Sorry, I hit the wrong button. I guess I'm worried that I might be making the wrong decision. My wife likes the new trucks features but I know and like the truck I have now. How are the new 2000's? Are they as strong as the k series units? What kind of problems are occurring? Anyone had both styles and can compare the two? Any help would be appreciated.
There is no comparison with the new vs. the old. I am sure you will much happier with the new, better ride, handling, available torque at all rpm's, better gas mileage. No major problems with the 4wd and if you by chance should have any, just post it. One thing I might add...you should have gotten a Chevy....good luck!!
and I would probably buy the Chevy but my local dealer is an idiot. Besides, the trucks are basically the same except for the sheetmetal & trim. I just put my'97 1500 out at the end of the driveway with FOR SALE signs on it. Though I guess you are right about the new ones, I will miss the old ride.
During an underneath look at my 2000 silverado, 2500, 6.0 liter, 2wd, 3.73, I noticed that the exhaust pipe on the inboard side after it exits the cat converter - closest to the drive shaft - is bent sharply, almost to a closed angle while the outboard pipe is nice and round. Anybody with this same combination be willing to take a look under their truck to see if they have the same situation? Won't this restrict the flow of exhaust and cause possible engine damage? I have 400 miles on the truck.
Mark197, I just saw your post back in June about the steering squealing when turned to the left. Did you ever get it fixed? I had the same problem with mine and it about drove me crazy. After 3 trips back to the dealer and convincing them that I'm not stupid and yes it still squealed a tech advisor told me that they had just gotten a bulletin on it, and the problem is with the steering gear. Evidently the tooth angle is slightly off on some of them and it produces a squeal when the wheel is turned to the left. GM knows about the problem but is only going to replace them for the people who complain and let everyone else live with it. If you haven't had yours fixed I can even give you the part number your service dept. needs to order. I've had absolutely no other problems with my truck and love driving it with the new silent steering gear.
My husband is looking for a 2000 Sierra Classic 2500 SLE or SLT, 3/4 ton, short box, short bed, 4 doors,crew cab,4x4. He does not care if it is Chevy or GMC.
I can not find this vehicle anywhere.(Possibly because I am not sure what I am looking for?) I have looked at Edmunds and other places but without any luck!
By the way, I used Edmunds to research my fully loaded Tahoe with no trouble!
I believe I have the same steering squeal that you describe. The squeal/whine in my 00 1500 is very slight but it can be easily heard when traveling slow and only when turning to the left. I will appreciate you posting the additional information that you have concerning the problem. Do you happen to have the number of the service bulletin that your dealer received? Thanks. Bob
I would appreciate your posting the service bulletin number and part number regarding the steering wheel squeal. My 2000 Sierra has the same problem, and the dealer doesn't seem to know about the bulletin. Thanks for your help.
My 2000 Sierra 1500 2wd with 5.3L makes a rumbling noise at about 700 rpm, especially when coasting to a stop. I can feel the vibration in the seats and accelerator pedal; it seems to be worse when the A/C compressor is running. The dealer says that the problem is "engine resonating in left catalytic converter". They talked to a factory rep who said that they know about the problem but don't have a fix. I would appreciate hearing if anyone else has the same problem and whether or not it has been fixed. Except for this problem, the truck is terrific.
Thanks for posting a response Valleyvol. When I first took my truck in the said GM was working on a solution. They then told me that is was a gear that had to be replaced just like you said about yours. Well when I call to set up an appointment and they tell me that now they have to weld some kind of bracket and replace damn near the entire front end! New controller arms, springs, all sorts of stuff. I told them at that point that I wanted a new truck. I still have not had anywork done yet. Bob332 and Nerd, could you please post what your dealer told you had to be done.
Your dealer has confused the issue. There is a TSB out to r/r rack and pinion, lower control arms, welding an additional support bracket for the rack and changing the metering valve on the p/s. This TSB is for fixing the over sensitive rack and pinion which results in vibrations being transmitted through the steering. The replacement of the p/s gear is another issue. They have misdiagnosed the problem. You should contact the dealer to let them know you want the gear changed and not the metering valve.
I have not taken my truck in yet. The steering whine when turning only to the left is very slight and is has not been of great enough concern to me to go to my dealer. But, when I get more miles on it and a convenient time I plan to pursue it. Wish someone had and would post the number of the tsb on this problem. Bob
Obyone, that's exactly what they told me had to be done. Sounds like a major overhaul of the frontend just to eliminate a squeal. How do you know about all of the different TSB's? If you could post the different TSB numbers, it sure would make it easier to deal with the service manager. Thanks
My '00 Sierra 4dr Z71 has to have the steering wheel cocked just a little bit left to go straight, no big deal. A friend's slightly newer one was the opposite. He took it in for the 3K oil change, and had them "Fix" it. Now,it doesn't go straight ever, and you have to move the wheel back and forth constantly. He's taking it back next week, supposedly they can change it back, according to the service manager. I bet he can't! I'm not having anything done to mine!
that's what I thought. Apparently with the new rack it's not that simple. What's happening is that there is excessive play in the rack. Because of this, you are constantly correcting after every turn. So after a left turn, the steering wheel sits a little to the right and after a right turn, sits a little to the left...I promised dealer I would drive for a couple thousand miles to let the rack break in. We will see.
Well I just got back from having a long talk with the dealer and service manager. On my truck, it already has the support bracket welded on from the factory. Now they just have to replace the control arms, r&p assembly, ps metering valve. The service manager said that some of the rack and pinions were machined wrong. It looks like to me that GM knew something was wrong for awhile, it just took awhile to figure it out. The service manger also said that GM started making their TSB's public in Jan. on the GM.com web site. GMtech.com or words to that effect. I could not find them. Maybe someone else might have better luck
When I was meeting with my GMC service manager, I watched him double click on a desktop icon on his windows based machine, The progam connected him to a website which listed all the TSB's by vehicle type. Don't think it's available to the public as the software appeared to be proprietary.
Did the service manager tell you how they determined that the r&p needed replacement. I remember kansan having the TSB done only to have the power steering squeal. Dealer updated with new rack and the squeal was gone. If the r&p was machined wrong, is there any way of telling?
The truck you are looking for does not exist as a 2000 yr. model. That is a crew cab. There is available a 2000 xtended cab with four doors navailable. MSRP with options is in the $32,300 raNGE invoice runs about $29,000. You should be able to get the truck for $29,800 plus or minus prior to any Chevy rebates.
The dealer replaced the rack and pinion assembly in my truck last Wednesday, and the squealing noise has disappeared. Also, I notice that the steering is firmer and smoother with the new rack. They also reset the toe-in, and the truck tracks a little better, too.
I have the left, and, to a lesser degree, the right turning squeal on my 2000 GMC 1500 2WD. My question to Valleyvol, Bob332, Obyone and Nerd who have all had THE fix is about side effects. Has the cure caused any other steering or front end problems? My truck at 9,000 miles has not experienced vibration at any speed between 0 and 90 mph. I certainly appreciate being able to go to my dealer with printouts of your posts with TSB numbers and so cut to the chase without a lot of maybes and mightbes. It is just that I am concerned that a peripheral problem will occur that I don't need or want!
I have put on 800 miles since having the "fix" done. The truck steering sensitivity to vibrations have all but disappeared. I have now developed the clunk in the steering when turning right at low speed. Thought it was rather humorous since I always wondered what people meant when posting about this. I had told the shop foreman that the steering was not returning to center after making turns and agreed with him that it may require break in period. So agreed to put on a couple thousand miles before bringing it back. In my opinion, I don't think having the tsb done would cause any side effects as long as it is done correctly. My dealership sublet the job to a autobody shop as they didn't want to get into any type of welding and figured the body shop had more experience. Could tell you more after another 1000 miles. So far, I'm glad I had it done.
Al2, I have not noticed any undesirable effects after one week of driving with the new steering rack. There is no vibration or looseness at all. The truck steered fine with the "squealing" rack, but it steers even better now. The dealer did take the time to reset the toe-in rather than assume that the original setting was correct. I would suggest that you insist that you dealer do the same.
Thanks, guys. I phoned the service manager who looked up the TSB that you provided me and phoned back to say that it was the way to go and will call me when kit is in next week. I'll be sure to mention about checking the toe-in. I'm really pleased to hear that the fix does not seem to have any adverse effects. People like you who share your experiences are certainly a great help to so many others! Thanks again.
Anyone know anything about these new 4 door trucks - like when available, reviews, etc? Seems I heard a while back that GM has already been producing these for a while down in South America? I wonder how they did there?
Finally, after six months and taking it to the shop for the fourth time, I got everything fixed on the truck. I guess I'm one of the luckier ones with the steering nonsense, no welding or new control arms for mine, just a new gear box. Ah, no more embarrassing squeal.I did manage to talk the dealer into giving me a bedliner for all the hassle though.
Had fix done today. I believe Nerd is right about the steering feeling tighter, but not a big difference. I didn't think the steering was a problem, just fairly lively. My F150 was "over-assisted" on the power steering and my 2000 GM is not. The funny thing about the steering squeal was the truck had to have been driven 2-3 miles before it started to squeal and it seems that in wet or cooler weather it was almost unnoticeable. Now I'm listening for it, but the fix seems OK so far. Thanks again to all those who responded with the TSB number and advice. Cheers, Al
Well Ryan, Tim and Dean....I finally went out and bought the LT Z71 2001. Got rid of my '97 but now I have a problem. It may be the same problem mentioned above. It does have this sound at low speeds when turning to the right. Is that what was just discussed?
There are two sounds which affect different parts of the steering. The squeal is due to the steering gear box. The clunk is due to the intermediate steering shaft. Which do you have?
The squeal I had (and others) was more pronounced on a left turn and speed had nothing to do with it. It sounded just like any vehicle does when the wheel is cramped hard to the extreme left or right except this squeal occurred on any usual left or right normal turn.
You may be experiencing an dry bushing or an oversized tire rubbing against some part.
greasing my front end go one time..and had the same problem...when i turned the wheel to the left it emitted a squeal...I figured it was a dry bushing so i got under the front greased it up and havent heard it since, and havent missed greasing the front end up everytime i change the oil
so more than likely it could be a dry bushing or somethin of that sort
btw i have a '99 Z-71
just got it back from the shop..put a new intermediate shaft in the steering column...feels just like when i bought it..very impressed, also put the blue grease on the splines and for now has taken away my driveline clunk so thats ok right now
right now my rear seat when someone rides back there bangs against the window and GM hasnt got a clue what to do..they told me it was a design flaw so until they redesign the back seat there will always be a bang against the window...
You may want to wrap some duct tape on the two metal bars that the rear seats hang on to on the back of the cab. Makes for a tighter fit and no banging. At least until GM comes up with a fix for it...
Al2 - happy to hear that your steering problem is fixed. The symptons you described are exactly the same ones as my truck had. I have not heard a squeal since the replacement.
My '95 F-150 had loose steering, too! I like the GMC feel much better.
The service manager at my dealer has recommended changing the factory rear axle lube after the first 3000 miles. Has anyone else received the same advice?
By the way, the internet response folks at the GM Goodwrench site said that using any rear axle lube other than the GM lube will void the warranty. They said it is a special lube that is not offered in the aftermarket yet. A straight GL-5 rated lube is not acceptable.
Comments
I guess I'm worried that I might be making the wrong decision. My wife likes the new trucks features but I know and like the truck I have now.
How are the new 2000's? Are they as strong as the k series units? What kind of problems are occurring?
Anyone had both styles and can compare the two?
Any help would be appreciated.
a tech advisor told me that they had just gotten a bulletin on it, and the problem is with the steering gear. Evidently the tooth angle is slightly off on some of them and it produces a squeal when the wheel is turned to the left. GM knows about the problem but is only going to replace them for the people who complain and let everyone else live with it. If you haven't had yours fixed I can even give you the part number your service dept. needs to order. I've had absolutely no other problems with my truck and love driving it with the new silent steering gear.
I can not find this vehicle anywhere.(Possibly because I am not sure what I am looking for?) I have looked at Edmunds and other places but without any luck!
By the way, I used Edmunds to research my fully loaded Tahoe with no trouble!
Please help if you can.
I'm not having anything done to mine!
Peter
Did the service manager tell you how they determined that the r&p needed replacement. I remember kansan having the TSB done only to have the power steering squeal. Dealer updated with new rack and the squeal was gone. If the r&p was machined wrong, is there any way of telling?
Thanks for the tip.
I certainly appreciate being able to go to my dealer with printouts of your posts with TSB numbers and so cut to the chase without a lot of maybes and mightbes. It is just that I am concerned that a peripheral problem will occur that I don't need or want!
Cheers, Al
People like you who share your experiences are certainly a great help to so many others! Thanks again.
Cheers, Al
The funny thing about the steering squeal was the truck had to have been driven 2-3 miles before it started to squeal and it seems that in wet or cooler weather it was almost unnoticeable. Now I'm listening for it, but the fix seems OK so far.
Thanks again to all those who responded with the TSB number and advice.
Cheers, Al
You may be experiencing an dry bushing or an oversized tire rubbing against some part.
Hope this helps, Al.
so more than likely it could be a dry bushing or somethin of that sort
btw i have a '99 Z-71
just got it back from the shop..put a new intermediate shaft in the steering column...feels just like when i bought it..very impressed, also put the blue grease on the splines and for now has taken away my driveline clunk so thats ok right now
right now my rear seat when someone rides back there bangs against the window and GM hasnt got a clue what to do..they told me it was a design flaw so until they redesign the back seat there will always be a bang against the window...
My '95 F-150 had loose steering, too! I like the GMC feel much better.
By the way, the internet response folks at the GM Goodwrench site said that using any rear axle lube other than the GM lube will void the warranty. They said it is a special lube that is not offered in the aftermarket yet. A straight GL-5 rated lube is not acceptable.
this topic is being "frozen." It will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.
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