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Comments
The reason a Goodyear dealer installed the General Tires was that there is no General dealer in Hawaii and my dealer does not mount tires on chrome rims. Sorry for the long post.
until I can make up my mind. I really want to keep this truck. But on the other hand I cant tolerate the shimmy-shakes.And can anyone ever
fix it? My 89 1500 rides like a caddilac.
ps; still just 277 mi. on my 2000 model..
Correction on post 226. Should have read as $230 not $270. Problems with typing and multiplying at the same time.
White6: I think you're exactly right about the rack and pinion, etc. Have you ever notice when you're crossing a R/R track or bump the extra little play in the steering wheel that usually clears up soon after the bump? I believe cure for rack and pinion may be some kind of bushing or something like that.
Croct: I know what you mean: I love my truck too. However, it's driving me crazy. I have a "buy back" pending and may take them up on buy back if it's offered. Should have word in couple of days. My 91 Silverado was also alot better than (ride at least) my 00 model.
Obyone: My service manager told me today that he is replacing other General tires because of recall from General. According to him, General put out a bad batch with weak side walls causing early feathering and wear. He said that General has already recalled/replaced all tires not yet installed, but some of the tires made their way to trucks of course. My question: is GM or General going to replace all General tires on existing trucks on street. Not a chance, I think, unless the customer makes some waves......
x281s: I think you'll have to give dealer a shot at fixing problem. In my case, I called GM directly who said that my dealer would have to fix the problem, or be allowed to try. However, they did let me pick my own tire person. They will pay him direct for his work. I not going to let the dealer touch my tires any more if I can help it. Four different dealers missed my two warped rims, or at least they didn't tell me about them.
John
After the Goodyear dealer had mounted the new and improved Generals on my truck, he had asked what was the original problem where General was replacing all five tires. I explained to him about the soft sidewalls causing the feathering. He commented that passenger tires by design have a softer sidewall and less overall weight than a truck tire providing a better ride. He also commented that it could be a defect but more probable was that it was designed to be that way. Also said that the one tire that couldn't be balanced was defective but the other three were ok. At that point, I asked him if I would be seeing him again in another four to six weeks cause this new set would be feathering. He replied with a smile. Makes you wonder....
I have a 99 silverado 3/4 ton ex cab longbed tow pkg autotrack transfer case 3.73 gears skidplate and the optional forged aluminum wheels.. I had a vibration in the drive train when it was brand new very slight on take off and it seemed to have gone away with age.. The only other problem i had with vibration seems to be in the exhaust system I got a rattle at about 5,000 miles and the dealer replaced the exhaust and it went away. At 13,500 miles it has returned. I wonder if any other 3/4 ton ex cab longbed owners have seen this.It sounds like a bunch of tin cans rattling around under certain loads. Its not engine ping. Sounds like a baffle is loose in that giant muffler they have. But besides that thats the only problem ive had ( oh besides the infamous windshild popping noise that I got fixed with a little adhesive) I am going to take it in soon and find out exactly what the problem is i don't want to have this problem every 5,000 miles or so! I still love the truck and would buy another in a second.. The half ton trucks have rack and pinion steering and the 3/4 have the old recirculating ball steering box System. This is probley why there are not as much problems on the 3/4 tons. If any other 3/4 ton owners have run into this problem please let me know!! thanks
DAVE K.
The truck pings, considered to be normal according to the owner's manual, vibrates at highway speeds and shifts roughly from 2nd. to 3rd. All of things have checked and double checked and have been told that it is within spec. or they don't know what else to do. How about starting with giving me my money back!
I love my truck. I hope the rest of you get yours straightened out.
Had exact steering wheel shake as you described. Would come and go at random. Took it to dealer at around 1000 miles. Rotated tires and found one tire slightly out of balance. No more steering wheel shake. Did it again for a few days around 3500 miles but haven't experienced it since. Very odd. Front end seems to be overly sensitive to minor variations in tires, balance, alignment, etc.
Now on to overall vehicle vibration/ride problems(which I never really thought I had a problem with)
An earlier post mentioned vibration disappeared after he changed to his winter tire setup (steel wheels, different tires). The thought was that the extra weight played a factor.
I experienced something odd today. Had some mud buildup on the tires after an offroad venture (00'Z-71). On the way home (highway) I noticed the ride was different - very,very smooth. I never really had any complaints about overall vehicle vibration/ride problems before but the ride now was a step up in quality and noticeable. Got home (6 miles or so) and noticed tires still had a slight uniform coating of mud (sidewalls and in tread). Maybe this extra weight theory is the reason. I've noticed that the 3/4 tons seem to not have a vibration problem. They have the LT tires which are supposed to be heavier.
Just my 2 cents worth. Any comments?
Took my 00 Sierra xtcab to an independent mechanic a few days ago to get a second opinion on my 40mph and 60-70mph vibrations.. The mechanic test drove my truck followed by putting the truck on the rack. He physically showed me how loose the drive shaft was at the carrier bearing and he stated that a loose drive shaft at this point would cause vibrations. He seemed to think that this may be the cause of the vibration. It is worth a shot as it requires less than one hour labor and the price of the carrier bearing/assembly. I will request that he put it in writing so that I can have some leverage when dealing with the GM AVM. He also stated that it is well known that the Goodyear Wrangler ST's are very difficult to get and keep balanced through the life of the tire. I plan on negotiating a cost difference for a better grade tire like Michelin.
BTW, called a drive shaft fabrication company today to inquire about a one-piece drive shaft. The carrier bearing cost vs. the one-piece drive shaft cost are about the same. May experiment with the one piece drive shaft. I was told that the distance from the u-joint at the slip yoke to the u-joint at the rear differential had to be less than 73 inches in order to fabricate one-piece shaft. I plan on mearsuring the distance this weekend.
I'll let you know how things turn out....probably after the New Year.
Jeff
I did hear a metallic "boing/clunk" from the rear end upon acceleration from a dead stop when turning a few times, but is seems to have gone away.
Just a tip for those thinking of buying a Silverado - compare a V6 to a V8 - I didn't see much difference (unless you plan to haul heavy loads or tow a lot) and you pay $500 less for a V6.
My fairly stripped model is nice enough for me, and I'm hoping to trade it in every year for a new one with minimal depreciation.
What I would tell GM if they would listen:
1) Offer true air suspension(front and rear)
as an option. (Ford has this idea partially
right.) This would solve the choppy ride,
especially with an empty bed and maybe
even solve some of this vibration problem.
2) Go back to a flat floor behind the pedals
so you have a place to stretch out your left
leg and foot. Also relocate the box hanging
down from the dash by your left foot - very
annoying.
3) Change the parking brake to a hand operated
one, preferably on the right side of the
driver - under dash or under middle jump
seat - much more modern set up and not in
your way when you get in and out of the
truck.
However, a question. Why do you want to turn off the daytime running lights?
Al
On another subject, I took it to an independent mechanic whom stated that the "carrier bearing exhibits freeplay and needs to be changed; this may be the cause of the vibrations (and clunking he stated during a followup visit)". He stated that the carrier assembly/bearing and Goodyear Wrangler ST tires should be replaced. He stated that the Wranglers are known to be the toughest tires to balance and keep balanced.
I also had the reflash of the transmission to address the problem of the 40-45 mph vibration. It seems to have cured that problem. I forgot to mention this problem in my earlier posting.
Dubel
Question for all. Where are these trucks built that are having all these problems? Mostly the states?
I have seen a bunch built in the states that have
terrible alignments, and center steer being way out.
Not suprised about tire vibration balancing problems after seeing the steering problems.
Who QC's these vehicles?
I see what you mean now about the lights and I agree it is a pain from what you describe.
Now I don't...
This vibration problem has been happening from the first vehicle off the assembly line a year or so ago. What can GM be thinking of to allow this stupidity to continue? Surely if it was simply a tire problem GM would tell the supplier to take a hike. The 'too-stiff-frame' theory should mean all trucks should vibrate. I suspect it is quality control from low-bid suppliers and GM does not want to shut down in order to get better quality parts. Keep building them and sell them to the suckers and let the service departments absorb the flak!
When I buy a lottery ticket, I take my chances (for a buck). When I buy a truck, why should I have to gamble with $30 grand?
Al
Jeff
No joke ,I had a can of pop in the cup holder and when i looked down at it the other day it was shaking so much that it looked fuzzy. better not set a full one in there.
tc
Love the truck but can't stand paying 30grand for these problems.
Some of the characteristics people are describing are either flaws, or normal for a truck, depending on your perspective. The drive line clunk, clank, clang, etc when you shift from R to D has been a normal characteristic in trucks for years. If you don't have some free-play in the drive line, or if every clearance is tightened to zero, what happens when there is expansion due to temperature?
Another common question is if the quality control is better in Fort Wayne, Pontiac, or Quebec. While not able to speak for everyone, my opinion based on reading lots of posts here is that there are good and bad coming from all three. (My truck was built in Pontiac)
I also infer that many problems could be resolved by the dealer, or communications between the owner and dealer service department. When there is an obvious fix for something, like the steering shaft Bob259 reported on, and one dealer like mine replaces it, and offers a smile, while another tells you they could not reproduce the problem, you can't blame GM for that. And if you take the vehicle to the service department with 10 nit-picks, along with routine chassis service and oil, and expect it back by 3:00 pm, that's not realistic either.
I won't discourage you from trying other brands. What I discourage is attributing too many car like qualities to trucks. After owning a few trucks, the bigger picture of what's important becomes clear.
I like my truck and have no complaints.
The Canadian truck plant is in Oshawa, Ontario. Quebec builds the Camaro & Firebird.
Waiting 500 hundred miles is ridiculous, you have unnecessary tire wear happening if you wait. What does the dealer think is going to happen in 500 miles ? the problem will go way? You did the right thing in requesting the fix immediately.
Ray T.
The dealer performed an alignment. He adjusted the left front camber, and adjusted ride height via the torsion bar adjuster. It drove straight after that until I rotated the wheels about 3000 miles later, whereupon the pull returned. I didn't notice at first, or see the connection.
One day, it annoyed me in particular, and decided to do something about it. Got an independent alignment at a Firestone tire dealer. They let me watch. The alignment was spot-on, in the center of the allowable tolerance for caster, camber and thrust angle. They made a slight adjustment to the toe. After this, it pulled worse on a test drive. Back up on the alignment rack...no changes, spot-on dead center according to the Hunter machine. The service advisor took a test drive with me, and agreed it was pulling still.
Next step, they crossed the wheels to the opposite side. Went for a test drive. Now it actually pulled very slightly in the opposite direction, to the left. At this point, it was concluded the steering pull was the result of radial tire bias. The factory tire warranty will give you replacement tires (pro-rated of course) for this condition.
My truck has tracked arrow straight since that day. I have not touched a thing. My conclusion is that radial tire bias has more influence on steering than even a front end that is out of alignment.
Hogboy: Don't take it! That 500 mile business is a crock of s#@t. Also, if you can avoid it, don't let them touch your tires when you finally take delivery. Four (4) different GM dealers missed two (2) warped rims (apparent cause of my vibration). It took a private tire company to find and eventually correct the problem. GM paid for tab with purchase order.
I also agree that not all the trucks being built can have our problem. This truck is absolutely a very good looking and well built truck. I have no complaints with power, appearance, or assembly of this truck. Built in Pontiac, Mi. The ride quality is an issue, I traded a 97 4X4 in on this truck and it was smooth riding all the way to the cut-off on the computer at 100 mph.
Link is http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm
By the way, I've got a shaker too that I've outlined previously here.
1/2 ton With the 4.3 v6. Vibrates at 65 mph and over .I haven`t reported it yet. but will soon. Also for what it`s worth ,I don`t care much for the seat in the center. too narrow and can`t adjust.steerring is too quick also.Very tough to get used to.I think the sheetmetal is thinner
in these trucks too. Not near the quality as earlier models made in late 80`s or early 90`s
in my opinion.
The stock seat is goofy - GM wants you to upgrade to the LS to get a better seat. I bought a contractor style arm rest from Pep Boys to put on the middle seat, since I usually drive alone. The driver's seat is comfortable, and I like the integral seat belt. The salesman who sold me the my base truck said that GM might be coming out with a flip down stock center seat to provide an armrest in the future.
Sheet metal is thinner, but I think fit and finish is better - probably a trade off.
Steering is quicker, but I'll bet you get used to it and think the old recirculating ball style is odd after you drive your Silverado for a while.
Just a little story on how I bought my truck. After visiting several dealerships I got tired of the usual sales hype and "no 4th door yet and we don't know when we will have one" stories. So I heard about a commercial sales lot one of our 2 local dealers (O Reilly Chevrolet) has in Tucson.
This is just a gravel parking lot with a chain link fence around it and an old trailer for an office. This lot sells only commercial type trucks
(stake beds, dump trucks, flat beds, box vans) and also sells basic pickups. All of the trucks are white (I mean all of the trucks.) In Arizona, white is the only practical color because of the severe fading caused by the intense sun. (It's like Henry Ford saying you can have any color you want as long as it's black.) They have two long rows of white pickups, almost all long bed, V6, base pickups. They will sell you any kind and color of truck or Chevrolet car you want, but all they have in stock at the commercial lot are white trucks.
I drove into the lot, told a salesman I wanted a basic 2wd, regular cab, auto, a/c, cruise white pickup. He told me almost all of his pickups were exactly like that, except he did have and unusual one with power door locks. I told him I would buy the "loaded" truck with power door locks. I bought it on GMS so their was no haggle on the price. The deal was done in 10 minutes.
The stock seat is goofy - GM wants you to upgrade to the LS to get a better seat. I bought a contractor style arm rest from Pep Boys to put on the middle seat, since I usually drive alone. The driver's seat is comfortable, and I like the integral seat belt. The salesman who sold me the my base truck said that GM might be coming out with a flip down stock center seat to provide an armrest in the future.
Sheet metal is thinner, but I think fit and finish is better - probably a trade off.
Steering is quicker, but I'll bet you get used to it and think the old recirculating ball style is odd after you drive your Silverado for a while.
Just a little story on how I bought my truck. After visiting several dealerships I got tired of the usual sales hype and "no 4th door yet and we don't know when we will have one" stories. So I heard about a commercial sales lot one of our 2 local dealers (O Reilly Chevrolet) has in Tucson.
This is just a gravel parking lot with a chain link fence around it and an old trailer for an office. This lot sells only commercial type trucks
(stake beds, dump trucks, flat beds, box vans) and also sells basic pickups. All of the trucks are white (I mean all of the trucks.) In Arizona, white is the only practical color because of the severe fading caused by the intense sun. (It's like Henry Ford saying you can have any color you want as long as it's black.) They have two long rows of white pickups, almost all long bed, V6, base pickups. They will sell you any kind and color of truck or Chevrolet car you want, but all they have in stock at the commercial lot are white trucks.
I drove into the lot, told a salesman I wanted a basic 2wd, regular cab, auto, a/c, cruise white pickup. He told me almost all of his pickups were exactly like that, except he did have and unusual one with power door locks. I told him I would buy the "loaded" truck with power door locks. I bought it on GMS so their was no haggle on the price. The deal was done in 10 minutes.