2020 Corvette Steering Resistance: Diagnose and Repair

How to Fix Steering Resistance Issues in Your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

This guide addresses steering resistance problems that some 2020 Chevrolet Corvette owners have encountered, sometimes described as a "pocket" issue due to the feeling of something resisting the steering. Steering issues in your vehicle can range from feeling loose to experiencing significant resistance. This article will guide you through diagnosing and resolving this issue, drawing on the experiences of other owners. As one owner described their initial experience: "My first test run it was super loose like a luxury car, next day it was back to normal perfect. Today about half way through my neighborhood it would have a lot of resistance like no power at all."

Symptoms

The symptoms of this steering resistance issue in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette can manifest in several ways. The most common symptom is a noticeable increase in the effort required to turn the steering wheel, especially at certain points in the turning radius. This resistance can feel inconsistent, appearing and disappearing without a clear pattern, making it difficult to predict when it will occur. Some owners have described it as feeling like the power steering assist is intermittently cutting out.

Another symptom reported by owners is a feeling of looseness or play in the steering wheel before the resistance kicks in. This can lead to a vague or disconnected feeling from the road, making it challenging to maintain a straight course, especially at higher speeds. The combination of looseness and resistance can be particularly disconcerting and can affect your confidence while driving the vehicle.

In some cases, the steering resistance may be accompanied by unusual noises, such as squeaking or grinding sounds, coming from the steering column or front suspension area. These noises can indicate a mechanical issue within the steering system or related components. It's crucial to pay attention to any unusual sounds, as they can provide valuable clues to the underlying cause of the problem.

The intermittent nature of these symptoms can make diagnosis tricky. The steering may feel perfectly normal one day and exhibit significant resistance the next. This unpredictability can lead to frustration and difficulty in accurately describing the issue to a mechanic. Keeping a detailed record of when the symptoms occur, along with any associated conditions (such as speed, temperature, or road surface), can be helpful in identifying potential patterns.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, a likely cause of steering resistance in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette is related to the top mounts of the steering system. The top mounts play a crucial role in isolating vibrations and allowing smooth steering movement. If these mounts are worn, damaged, or improperly installed, they can cause binding or resistance in the steering system.

Worn or damaged top mounts can restrict the free movement of the steering shaft, leading to increased steering effort. This resistance may be more pronounced at certain steering angles or under specific driving conditions. Additionally, the deterioration of the mount material can lead to increased vibration and noise transmission into the cabin.

Improper installation of the top mounts can also contribute to steering resistance. If the mounts are not properly aligned or torqued, they can create undue stress on the steering components, resulting in binding or stiffness. It's essential to ensure that the top mounts are installed correctly and to the manufacturer's specifications.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing the steering resistance issue in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow:

1. Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the steering system components, including the top mounts, steering shaft, and power steering pump. Look for any signs of damage, wear, or leakage. Pay close attention to the condition of the top mounts, checking for cracks, tears, or excessive movement.

2. Steering Wheel Play: Check for excessive play in the steering wheel. With the engine off, gently rock the steering wheel back and forth. Excessive movement before the wheels begin to turn indicates play in the steering system.

3. Steering Effort Test: With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. Note any points where the steering effort increases or feels uneven. Pay attention to any unusual noises, such as squeaking or grinding, that may accompany the resistance.

4. Top Mount Inspection: To further inspect the top mounts, you may need to remove the wheels and gain access to the suspension components. Check the mounts for proper seating and alignment. Look for any signs of damage or deterioration.

5. Professional Diagnosis: If you're unable to pinpoint the cause of the steering resistance, it's recommended to seek professional diagnosis from a qualified mechanic. They can use specialized tools and equipment to further evaluate the steering system and identify any underlying issues. As one owner stated: "Think I’ll ask the mechanic where I’ll drop the car off to listen and give me an opinion. I triple double dog checked the preload, but wouldn’t be a bit surprised if I botched it" (source).

Tools Needed:

• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Inspection light

Step-by-Step Fix

If you've determined that the top mounts are the likely cause of your steering resistance issue, here's a step-by-step guide to replacing them:

1. Preparation: Park your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

2. Loosen Wheel Nuts: Use a lug wrench to loosen the wheel nuts on the front wheels. Do not remove them completely at this stage.

3. Raise the Vehicle: Use a jack to raise the front of the vehicle. Place jack stands under the frame rails for support. Ensure that the vehicle is securely supported before proceeding.

4. Remove Wheels: Remove the wheel nuts and carefully remove the front wheels. Set them aside in a safe place.

5. Access Top Mounts: Locate the top mounts of the front suspension struts. These are typically located under the hood, near the strut towers.

6. Disconnect Components: Depending on the design of your vehicle's suspension, you may need to disconnect certain components, such as the anti-roll bar links or brake lines, to gain access to the top mounts. Be careful not to damage these components during removal.

7. Remove Old Top Mounts: Use a socket and wrench to remove the bolts securing the old top mounts to the strut towers. Carefully remove the old mounts.

8. Install New Top Mounts: Install the new top mounts in the reverse order of removal. Ensure that the mounts are properly aligned and seated.

9. Torque Bolts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

10. Reconnect Components: Reconnect any components that were disconnected during the removal process.

11. Reinstall Wheels: Reinstall the front wheels and tighten the wheel nuts by hand.

12. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.

13. Torque Wheel Nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

14. Test Drive: Take your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette for a test drive to check for any remaining steering resistance.

Parts and Tools Needed

• New top mounts (verify part numbers for your specific vehicle)
• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Jack and jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Penetrating oil (optional, for corroded bolts)

While specific part numbers depend on the exact model and trim level, searching online auto parts retailers using your VIN can help you locate the correct top mounts for your vehicle.

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing steering resistance issues in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette can vary depending on the cause and the extent of the repair. Replacing the top mounts is a relatively straightforward repair that can be done DIY, saving on labor costs.

DIY:

• Top mounts: $50 - $150 (for a pair)
• Tools (if needed): $50 - $100
• Total DIY cost: $100 - $250

Professional Repair:

• Top mounts: $50 - $150 (for a pair)
• Labor: $200 - $400
• Total professional repair cost: $250 - $550

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. The actual cost may vary depending on the specific parts and labor rates in your area. As one owner mentioned, sometimes a small expense can solve an immediate issue: "The door opener seems to be going out which means I'll be using it manually. The arm and lock don't work where I rent so I'll replace those for now since the car is still in the way to fix or replace the door motor. $20 out of my pocket is fine by me" (source).

Prevention

Preventing steering resistance issues in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette involves regular maintenance and inspections. Here are some tips to help keep your steering system in good condition:

• Regular Inspections: Have your steering system inspected by a qualified mechanic during regular maintenance intervals.
• Proper Alignment: Ensure that your vehicle's wheels are properly aligned. Misalignment can cause excessive wear on steering components.
• Avoid Impacts: Avoid hitting potholes or other road hazards, as these can damage steering components.
• Replace Worn Parts: Replace any worn or damaged steering components promptly.
• Lubrication: Keep steering components properly lubricated to reduce friction and wear.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from CHEVROLET owners:

Success Stories

"Sometimes desperation provides inspiration. I had tried everything else I could think of, so I figured to try a low gear, high rpm condition (low gear to keep the revs up high without getting to criminal speeds), and it worked." — VetteDrmr (source)

"Quote: Originally Posted by vette4fl Flaming River. They do make a mounting bracket for this. a friend had one of those on his track car, and it worked well mounted on the dash. i've also seen push/pull ***** that do the same & are typically mounted on the bumper." — _zebra (source)

"I had tried everything else I could think of, so I figured to try a low gear, high rpm condition (low gear to keep the revs up high without getting to criminal speeds), and it worked." — VetteDrmr (source)

Owner Experiences

"The center point is an inch to two left of target while the base is on the delrin. Bending the shaft that far is so hard that I believe it would fail shortly." — Tusc (source)

"My first test run it was super loose like a luxury car, next day it was back to normal perfect. Today about half way through my neighborhood it would have a lot of resistance like no power at all." — vette4fl (source)

"Think I’ll ask the mechanic where I’ll drop the car off to listen and give me an opinion. I triple double dog checked the preload, but wouldn’t be a bit surprised if I botched it." — vette4fl (source)

Real Repair Costs

"There is no love or trust for the company as they are $17M behind on health insurance payments. I have had to shame the owner and top management TWICE now into opening one-time payments out of their pocket to get two long-term employees access to cancer treatment." — Tusc (source)

"The door opener seems to be going out which means I'll be using it manually. The arm and lock don't work where I rent so I'll replace those for now since the car is still in the way to fix or replace the door motor. $20 out of my pocket is fine by me." — Tusc (source)

"The state has not agreed to the closure yet, so we're in limbo. There is no love or trust for the company as they are $17M behind on health insurance payments." — Tusc (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix steering resistance?

A: Replacing top mounts can take anywhere from 2-4 hours for a DIY repair, depending on your experience and the complexity of the vehicle's suspension. A professional mechanic can typically complete the job in 1-2 hours.

Q: Can I drive with steering resistance?

A: Driving with steering resistance can be dangerous, as it can affect your ability to control the vehicle. It's recommended to address the issue as soon as possible.

Q: Is steering resistance a common issue on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette?

A: While not extremely common, some owners have reported experiencing steering resistance issues, particularly related to top mounts.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Replacing top mounts is a relatively straightforward repair that can be done DIY if you have the necessary tools and experience. However, if you're not comfortable working on your vehicle's suspension, it's best to seek professional assistance. As one owner stated, it's good to get a professional opinion: "Think I’ll ask the mechanic where I’ll drop the car off to listen and give me an opinion." (source)