File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

03 - Suspension
14-03-10-001
February, 2014

INFORMATION
Subject:

Tire Hop / Tire Chatter During Tight Turns at Parking Lot Speeds

Models:

2014 Chevrolet Corvette, Corvette Z51

Information on Tire Hop
Customers may comment about a front end or
suspension noise when backing or driving forward at
low speed in a very tight left or right turn (such as in a
parking lot or driveway). The condition is made worse in
cooler temperatures. This has been referred to as tire
hop, crow hop, tire pop and has been confused with
rear differential chatter. There have been several
bulletins, videos and training pieces published in
attempt to describe the noise and explain that the
condition is considered normal. (For dealers in the U.S.,
see January 14, Emerging Issues “Corvette Tire Hop
Story”). This concern is not new for the Corvette, it has
been raised by customers of older Corvettes and other
vehicles with a wide stance and wide tires.

What Induces Tire Hop?
The 2014 Corvette Stingray may have more noticeable
tire chatter than previous years due to several factors
explained below:
1. Imperfect Ackermann Steering Geometry and
Sticky Tires – Tire chatter occurs when the car is
turning at low speeds and tight steering angles
because the left and right front tires do not follow
the same arcs. The Corvette’s sticky tires then
build up force as they turn on the different arcs until
eventually one or both tires slip.
Ackermann steering geometry is shown in the
diagram below. On a car with perfect Ackermann,
the inside tire angle (Si) and outside tire angle (So)
follow the same arc. On a 2014 Corvette, at large
steering angles, they do not follow the same arc.

Copyright 2014 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

3703299

Why Do The Tires Not Follow the Same Arc?
1.1. It allows the car to be built to package larger
brakes, reasonable wheel offsets, and a wider
stance. These allow superior handling and
performance and makes room for the large
V-8 engine.
1.2. The Stingray has a tighter turning radius than
the previous generation Corvette by two feet.
This tighter turning radius makes the tire
angles more extreme. While this may
increase tire hop it affords the driver greater
low speed maneuverability.
1.3. Tire design is a key factor for tire chatter. The
2014 Corvette Stingray tires are optimized for
precise steering and high grip in warm
temperatures. The Michelin winter tire
(available through service parts) is a more
applicable solution for cold weather driving,
and chatter is much improved with this tire.

Page 2

February, 2014

2. What Can be Done to Improve the Condition?
– Changing to a less aggressive tire is not
recommended as it will reduce the effectiveness of
the Corvette Stingray and its handling
characteristics. The suspension, handling and
performance of the Corvette Stingray is a complete
design package. To achieve the performance
customers expect and demand, a single
component cannot be changed without sacrificing
the other components. There is no adverse wear to
the tires when tire hop is encountered and it does
not affect the suspension - the car is working as
designed. Additionally, GM has not tested or
validated other tires or wheels and cannot predict
how the car will handle, or how the ABS and Active
Handling will perform with other equipment.
3. Will Changing Tires Make a Difference? – As
stated above the tires are in integral component of
the Stingray’s ride, handling and performance. The

Bulletin No.: 14-03-10-001

recommended Michelin Winter tires will reduce the
noise but it is not designed for warm weather
handling.
4. Is There an All-Season Tire That Can be Used?
– There are several tire manufacturers that indicate
their “All-Season” tires will fit the Stingray however,
GM has not tested or validated any of these tires.
While a customer may find the noise troubling and/or
annoying, the car is operating as designed. Tire hop
was more common on the previous generation Corvette
Z06, ZR1 and Grand Sport models. It is more
noticeable on the 2014 Corvette because much of the
performance from those previous up-level models has
been designed into the standard Stingray. Aside from
the exceptional design and appearance, the
outstanding performance, and handling is one of the
reasons customers choose to purchase the Corvette
Stingray. To achieve this type of performance, some tire
hop is inevitable.

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.

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