Well I took my 99 silverado EX cab 2wheel dr in for a "match balance" at a local tire shop and all was well, it made no difference in the ride at all. You know.... the ride is not that bad but it dosn't feel stiff or solid enough over ruff roads. And that does concern me. I wounder if the TSB and frame modes aply to the 4 wheel drive trucks? Where do I get a copy of this TSB to show my service manager? Gord
I have a 2000 sierra 4x4 and the tsb does not pertain to 4x4's. Isn't funny, i have the same problems as the 4x2's, but my truck is normal. I will start my own investigation
so.......what, exactly is the problem that you are having with your 4x4 that is similar to the 4x2's? Excuse me, cause the 4x2's have so many different problems and vibrates at so many different speeds, it makes it difficult to figure exactly what similar problems might be. And who said that your truck is normal?
As far as starting your own investigation, good luck....you may want to try www.nhtsa.com and www.alldata.com to start with
Still catching up on my reading of posts since the 4th July holiday.
I'm shocked about your findings on the frame. In case I didn't state earlier, my truck is 4wd, so no rack and pinion, but no stabilizer either. My '99 silverado has 29,800 miles, and never has had vibrations or steering wheel shimmys, or aftershocks from going over bumps. But as much as we think these are all Silverados, the 4wd is just a different truck, no coil springs, just torsion bars, recirculating ball steering mechanism...different truck I think explains why it doesn't share the same problems. I've followed these vibration threads for a long time, but didn't belief it for quite a while because there is no hint of this problem with mine....therefore you can't be having it either. Wrong! Still, these frame weldments and steering box changes are major, and are very likely the fix everyone with the 65-70 vibes has been waiting for...so I anxiously await the results. I think you are getting to the bottom of this problem. Like you, I'm frustrated with the GM response, not personal in my case, but after reading your trials and tribulations, I still get indignant over it.
glad you were able to catch up on the posts...and sorry to hear about your ear and the barbed wire. It seems that these vibrations are our "varmits".
Hopefully this TSB will solve the problem. I had a front tire changed two weeks ago. Dealer said was defective. I'm beginning to question that cause I checked the opposite side tire. The pressure has been checked every week, set at max cold pressure of 35 psi...the amount of feathering on the tire is unbelieveable both on the in and outer tracks, completely scuffed everytime I check them. I suspect that this tire would be replaced under warranty also, this time not Michelin but by GM as the truck is the cause not the tire. My "kit" should arrive at anytime now since it's been almost two weeks. Will post results.
I got my truck back from having the steering kit installed last Thursday (6/29/00). It seemed to be a little better, but still had a vibration (though it wasn't a shimmy) at about 65 and above. It felt more like a tire-out-of-balance problem than the shimmy I had before, so I took it to the Goodyear shop that installed my last set of tires to have them check the balance. Both left tires were still in-balance, but both right tires were slightly out-of-balance. After the right tires were rebalanced I drove it home and the vibration and shimmy were gone. I just got back from driving the truck on a 1000 mile vacation and and the vibration/shimmy are still gone. The steering wheel is still very sensitive to road conditions, but this could be a good thing as I'll definitely know when my tires need rebalanced. There is, however, a new problem that has surfaced since my steering fix. When I turn the truck to the left there is a high pitched squealing noise, like the noise you get when you turn the steering wheel too far. It only happens when I turn to the left. I noticed it right after I had the steering kit installed, so I wonder if it has something to do with the new metering valve that was installed. I talked to the dealer today about it, and he said they were aware of this problem and that they had received an administrative notice on it and that there would be a service bulletin issued on it soon. He said the fix had to do with a revised gear box. Overall I'm happy with the fix, I'd much rather have a little squeal when I make a left turn than a shimmy in my steering wheel. If anyone else knows about this steering sqeal issue, I'd appreciate any information on it. Ken
seems like GM has you trained to accept trade offs. "I'd much rather have a little aqueal when I make a left turn than a shimmy in my steering wheel"
There are rubber pads that limit the amount of turn made by the tire. These pads actually rub against the inside of the tire. We used to place a little grease on these pads to eliminate the squeal.
Got a question for you guys....but most of all I need everyone's opinion:
1st: As you all know, my vibration was corrected with the new rim....however, I still have steering sensitivity to the roadway and I feel every bump. But the vibration was cured.
2nd: Occasionally I get a steering wheel shimmy when I hit the R/R tracks, etc....(just like the rest of you).
3rd: My seats and cup holder also shake a litte but I contribute that to steer sensitivity. They usally maintain a constant shake when I'm riding alone.
Question: I talked to my dealer about the new TSB and he said he would put it on if I wanted. He also suggested that if I could live with what I had, he would alter the truck anymore. What I don't want to happen here is fix something that ain't broke...or have more problems after the new system is installed. Think I should go for it, or live the the road sensitivity?
Kansan....how is your road sensitivity now? Does you cup holder/seats still shake?
go for it. As you have a copy of the TSB, it is design for steering wheel sensitivity and vibrations. Personally, I can't stand that wobble. I didn't quite understand the statement...."He also suggested that if I could live with what I had, he would alter the truck anymore".
I have noticed a squeal coming from the power steering system when I turn left, when things are HOT. It sounds like a hydraulic pressure relief valve, as when the steering wheel is turned against the stops. I've heard others report this also, don't know about a fix for mine, but haven't reported it yet either. The others who reported it said the fix was a new rack and pinion mechanism, but I have the recirculating ball on my 4wd. Definitely sounds like the steering pump to me. Don't understand how a rack and pinion could have ever been the cause, but we'll see.
Sorry....I left out a word....he said he would NOT alter the truck, if I could live with the steering sensitivity.
I also found out that he (service) has already placed the kit on a truck (Z71 reg. cab--buyback) that had severe vibrations when going around a curve. I've noticed the truck on the rack for about 2 months. Anyway, he said the new kit worked and that they're re-selling the truck at an auction.
something's missing on that Z71. The kit is for 2wd only. A Z71 is 4wd (recirculating ball) vs. 2wd (rack and pinion)...However, I wouldn't doubt that they were reselling a vibrating truck at an auction.
I live in San Antonio and have just recently discovered this site. After reading about the TSB I called my dealer to which my service manager knew nothing about it. SO..I called every dealer in SA and none of them knew about it. I have a 2000 LT and it's horrible. I've had 3 sets of tires and though I feel I don't have a steering problem I definitely have a shaking problem. My passenger seat is in constant motion and I can't have anything sitting in the seat like a backpack because it makes so much noise from the seat shaking. If I go down a bumpy road it sounds like the seat is going to come out of its tracks. Does this TSB pertain to or will it help me? I absolutely hate this truck. I towed my boat to Dallas last weekend (99 Ski Nautique) and it literally beat me up. The seat shakes really bad between 65-70. Can someone give me some pointers?
I too have the left hand turn squeal, and guess what, only after the truck heats up. Started at 2000 miles, now have 3000. I only have to move the steering wheel 1/2 inch left and it appears, hold the wheel still, it goes away. It requires you to have just slight turning pressure to show up, however, during a turn, it is there for the entire turn.. You cannot hear it under the hood, only from the inside of the cab. I have a ex-cab 2wd truck. Dealer said to bring it in, they would check it out. Just have not had the time yet.
Does anyone know of a given bulletin that addresses a fix for this, it would be helpful when I go to the dealer.
Qualifications for TSB: 2wd and manufactured prior to 1/24/00. Have you taken your truck in for the vibes previously? As far as the TSB, did you ask the service managers by the TSB number? Call GM cust asst. for additional information regarding TSB and help with working with a dealer. You can email me an I'll pass on a copy of the TSB. Remember this is for 2wd trucks.
Not positive, but prior to having the vibration TSB done on my '00 2wd x-cab, service guy mentioned that there was a revised metering valve to be installed in the tsb fix. This could be your solution to the squeal.
As others have stated a vibration in the seats and cupholders when going at higher speeds, I still experience this even after have the rack and control arms changed. Not sure if this other problem is just characteristic of these trucks or what.
As stated in an earlier post from kansan about tire balancing being off after 1000 miles, a technician at an alignment & chassis shop said that the new trucks having more torque and use of aluminum wheels, it's possible that the tires are slipping on the rims under hard starts and stops causing them to become out-of-balance.
kansan had stated that the squeal started after the TSB was installed...like it was the cause of it.
did you have your tires rebalanced after the TSB update?
its true that the tires will slip maybe up to an inch when first mounted....and why GOOD tire shops will either let the truck/car sit for a while to dry out or at minimum let you know to take it easy on the driving for a day or so. Maybe we could copy the guys from NHRA and install the screws around the rim to prevent tire slippage?
I recently purchased the Z71 Extended Cab with the 5.3L engine. I was a little bit hesitant in purchasing this vehicle after reading all of the complaints associated with vehicle vibrations. Being a GM man I decided to take the plunge anyway, because of the highly touted new frame design. After 6100 miles and 2 2000+ miles trips, I have yet to encounter any problems with my truck, with the exception of going through a recent carwash and discovering that there might be a leak on the passenger door (above the window). I have not investigated the situation in full detail (might be a little rock or dirt between the seal and door frame). I have washed the truck once with a power hose and did not have this issue. I have to say that Chevrolet has put together a very tight and well driving 6400LB behemoth.
My 2000 2WD Silverado has a vibration in the front right tire. I notice it at 60-70mph, when the passenger seat starts to shake alot. I Had tires rotated and balanced and the problem went away, then 3 months later came back. Whats going on with this?
is a technical service bulletin put out by the vehicle's manufacturer to assist the dealership's technicians in identifying and repairing common problems found in certain identified vehicles.
Post 457- did you try and have the dealer rotate and balance the tires again? how about having the truck aligned? what is the manufacture date of the truck?
I haven't had tires rebalanced since having the new parts installed, only had 100 or so miles on between tires and updated rack, & control arms. As for kansan, from what the service tech at my dealer said, that some trucks were repaired using an incorrect metering valve in the power steering pump and that since the bulletin was initially used, GM updated the valve again,thus having the squealing problem-not sure if it applies to him, just a thought.
Yikes!! GM has updated the valve again? This is sure getting complicated. I'll let the service advisor know at my dealership. Gee whiz, what's next? Hope kansan reads your post...
I visited with the service manager from a dealer in San Antonio yesterday for about 40 minutes. I got a copy of the TSB but it looks to me it's with the steering problems which I consider myself fortunate I don't have these problems. The guy I talked to pulled out a 99 TSB that talked about 55 newton radial force tires and that if I didn't have these then there's not much he could do. He further stated that the only tires that meet this criteria are the ones that come on the truck. My biggest problem is first of all my truck's original equipment had passenger car street tires. I put LT (light truck) all terrain tires (yokohama geolandar)and the shaking/vibrations got worse. Then I put Michelin LTX/ATs and the ride was better but still the shaking so I was told to basically live with it. I refuse to accept that my truck is limited to passenger car street tires because of the truck frame. I told the service manager I have to have a more aggressive tread tire because of boat ramps etc. I'm just not pleased that Chevy can't come up with anything better than this. Obyone, any suggestions? It defintely is a 2wd manufacuted 9/99. Is my only cure a Ford Superduty powerstroke?
You could wait for the '01 2500HD with the Duramax and Allison trans. That's quite a bit of difference between a 1500 Chevy and a Powerstroke Ford
On the subject of tires, my dealer had upgraded my P255/70R16 Generals to LT275/70R16 Michelin LTX M/S and I paid the difference. They have ordered the "kit" for me and I'm waiting for its arrival. The service manager, service advisor, shop foreman, general manager, and tech all read the TSB with great interest and not one mentioned anything about the truck tires that I have on now.
You had mentioned in your post that the TSB is for a steering problem, which fortunately you do not have. The vibration that I am experiencing is in the front end and transmitted to the steering via the rack and pinion. What type of vibration do you have that the dealer won’t help you cause of your tires? Have you considered going to another dealership? I would consider another dealer and also open a file with GM so that everything is on record should you pursue a buyback. my $.02
Your post mentioned that you paid the difference for the new tires, was that due to the difference in size-275's vs. 255's? When I had the dealer swap the General's for Michelin's (same size)it was done under warranty, no cost. They had reimbursed me also for all of the wheel re-balancing that I had done prior to having the "tsb fix" done.
replaced with more Generals for the third time and got tired of it. So I traded the Generals for the Michelins, and yes dealer will only swap out same sized tires from manufacturer...so I ended up paying the difference Michelin $114 - General $25= $89 x 4= $356. Dealer did pick up the tab for balancing and mounting. Since then, they have warranted one Michelin on the right front saying it was defective and causing my vibrations. I told them when the "fix kit" arrives to order another Michelin for the front left as it is getting trashed and is causing vibrations. Dealer didn't like that one.
AS INDICATED IN POST 410, THE DEALERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE WELL VERSED AS TO HOW TO RESPOND AND WILL DENY ANY KNOWLEGDE OF PROBLEMS UNLESS PRESSURED. TSB'S SHOULD BE A REGULAR TOPIC OF DISCUSSION AT ANY SERVICE DEPT. AND IT IS HARD TO BELEIVE THAT NO DEALER IN YOUR AREA KNEW OF IT. [THIS POST IS REFERING TO POST 451]
I was considering the purchase of a 2000 ext. cab, 5.3 V-8 until I read about all the vibration problems. Anyone know if this is limited to trucks built prior to a certain date, or is it pot luck? How extensive is the problem?
the vibrations appear to affect the 2wd trucks with the rack and pinion...of course GM wouldn't want to alienate the 4wd guys so a few of them vibrate also...build date...no they are not that particular as they are still vibrating as they come out of the factory... Pot luck...Hmm...more like grab bag. It really doesn't help when the manufacturer puts out trucks with really cheap tires on them. If prices of tires being the common denominator with defects. Check the brand of tire that's on your perspective truck. If it's Generals, Goodyears, or Firestones...well I won't say anymore. If you are thinking of looking at Fords, I drove a couple and they have cheap tires on them also which explains why they vibrate too...However, vibrations aside. It is a pretty good truck...the Silverado that is...NOT the Ford.
The service manager must be feeding me a line as usual..... the truck I saw on the rack was a Z71 step-side and he told me he was replacing items, etc. to be sold at auction. When I told him about the TSB (he didn't know it was released until I told him), he said that was what he was doing to the Z71 on the rack. Typical BS....
As a coincidence, a friend of mine just left after showing me the new truck he just bought. Yep, it's a Silverado Ext.Cab, 2-wheel drive with the 5.3 V8. He hadn't heard about the vibration problems. His tires are Goodyear Wranglers, so maybe he won't be afflicted. I'm going next week to look for a new truck and tires will definitely be part of the criteria!
I think that almost everyone who posts to this vibration topic has had their wheels balanced several times and have had the tires replaced under warranty at least once. I'm on my third set with 12,000 miles on my truck. In fact my dealer has just changed my right front a week and a half ago, saying that it was defective...and it was a Michelin. I have to wonder if it is the tires at times, or if it is the truck. I wouldn't worry too much about the vibrations as the new 2wd trucks have the "fix kit" already installed making the rack and pinion a little more solid. The two rental Silverado 2wd trucks that I drove while mine was in the shop did not exhibit any of the symptoms that I have and I had placed over 2000 miles on one of them. They were manufactured 3/00 and 5/00 if I remember correctly and they too had the Goodyears. I personally think if I had waited another 6 months to buy my truck there would be a very good chance that I wouldn't be posting to this topic at all.
jed1894 Sorry to hear about your service manager. These things happen a little too often if you ask me. The BS that is...
Well I took my truck in Tuesday morning this week for "the fix" and they still have it. Don't know if they are having problems or just really backed up. Several others there were experiencing the same stall tactics. Yesterday I returned the Toy Corolla rental after work as I was told they were test driving my truck about 2:00. Got dropped off at the dealer, said they were waiting on the paper work on my truck. After about a half hour of waiting was told they still have to do an alignment. Duh, when you take the front end apart of course you do. Anyways I got a F150 to drive today, yee haa.... Hopefully I get it back today and can report on the fix. (hate the F150, feels like the alignment is not right. It wants to wander all over the road.) Later.
After two days of work by Ourisman Chevy (near Wash D.C.), my truck came home yesterday evening. It was the first attempt at this TSB for the dealership, so the shop foreman has taken an interest in my vehicle. He even did some of the work to make sure it followed the bulletin. So far the fix seems to be working. I took it up to 75 mph yesterday on a stretch of highway that normally made the steering vibrate. I had no hint of vibration. In fact the steering is much tighter now. I also tried sharp turns to the left and did not hear the "squeal" that a few others had posted about. Hopefully that doesn't appear in the next few days. The only complaint that I have is minor. My steering wheel is not centered perfectly anymore. The truck does seem to be aligned correctly but I guess they did not center the steering perfectly before completing the job. It is much better than a vibrating or jerking wheel. Best of luck to others who are undergoing this fix.
On a side note, anyone out there had their water pump die yet. Mine started leaking through the weep hole about a month ago (9700 mi mark). Had to have a new pump put in.
All of these "quality" problems are really making me want to get rid of this vehicle before the warranty runs out. Oil leak, water pump, and steering vibes are a lot in less than 10k miles.
Rico 2000 base model (built 7/99 in Ontario), ext cab, 2WD, Auto, AC, 3.42
I agree about the quality control issues making me want to get rid of the truck before warranty runs out. Problem is...I still like it better than anything else out there. Drove a Tundra, they offered to take Silverado in trade...just don't like it as well. The test vehicle had a quality control issue or two of its own for me, noisy fan and a bouncy ride. There's no perfect truck.
Don't accept poor quality work such as this. The shop charge to warranty more than covers the time and labor to do it correctly. Any, I mean any line up man has the pride to center the steering wheel. Take it back and ask them to perform the line up correctly, with the steering wheel centered. If it is bad enough, it could affect the operation of the air bag in an emergency.
I bought a '00 2500 SLT GMC 2wd with heavy duty towing suspension, it has Firestone LT load range E tires on aluminum wheels, 6.0L with 3.73 gears. Smooth as glass all the way to 80MPH. I know the steering is rec. ball, but the frame is also a lot beefier than the 1500. This is the 4th GM truck I have owned and is far and away the best. No squeaks, rattles, or wind leaks which to me is amazing for a 4door extended cab.
For the life of me, I cannot understand why GM would put rack and pinion on a truck.
Finally got my truck back yesterday after three days, but the dealer lost my keys and remote. Didn't even mention it until I asked for it. Said if it didn't show up in a few days they would order me another one, duhhh.... Good news is this fix greatly dampened the front end shakes/vibrations, almost like they put a steering damper on it. I remember before I could easily twist the steering linkage with my hand, but not anymore. The steering has a little firmer fell to it and a slight bit of free play (1/2" or so) compared to the original unit. It's also a little off center, but drives okay.
I crawled under my truck last night to check over what they did. Looks like they replaced all the applicable parts, but...... All four of the rubber dust boots on the upper and lower ball joints where split and grease was all over them. It looks like they used the old pickle fork to separate them instead of pressing them out. This tool works fine for old ball joint or tie rod ends that are worn out, but not on good ones. Been there, done that. The dust boots on my new rancho shocks were all stretched and crumpled up. Shocks were scratched up. The weld on the reinforcement plate looks like someone did it blindfolded. Couldn't tell if they used all the caulking/sealer per the TSB, but they did spray undercoating on it. Also looked like they replaced the outer tie rods even though the tsb does not call for it. Dust boots were fine on them.
So guess I'll be making another trip back to the dealer to see how they are going to fix the "fix". If I have anything to say about it, they can pay someone else to fix it. I don't have much trust in them doing it right. Later.
Sorry it took so long for me to post back since my last post, but I haven't had access to a computer for a week or so. I had the TSB kit for the steering installed over 2 weeks ago, had the tires rebalanced due to small vibrations (passenger side tires were slightly out-of balance), and am happy to say the steering wheel vibrations/shimmy are still gone. As a side note, while I was on vacation my truck got 22.5 and 23 MPG on mostly highway driving (about 750 miles) going an average of 75-76 MPH with the air conditioning on full blast, and the truck loaded up with luggage and people (3 adults, 1 kid, and 1 infant with car seat, stroller, bassinet and everything else you have to haul around with a baby). Not too bad for a big truck like that ('00 Silverado extended cab 2 WD, 5.3 Liter, 3.42, with a cab high ARE cap on the bed). As far as the squeal in the steering when I turn to the left, I'm not real worried about it because the service manager assured me they will fix it as soon as they have the fix, and they have been very good so far in doing everyone they are allowed by GM to do. As someone else mentioned, I think the squeal is caused by the new metering valve installed under the TSB, as it started immediately after the steering vibration/shimmy fix was installed. With the steering vibration fixed, this truck is now one of the smoothest and best riding trucks I've ever been in. Good luck to everyone else, Ken
My dealer told me that body shops had to the welding, therefore, he allowed them to do some of the other work...... I believe he said he did the work at the dealer and then sent to the body shop for the last work (welding, etc.)
Has anyone tried to lower pressure of tires to stop some of the seat/cup holder vibration. I usually keep my Generals at 35 psi, but the seats and cup holder picks up every bump. The seats and cup holder usally vibration going down any kind of road.
2nd: What would happen to the wear of my tires if I lowered tire pressure to 30 or 32 psi for a smoother ride?
If you lowered the tires too much, you will show excessive wear on the inner and outer tracks of the tire, as with overinflation, the middle of the tire shows more wear. At 30psi you might start to show excessive wear on the inner and outer tracks. Just keep an eye out for the wear and you should be alright.
Thanks for info....think I'll try it for a few days and see if it rides any smoother. Regarding the early wear of tires, probably be better off to go ahead and use up the Generals and replace with a better tire...ha ha..
Regarding the new TSB (fix): having heard a few horror stories about the fix, I'm having second thoughts about trying it on my truck. The only real problem I'm having now is the seat/cup holder shake/vibration....a little towing vibration too. The ride is not as smooth as my other Silverado. Wonder if they'll do half of the new TSB work for correct the rough ride? Which component would correct the rough/sensitivity ride?
We received a favorable ruling from our arbitration hearing and GM will be repurchasing our vibrating 2000 Silverado 2WD Extended cab, 5.3. Truck was mfg. in 7/99 in Canada and sat somewhere until we purchased it in April. We didn't get much help from the dealer and didn't want the TSB performed. To anyone thinking about the dispute resolution process, GO FOR IT cause it wasn't as bad as we imagined. GM was not very well prepared when we attended the hearing and basically sounded like all of their service managers! We will be checking out the 2001 Silverados soon.
Comments
Gord
As far as starting your own investigation, good luck....you may want to try www.nhtsa.com and www.alldata.com to start with
Dean
John
I'm shocked about your findings on the frame. In case I didn't state earlier, my truck is 4wd, so no rack and pinion, but no stabilizer either. My '99 silverado has 29,800 miles, and never has had vibrations or steering wheel shimmys, or aftershocks from going over bumps. But as much as we think these are all Silverados, the 4wd is just a different truck, no coil springs, just torsion bars, recirculating ball steering mechanism...different truck I think explains why it doesn't share the same problems. I've followed these vibration threads for a long time, but didn't belief it for quite a while because there is no hint of this problem with mine....therefore you can't be having it either. Wrong! Still, these frame weldments and steering box changes are major, and are very likely the fix everyone with the 65-70 vibes has been waiting for...so I anxiously await the results. I think you are getting to the bottom of this problem. Like you, I'm frustrated with the GM response, not personal in my case, but after reading your trials and tribulations, I still get indignant over it.
Hopefully this TSB will solve the problem. I had a front tire changed two weeks ago. Dealer said was defective. I'm beginning to question that cause I checked the opposite side tire. The pressure has been checked every week, set at max cold pressure of 35 psi...the amount of feathering on the tire is unbelieveable both on the in and outer tracks, completely scuffed everytime I check them. I suspect that this tire would be replaced under warranty also, this time not Michelin but by GM as the truck is the cause not the tire. My "kit" should arrive at anytime now since it's been almost two weeks. Will post results.
There is, however, a new problem that has surfaced since my steering fix. When I turn the truck to the left there is a high pitched squealing noise, like the noise you get when you turn the steering wheel too far. It only happens when I turn to the left. I noticed it right after I had the steering kit installed, so I wonder if it has something to do with the new metering valve that was installed. I talked to the dealer today about it, and he said they were aware of this problem and that they had received an administrative notice on it and that there would be a service bulletin issued on it soon. He said the fix had to do with a revised gear box.
Overall I'm happy with the fix, I'd much rather have a little squeal when I make a left turn than a shimmy in my steering wheel. If anyone else knows about this steering sqeal issue, I'd appreciate any information on it.
Ken
There are rubber pads that limit the amount of turn made by the tire. These pads actually rub against the inside of the tire. We used to place a little grease on these pads to eliminate the squeal.
1st: As you all know, my vibration was corrected with the new rim....however, I still have steering sensitivity to the roadway and I feel every bump. But the vibration was cured.
2nd: Occasionally I get a steering wheel shimmy when I hit the R/R tracks, etc....(just like the rest of you).
3rd: My seats and cup holder also shake a litte but I contribute that to steer sensitivity. They usally maintain a constant shake when I'm riding alone.
Question: I talked to my dealer about the new TSB and he said he would put it on if I wanted. He also suggested that if I could live with what I had, he would alter the truck anymore. What I don't want to happen here is fix something that ain't broke...or have more problems after the new system is installed. Think I should go for it, or live the the road sensitivity?
Kansan....how is your road sensitivity now? Does you cup holder/seats still shake?
Thanks for opinions.....
JOhn
I also found out that he (service) has already placed the kit on a truck (Z71 reg. cab--buyback) that had severe vibrations when going around a curve. I've noticed the truck on the rack for about 2 months. Anyway, he said the new kit worked and that they're re-selling the truck at an auction.
Thanks John
Dean
Does anyone know of a given bulletin that addresses a fix for this, it would be helpful when I go to the dealer.
As others have stated a vibration in the seats and cupholders when going at higher speeds, I still experience this even after have the rack and control arms changed. Not sure if this other problem is just characteristic of these trucks or what.
As stated in an earlier post from kansan about tire balancing being off after 1000 miles, a technician at an alignment & chassis shop said that the new trucks having more torque and use of aluminum wheels, it's possible that the tires are slipping on the rims under hard starts and stops causing them to become out-of-balance.
did you have your tires rebalanced after the TSB update?
its true that the tires will slip maybe up to an inch when first mounted....and why GOOD tire shops will either let the truck/car sit for a while to dry out or at minimum let you know to take it easy on the driving for a day or so. Maybe we could copy the guys from NHRA and install the screws around the rim to prevent tire slippage?
Post 457- did you try and have the dealer rotate and balance the tires again? how about having the truck aligned? what is the manufacture date of the truck?
On the subject of tires, my dealer had upgraded my P255/70R16 Generals to LT275/70R16 Michelin LTX M/S and I paid the difference. They have ordered the "kit" for me and I'm waiting for its arrival. The service manager, service advisor, shop foreman, general manager, and tech all read the TSB with great interest and not one mentioned anything about the truck tires that I have on now.
You had mentioned in your post that the TSB is for a steering problem, which fortunately you do not have. The vibration that I am experiencing is in the front end and transmitted to the steering via the rack and pinion. What type of vibration do you have that the dealer won’t help you cause of your tires? Have you considered going to another dealership? I would consider another dealer and also open a file with GM so that everything is on record should you pursue a buyback. my $.02
EMPLOYEES ARE WELL VERSED AS TO HOW TO RESPOND
AND WILL DENY ANY KNOWLEGDE OF PROBLEMS UNLESS
PRESSURED. TSB'S SHOULD BE A REGULAR TOPIC OF DISCUSSION AT ANY SERVICE DEPT. AND IT IS HARD
TO BELEIVE THAT NO DEALER IN YOUR AREA KNEW OF IT.
[THIS POST IS REFERING TO POST 451]
The service manager must be feeding me a line as usual..... the truck I saw on the rack was a Z71 step-side and he told me he was replacing items, etc. to be sold at auction. When I told him about the TSB (he didn't know it was released until I told him), he said that was what he was doing to the Z71 on the rack. Typical BS....
JOhn
jed1894
Sorry to hear about your service manager. These things happen a little too often if you ask me. The BS that is...
Dean
It was the first attempt at this TSB for the dealership, so the shop foreman has taken an interest in my vehicle. He even did some of the work to make sure it followed the bulletin. So far the fix seems to be working. I took it up to 75 mph yesterday on a stretch of highway that normally made the steering vibrate. I had no hint of vibration. In fact the steering is much tighter now. I also tried sharp turns to the left and did not hear the "squeal" that a few others had posted about. Hopefully that doesn't appear in the next few days. The only complaint that I have is minor. My steering wheel is not centered perfectly anymore. The truck does seem to be aligned correctly but I guess they did not center the steering perfectly before completing the job. It is much better than a vibrating or jerking wheel. Best of luck to others who are undergoing this fix.
On a side note, anyone out there had their water pump die yet. Mine started leaking through the weep hole about a month ago (9700 mi mark). Had to have a new pump put in.
All of these "quality" problems are really making me want to get rid of this vehicle before the warranty runs out. Oil leak, water pump, and steering vibes are a lot in less than 10k miles.
Rico
2000 base model (built 7/99 in Ontario), ext cab, 2WD, Auto, AC, 3.42
For the life of me, I cannot understand why GM would put rack and pinion on a truck.
I crawled under my truck last night to check over what they did. Looks like they replaced all the applicable parts, but...... All four of the rubber dust boots on the upper and lower ball joints where split and grease was all over them. It looks like they used the old pickle fork to separate them instead of pressing them out. This tool works fine for old ball joint or tie rod ends that are worn out, but not on good ones. Been there, done that. The dust boots on my new rancho shocks were all stretched and crumpled up. Shocks were scratched up. The weld on the reinforcement plate looks like someone did it blindfolded. Couldn't tell if they used all the caulking/sealer per the TSB, but they did spray undercoating on it. Also looked like they replaced the outer tie rods even though the tsb does not call for it. Dust boots were fine on them.
So guess I'll be making another trip back to the dealer to see how they are going to fix the "fix". If I have anything to say about it, they can pay someone else to fix it. I don't have much trust in them doing it right. Later.
Good luck to everyone else,
Ken
Dean
John
2nd: What would happen to the wear of my tires if I lowered tire pressure to 30 or 32 psi for a smoother ride?
Thanks
John
If you lowered the tires too much, you will show excessive wear on the inner and outer tracks of the tire, as with overinflation, the middle of the tire shows more wear. At 30psi you might start to show excessive wear on the inner and outer tracks. Just keep an eye out for the wear and you should be alright.
Dean
Regarding the new TSB (fix): having heard a few horror stories about the fix, I'm having second thoughts about trying it on my truck. The only real problem I'm having now is the seat/cup holder shake/vibration....a little towing vibration too. The ride is not as smooth as my other Silverado. Wonder if they'll do half of the new TSB work for correct the rough ride? Which component would correct the rough/sensitivity ride?
John
our vibrating 2000 Silverado 2WD Extended cab, 5.3. Truck was mfg. in 7/99 in Canada and sat somewhere until we purchased it in April. We didn't get much help from the dealer and didn't want the TSB performed. To anyone thinking about the dispute resolution process, GO FOR IT cause it wasn't as bad as we imagined. GM was not very well prepared when we attended the hearing and basically sounded like all of their service managers! We will be checking out the 2001 Silverados soon.