inspection/adjustment been performed?Go to Step 4
4Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?Go to Step 5System OK
5Check for proper wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement . Adjust as necessary. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle still exhibit memory steer?Go to Step 6System OK
6Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Disconnect both of the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Use your hands in order to move the tie rod ends. Are either of the tie rod ends abnormally difficult to move?Go to Step 7Go to Step 8
7Replace the outer tie rod end(s) as necessary. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
8Remove the tire/wheel. Disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Use your hands to rotate the ball joint stud. Is the ball joint abnormally difficult to rotate?Go to Step 9Go to Step 10
9Replace the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
10Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?Go to Step 11Go to Step 14
11Disconnect the intermediate shaft. IMPORTANT: Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution. Note the position of the steering wheel and rotate the steering wheel ONE revolution in either direction. Rotate the steering wheel back to the original position as previously noted. Was the steering wheel abnormally difficult to rotate in either direction?Go to Step 12Go to Step 13
12Repair the steering gear as necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
13Repair the steering column as necessary. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
14Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3
IMPORTANT
Do NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution.

Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the front of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the front suspension.
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Attempt to duplicate the condition. Road test the vehicle. Did you duplicate the condition?Go to Step 3System OK
3Is the noise reactive to vehicle load or speed?Go to Step 4Go to Step 6
4Inspect the tires for the following condition: Proper tire inflation and adjust as necessary-Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Unusual tire wear-Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel . Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness and tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 5
5Inspect the front wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 6
6Bounce the front of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise. Did you duplicate the noise?Go to Step 7Go to Step 8
7Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Inspect the front suspension components for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Inspect the front suspension components for damage and repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition?Step 13Step 8
8Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent. Bounce the front of the vehicle, using the J 39570 , or equivalent, in order to locate the source of the noise. If necessary, road test the vehicle. Repair or replace any damaged components as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 9
9Inspect the ball joints and steering components for the following conditions. Lack of lubrication where applicable Looseness in the ball joints-Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . Looseness in the steering linkage-Refer to Looseness in Steering Column . Looseness in the tie rods-Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement or Rack and Pinion Inner Tie Rod Replacement . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 10
10Inspect for damaged shock absorbers. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 11
11Inspect the front stabilizer shaft and stabilizer shaft links for damage and repair as necessary. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement or Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13Go to Step 12
12Inspect for control arm damage and repair as necessary. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Upper Control Arm Replacement . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 13
13Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension

Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension

StepActionYesNo
DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the rear suspension.
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Attempt to duplicate the condition. Road test the vehicle. Did you duplicate the condition?Go to Step 3System OK
3Is the noise reactive to vehicle load or speed?Go to Step 4Go to Step 6
4Perform the following inspections: Inspect and adjust the tire inflation. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Inspect for unusual tire wear. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel . Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 5
5Inspect the rear wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 6
6Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise. Did you duplicate the noise?Go to Step 7Go to Step 9
7Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Inspect the rear suspension components for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Inspect the rear suspension components for damage and repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 8
8Inspect the rear shock absorber. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10Go to Step 9
9Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent. Bounce the rear of the vehicle, using the J 39570 or equivalent, in order to locate the source of the noise. If necessary, road test the vehicle. Repair or replace any defective component as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 10System OK
10Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Special Tools

J 8001 Dial Indicator

Upper Ball Joint Inspection

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Knuckle Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  3. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.
  4. Install J 8001 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.
  5. Apply downward force to the upper control arm and zero the indicator.
  6. Apply upward force to the upper control arm and check the dial indicator.
  7. If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.12 mm (0.005 in), replace the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Knuckle Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Lower Ball Joint Inspection

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  3. Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.
  4. Install J 8001 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vertical lash in the ball joint.
  5. Gently lift or pry the suspension to induce ball joint movement.
  6. If the dial indicator reading is more than 0.5 mm (0.020 in), replace the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle

StepActionYesNo
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Step 2Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Verify that the malfunction is present. Does the vehicle operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3IMPORTANT: A light film of oil on the top portion of the reservoir is normal. Inspect each strut or shock absorber for external fluid leakage.Is the strut or shock absorber leaking?Go to Step 7Go to Step 4
4Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Specifications . Is the vehicle trim height correct?Go to Step 5Go to Step 6
5Use your hands in order to lift up and push down each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. Does the vehicle stop bouncing after 2 cycles?Go to Step 8Go to Step 7
6Replace the front spring or the rear spring. Refer to the appropriate procedure: Front Transverse Spring Replacement Rear Transverse Spring Replacement Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 8
7Replace the strut or shock absorber. Refer to the appropriate procedure: Shock Absorber Replacement (With F55) or Shock Absorber Replacement (w/o F55) Shock Absorber Replacement Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 8
8Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3
IMPORTANT
A light film of oil on the top portion of the reservoir is normal.

Wheel Bearings Diagnosis

StepActionValuesYesNo
1Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
3Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Inspect for tire or wheel damage. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - On-Vehicle . Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 7Go to Step 4
4Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear. Road test the vehicle to verify the location of the wheel bearing noise. Did you locate the source of the wheel bearing noise?Go to Step 6Go to Step 5
5IMPORTANT: Support the vehicle by the lower control arms or the rear axle to prevent movement during wheel bearing/hub inspection. Mount and secure the J 8001 Dial Indicator. Ensure that the dial indicator contacts the vertical surface of the wheel as close as possible to the top wheel stud. Push and pull on the top of the tire in order to inspect the total travel indicated by the dial indicator. Is the measurement greater then the specified value?0.27 mm (0.005 in)Go to Step 6System OK
6Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement or Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement . Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 7
7Road test the vehicle to verify the repair. Does the vehicle operate normally?System OKGo to Step 3
IMPORTANT
Support the vehicle by the lower control arms or the rear axle to prevent movement during wheel bearing/hub inspection.

Tools Required

  1. J 42743 Trim Height Adjustment Tool
  2. J 42854 Trim Height Measurement Gage

Trim Height Measurements

IMPORTANTCheck the vehicle trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking wheel alignment.

Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems.

Trim Height Measurement Preliminary Procedure

Perform the following before measuring the trim heights

  1. Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification label. Refer to «Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank. If additional weight is added, distribute the weight at the rear of the seat cushions or the front of the rear compartment.
  3. Make sure the rear compartment is empty of cargo.
  4. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.
  5. Close the doors.
  6. Close the hood.
  7. Secure the convertible top or removable roof panel, if equipped, in the fully closed position.
  8. All dimensions are measured vertical to the ground. Z and D trim heights should be within 6.4 mm (0.25 in) of nominal to be considered correct.

Z Height Measurement

IMPORTANTThe Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle.
  1. Lift the front bumper of the vehicle up about 38 mm (1.5 in) then allow the vehicle to settle.
  2. Repeat this operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
  3. Use the J 42854 to measure the distance between the lowest point of the ball joint (2) and the center of the front side of the lower control arm forward mounting bolt (1). Measure both sides of the vehicle.
  4. Push the front bumper of the vehicle down about 38 mm (1.5 in) then allow the vehicle to rise.
  5. Repeat this operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
  6. Use the J 42854 again to measure the distance between the lowest point of the ball joint (2) and the center of the front side of the lower control arm forward mounting bolt (1). Measure both sides of the vehicle.
  7. The true Z height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .

Z Height Adjustment

IMPORTANTThe Z trim height should be the same for the left and right side of the vehicle. The Z trim height requires adjustment if one of the following criteria is met: The measurement from either side of the vehicle is out of specification. The measurements fall within specifications, but the right and left sides are not equal.
  1. Use J 42743 (1) to relieve tension from the spring adjuster; then adjust the Z trim height by turning the spring adjuster bolt.
  2. Measure from the tip of the front spring adjuster to the top side of the spring.
  3. Adjust the front adjuster bolt height if necessary to obtain a height (a) of 24 mm (0.945 in) nominal; Do Not exceed nominal by more than ± 5 mm (0.20 in).
  4. Lower the transverse spring back onto the lower control arm and remove the J 42743 .
  5. Repeat the Z height measurement procedure.

D Height Measurement

The D height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the rear end of the vehicle.

  1. Lift the rear bumper of the vehicle up about 38 mm (1.5 in) then allow the vehicle to settle.
  2. Repeat this operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
  3. Use the J 42854 to measure the distance between the lowest point of the ball joint (2) and the center of the front side of the lower control arm forward mounting bolt (1). Measure both sides of the vehicle.
  4. Push the rear bumper of the vehicle down about 38 mm (1.5 in) then allow the vehicle to rise.
  5. Repeat this operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
  6. Use the J 42854 again to measure the distance between the lowest point of the ball joint (2) and the center of the front side of the lower control arm forward mounting bolt (1). Measure both sides of the vehicle.
  7. The true D height dimension number is the average of the high and low measurements. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .

D Height Adjustment

IMPORTANTThe D trim height should be the same for the left and right side of the vehicle. The D trim height requires adjustment if one of the following criteria is met: The measurement from either side of the vehicle is out of specification. The measurements fall within specifications, but the right and left sides are not equal.
  1. Use the J 42743 (1) to relieve the tension from the spring adjuster; then adjust the D trim height by turning the spring adjuster bolt.
  2. Measure from the tip of the rear spring adjuster to the top side of the spring.
  3. Adjust the rear spring adjuster bolt height if necessary to obtain a height (a) of 24 mm (0.945 in) nominal; Do Not exceed nominal by more than ± 5 mm (0.20 in).
  4. Lower the transverse spring back onto the lower control arm and remove the J 42743 .
  5. Repeat the D height measurement procedure.

Illustration Tool Number/Description J 39570 Chassis Ears J 42743 Trim Height Adjuster J 42854 Trim Height Gage J 8001 Dial Indicator Set

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Special Tools

Scheme 6

Scheme 6

See also:
Diagnostic Starting Point - Tire Pressure Monitoring
Diagnostic Starting Point - Electronic Suspension Control
Front Suspension Description and Operation
Rear Suspension Description and Operation
General Description
Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label
Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction
Diagnostic Starting Point - Disc Brakes
Wheel Alignment Measurement
Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement
Lower Control Arm Replacement
Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel
Fastener Tightening Specifications
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
Fastener Tightening Specifications
Looseness in Steering Column
Fastener Tightening Specifications
Rear Transverse Spring Replacement
Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - On-Vehicle
Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
Ride Diagnosis
Vehicle Leads/Pulls
Body Leans or Sways in Corners
Suspension Bottoms
Memory Steer
Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension
Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension
Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle
Wheel Bearings Diagnosis
Trim Height Specifications