2000 Chevy Silverado Vibration - II

jed1894 · February 2000

Placemark....test.....

kingfishgus · February 2000

I hope the info in the original thread stays around for a long time. It seems like other frozen data stayes for a year or more, so that is good. If it will stay around, I won't download to save.

jed1894 · February 2000

Anyone hear of final cure for launch shutter/vibration on 00 models. I know for the 99s, they have replaced leaf springs, etc. ???

Now that I have gotten rid of my vibration problem ,I would like to fine tune the launch shutter problem. thanks

John

samrabbit · February 2000

would take new ink cartritge to print topic 969. Hope it stays on server for awhile.

meredith · February 2000

Frozen topics....

with less than 10 posts are deleted - unless the material has, in my estimation, some especially redeeming value. More than 10 posts and I archive it. Archival storage is long term, but even that is "cleaned out" every couple of years.

Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host

kingfishgus · February 2000

On my 00, 1500, x-cab, short bed, 2wd, 3door, 4800, auto, 3.42 locking rear, they replaced springs and shackles. Helped launch shake but did not fix all the way. Can feel it less empty, but with a 300lb load in the bed I can feel it like it was, so really all the springs did was to lift the rear 1 inch which changes the driveline angle when the truck is empty. When the load pushed the bed back down the shudder reappears. Not bad, but it's there. This past weekend I had about 700lbs of people in the cab and a couple hundred lbs in the bed and could feel the launch problem. In addition there was a vibration and humming noise at highway speeds that would come and go every 5 seconds or so. Would start quietly, then build for a few seconds, then fade away. Was weird. Best I could describe is that it seemed to be some type of harmonic. Hadn't heard that before, even with the same people in the cab. Might have been caused by the road I was on, but with these trucks you can't assume anything like that.
Talked to a service mgr the other day. They had been told by Chev customer assistance there was a "fix" being devised for our normal high speed vibration problem due out by the end of March. Said they did not tell him what the fix was.

jed1894 · March 2000

Your "harmonic" vibration every 5 seconds or so sounds exactly like the problem I was experiencing with towing vibration on a particular trailer (light wgt) I was towing. I remember it did it real bad when it went into overdrive--did that happen to you? My towing vibration also vibrated the steering wheel, dash, and seats real bad.

Anyway, I think I'll wait a while on the launch shutter fix before I take it in. With my luck, something else will be broken while there. Maybe they'll issue a TSB on the 00 model soon.

Thanks John

bg4dg · March 2000

Also waiting for the "fix" at the end of March, but I think we're getting fed a bunch of BS folks. I have been reading and posting on a few different topic numbers for a couple of months now, and I can say for sure that we are NOT all having the same type of vibration/shaking problems. There is very little chance that the various problems are going to be "fixed" by some TSB or recall from GM. Even though I've asked several times, I can't even get them to acknowledge that there is a problem in writing. Good luck folks, I believe we are going to need it.

jraitz · March 2000

Just took delivery of new Silverado with 10 miles on it. I had to pick up 100 miles away. Before I bought, I tested it up to 70mph no vibration at all. I drove it the 100 miles home, ranging from 55mph - bursts to 85mph, no problem. Tires are Generals Ameri 660 AS WOL, 3.73 rear, 2 wheel drive,Ext cab, limited slip, towing package, sticker $29,900 built 02/00. I thought it is important to tell both sides of the story. Hopefully either the truck has the problem or not. As of now I don't. Because of the continuing problems that I have read from these posts, I decided to wait since 11/99 before purchasing. My thought was that given the four months that I have been reading posts on this board, that they would have resolved whatever problem there was. Anyways, thanks for all your posts. I was definitely more diligent during the test drive to any vibration problem.

By the way, purchased with the GM loyalty program $200 below invoice no other fees. Found the truck through gmbuypower. Great experience, called got the quote no hassling, told him to wrap it up. Purchased from Dyer Moters, in Dyer TN from the owner Norman. In Memphis, couldn't find truck, but special orders were $1000 over invoice.

kingfishgus · March 2000

We haven't heard of enough 4 doors being bought yet, but they may not vibrate like the 3door models. Someone suggested they made a change for the 4 doors, I believe they said in the frame, which may have cured it but time will tell if they actually made a change, and if it is fixed. Hope it's fixed for your sake.

bg4dg · March 2000

Hope so too. Great truck otherwise. My Z71 didn't start the shakes until about 1000 miles. Seems to be worse if anything at 3K now. Tire pressure definitely affects it. You can try lowering the pressures to see if that makes it shake. My tires (P245 Firestones) were way over inflated. Bringing the pressure down made things much worse. A frame and/or body change sounds likely to provide more support without the solid door side. This might be the ticket since I was told by a former GM engineer that the problem is a bad combination of frame flex, spring rate, and shock valving. This could be why I hear of few if any problems on the 3/4 tons. Again though, I believe we don't all have the same problems. My truck shakes as though a tire or tires were badly out of balance. No high frequency vibration. My only other gripes are that it is so low, no skid plate on the plastic gas tank even with Z71, and terrible shock placement in the rear.

jed1894 · March 2000

Guess this topic's dead. Maybe someone from GM made a call?..... GM should be happy vibration topic was frozen.

obyone · March 2000

I thought your vibration problems were over. Did it return after the Generals were mounted? or under load?

jed1894 · March 2000

No vibration yet. Generals still holding out, so far. I'll see when the weather warms up if that cold/warm weather thing occurs.

I read this postings out of addiction I guess. Wondering when GM will cure the problem, for those still having the problem.

Seems to have died down a bit, huh?

kingfishgus · March 2000

Chevy has been putting some folks off for 18 months now. Their wearing us down and don't care that those of us with vibrating trucks just won't buy a Chevy next time.
I've personally told at least 30 or 40 people of my problems outside this forum, and these are all boating/hunting folks, truck buyers who will remember.
Some were in the market at the time, so I've made an impact on Chevy's bottom line (I have 3 friends who wanted a Chevy but bought other brands because of me). So I caused Chevy to loose $75,000 in sales already that I know of. Most of the real problem is that Chevy has no idea of what customer service should be. They think if they stall enough, the customers will quit complaining, which is true to a certain extent. They'll quit complaining to Chevy, but not to everyone else they know.
It is impossible for Chevy to not know what is causing this some 18 months later. I sure hope their engineers and employees are not that ignorant. They just don't want to fix it.

quadrunner500 · March 2000

Doesn't take a genius to lose sales, or lose money.

The point about Chevy not caring, is bogus also. Post after post, in this topic, people got buy-backs who wanted them. A few have re-purchased GM products.

I get a call, and/or reply card after every service visit. When I jotted down an offhand remark, about GM not being up to Toyota standards, I got two voice mails, and they opened a file number.

Obviously, someone's listening. And I'm happy for it, although embarrassed for making the unfair comment.

rayt2 · March 2000

.....has bulletins out on this issue, someone posted in another topic about it, Dmr3 I think.

Ray T.

kingfishgus · March 2000

Customer service is a variable consisting of how the dealer, service manager, mechanics, Chev customer service and other factors combine to address your problems. Personal expectations of service also come into play.
In looking back through this thread I've noticed you have posted that you do not have any vibration problems with your truck, although apparently you have had some other problems which caused you to call customer service. Until you experience a problem that goes on for months with multiple dealer visits, with something as aggravating as your truck vibrating, you won't understand some peoples views on Chevrolet's service. I've allowed Chevy have several months to fix the problem because 1. I believed they would do the right thing and fix the trucks, 2. I've had good experience with their trucks and their service in the past, and 3. was promised by their service mgr and customer service that they had an official buyback program that I could invoke when I got tired of this mess. A month or two ago I asked to be included in a buyback and was told they have cancelled their buyback for vibrating trucks. The only recourse now is either to wait for a fix, or go through legal channels (Lemon Law, class action suit, etc) . Any buyback in the works could be completed (time was running about 2 months to get a buyback at the end of last year), but no new ones would be started. I am allergic to lawyers, so I really do not want to go that route.
I do reserve the right to complain about this problem and about the lack of customer service, especially on a forum thread dedicated to vibration problems in these trucks. I owe it to my friends to let them know of any potential problem so they can be looking for that when they test drive, and are not surprised like so many others have been.
I'm very happy that you and others have good trucks. I've been very satisfied with GM products for decades now. I like my truck quite a bit apart from the vibration, but that problem would keep me from buying another one at this time.
I don't think Chevrolet is acting appropriately in resolving this one persistent problem, and that would cause me concern about buying another GM truck in the future.

quadrunner500 · March 2000

I never contacted Chevrolet customer service. They contacted me...because I wrote a comment on a reply postcard, that got their attention.
*********************************************
And you are right. I haven't had a problem as frustrating as yours, so I want to show more understanding, now.

Back to your problem. Here's where I think you've gone wrong.

1.) You've shown too much understanding, and trust in them to "do the right thing." When you cease being persistent, stop pestering, you also stop being a problem, and that moves your problem down the list.

2.) You've let this frustration build, repressed it, and now lash out at everyone except those who can provide direct relief.

3.) You may "owe it to your friends" to apprise them of the GM conspiracy, but you owe it to yourself even more, and to your service advisor and salesman, to really let them have it...for misleading you if that's what you think about the buyback promise.

4.) You've got to tell them, if the buyback is now closed, that they better just open it right back up for you, or fix your truck. And don't call back until it is fixed.

5.) The lemon law is how quite a few of the others found relief. Until now, they've decided you are just not a big enough problem to merit.

6.) Attorneys are onerous, but this is worth $125-200 for a phone call, send them a letter, make something happen.

7.) Lastly, you get the salesman and the service advisor together, where one can look right into the other's eyes as you speak. And you repeat that last paragraph, where you state you have been satisfied with GM products for years, and that you don't think they are treating you appropriately, and that if they want you to remain a loyal GM customer, they have to take care of you. Then you finish by stating you want this truck fixed, and not returned until it is, or start some buy back paperwork.

I'm sorry for doubting you. Now you do the right thing, and show them the righteous indignation they deserve, challenge them to actually do the right thing, and give them a deadline, wipe away the friendly smile, just be firm, be direct.

If you have to make good on your threat to begin using legal channels, doesn't mean that it can't end with a more satisfactory, out of court settlement.

I think I've seen enough from customer service to believe you can make this happen. Best of Luck!

dmr3 · March 2000

.....has bulletins out on this issue, someone
posted in another topic about it, Dmr3 I think.
-------------
yes, I did post it..here is
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/Servicemmy5.cfm the area:

jed1894 · March 2000

I agree with you 100%. Although my vibration is gone, and I'm now happy with my truck, it wasn't fiqured out by GM. Five (5) different GM dealerships in two (2) states had a chance to find the problem (warped rims) and all missed the problem. A local small one-man tire company found the problem--then the problem was corrected after I told GM what the problem was. At that point, GM even wanted to try something different but I refused and demanded they put new rims on the truck.

I complained on every dealer by letter and calling the 800 number, and never received a call from anyone. I only got real action when I filed with BBB. Say what you want, the BBB can get some heads turning, or at least they did in my case.

The bottom line: GM spent a ton of money on my truck (tranny, drive shafts, tires, etc.) when all-along it was a warped rim causing the vibration. How can this type error go unchecked by GM command. It also sounds like some kind of warranty fraud. I cannot believe they all missed such a simple thing to find. I have no confidence in GM service people and now I doubt everything I'm told by one of them. I only hope that nothing goes wrong with my truck that requires warranty work where I'm forced to return to the dealer.

Anyway, I'm glad some people are getting good results from GM support....maybe if another problem comes up I'll have better luck.

John

rock29 · March 2000

Bought a 2000 Silverado 1/2 ton SWB Reg cab in January. Salesman pointed down a short back road for test drive. Within 2 weeks vibration was noticed at 65 - 75 mph.

Dealer said Goodyear tires were bad. Good old Goodyear replaced them... same problem. Another dealership did some more tests and could not fix.

Another dealership said GM specialists suggested putting tires on their 'Special' tire rotation machine but expect this truck to ride rough!!! A new Chevrolet truck to ride rough?????

They are all but admitting the problem but will not openly admit it or fix it.

When I do get it fixed there goes my respect (and future business) to good old GM!!!!!!

Buyers Beware.

obyone · March 2000

So much for a dead topic...do you have at least 400 miles on the Generals? If so, looking at them closely, on the outer tread, running your hand over the outer tread from front to back, notice any sharp edges of rubber or small chunks of tire missing? My Generals started to do this at about 400 miles.

vales-
Ever thought of going to another Chevy dealer for warranty. Yours doesn't seem to take any initiative and try to find solutions more so since you had just bought two trucks from them. OR you could trade the other 1500 for another 2500. A slight change in your attitude toward the dealer might also have an impact. If there is a problem with vibrations on your truck, it is their obligation to try and resolve this issue. If you accept their answer that they will not do anything and GM's that this is "normal" then why should they? I would consider taking it up with the dealership's General Manager and not taking no for an answer. If that doesn't work there is always the Lemon Law. I'm sure the BBB and the Attorney General's Office would be interested to know that your dealer would not even attempt to resolve the vibrations.

obyone · March 2000

if being confrontational makes you uncomfortable, you could always hire an attorney to do it for you. Either way don't let them get away with this BS. Good luck!!

kansan · March 2000

I went to the NHTSA website to try and find information on TSB 99309002 concerning the vibration problem mentioned in an earlier post, and could not find it. Besides, all the website gives you is an incomplete description of the problem, and no mention of how it was resolved or the results of the investigation. I then called the 1-888 number, and they could not help me or even tell me if that was a legitimate TSB number. All they could tell me was that if I knew the number I could request a TSB for $40. How typical of a government agency, totally useless in my opinion. Has anyone got a TSB or any useful information from the NHTSA, or is this just another self serving organization sucking up our tax money?
Thanks,
Ken

jed1894 · March 2000

Rock29
Might want to try what I did: go to independent tire company....GM will jerk you around forever.

Obyone
Got over 4000 miles on Generals now and no problems yet. I'll check them good today and let you know. Apparently my combination is working now. Yeah....topic seems to have picked back up....we need to keep up the heat on GM and don't let them wear us down....even the guys who get their trucks bought back and/or fixed.

John

kingfishgus · March 2000

I've actually tried several of your suggestions about persisting, and the purchasing dealership's owner, salesperson, sales manager, service manager, service advisor and shop foreman are all very tired of having me persisting. Now, I don't really care that they are tired of me, so I still call and go by and brighten up their day regularly.
I don't let them know it, but I do think they are limited in what they can do, at least mechanically because I don't believe they possess the knowledge or equipment do diagnose the problem. They all agree (along with a service mgr from a totally different dealership) that 80% or more of the trucks have a vibration problem to some degree, and that Chevy was not even trying to fix from the factory. Chevy was sending suggestions from things that had worked at other dealerships. Whether we are to believe that is questionable, but that was their position a couple months ago. Now we are told the factory is working on it.
I most definitely have made one mistake letting them work on the truck for so long. If I had immediately demanded a buyback, left the truck at the dealership, and busted their butts every day, they probably would have bought it back. I really had no idea that this could go on so long because of my prior experiences with GM.
Those TSB's mentioned on the NHTSA site are old, but Chev does have a long laundry list of things to try on the trucks. Actually they have reduced the vibration quite a bit, but it is still present, and at this point I'm probably most concerned with what will happen when various chassis components start to wear and what will happen when it's time to buy new tires.
Posting here does some good, so everybody keep it up. It provides ammo for our Web comrads, and you can bet there are people at GM corporate reading these threads.
I'm kind of interested in who is still here that has a vibration complaint/concern. I bet there are still lurkers who haven't had anything new to say, and are waiting for us to post "the fix". If you're still out there go ahead and post a short note so we know you're still here.

quadrunner500 · March 2000

I still believe at least part of the problem is your dealer, as you candidly state they are unable, lacking equipment, and exasperated.

But the 80% number you quoted for trucks affected by vibration has to be way off. I'd be surprised if it was 15%.

The "fix" just might be better quality control when it leaves the factory, because my '99 was produced in August '98, way before there was a "problem." I have 23,300 miles now, without hint of vibration at any speed, original tires, never re-balanced, rotated twice.

I heard Pat Goss from Autoweek state that using an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts can warp discs, causing vibrations. Perhaps removing the wheels for balancing, rotations, different tires, troubleshooting et all, is actually contributing if they are careless with the impact wrench.

rayt2 · March 2000

your statement about over torqueing lugs. That is not a good thing for the hubs/rotors etc. and will cause problems.
I am one of the few who post here on positive note, No Vibrations to date on my truck but only 600 miles so far. 2000 Silverado LS 2500 Ext. Cab Shortbox 2wd, locker, auto, 3.73, 5.3L.
Interesting note my tire inflation rates when I picked up truck were 40 psi all around 245/16R75 all terrain Firestones, that is not what was specified by door sticker, my belief is that door sticker posts maximum tire inflation rates for when hauling at GVW not unlaiden.
So currently I haven't changed a thing.

Ray T.

y2kleg · March 2000

I ordered my 1500 LS on Feb.23-found this post the following day. I've been monitoring since and wanted to send a thank you to everyone for informing me of the possible problems. I like having ammunition for the situations that may arrive. Expecting arrival of truck in late April. Will post specs on truck and inform of any vibrations.

rgould22 · March 2000

Has anybody tried getting the news media interested it this problem. Shows like 60 minutes and 20/20 love stories about defective products that manufactures refuse to fix.

white6 · March 2000

for a fix to this problem. My 2K GMC Sierra SLE, 2wd, reg cab still has the shakes as bad as ever. Original equipment aluminum wheels and Goodyear tires started shaking at about 200 miles. Replaced with Chevy aluminum take-offs and BFG Long Trail TA's. I installed the new wheels and tires myself (by hand, not with an impact wrench), so I know they are torqued correctly. I have tried various tire pressures and the dealer has re-balanced the new tire/wheel combo too. Still no joy in Mudville. I have decided to wait until April to see if the supposed "factory fix" is really coming. I doubt it.

obyone · March 2000

How did the tire dealer determine that the problem (vibration) was due to the chrome rims? The reason that I ask is that Chevy dealer couldn't duplicate vibration so I took it to a friends shop who has a Sun high speed balancer. First tire balance ok, second off 1/2 oz in and out, third 3/4 oz in and 1/2 out, last tire looked kinda warp, was 1.25 oz. off on inside and .75 oz. off outside. All tires were rebalanced to zero. But that last tire sure looked funny. Didn't know if it was my eyes. And the vibration continues not major shaking but enough where it is irritating. The funny tire went back on the drivers side rear and I'm experiencing vibrations throughout the truck not just in the steering. Any info would help. Thanks-

team2joe · March 2000

You are not going to like to here this but I have a 2000 short bed 2wd silverado with aluminum rims and I am turning it back in the next couple of days to get my money back because of this same problem. I fought it since Nov. 99' I have been in to the dealer about 10 times, they tryed everything including 4 different sets of tires. The interesting thing is that a week ago the dealer found me a new truck the same as mine for me to repurchase. I test drove it for about 150 miles and although it did not shake as bad as mine it did not feel smooth like any vehical should on a smooth road at 70 mph. I really think that what ever this problem is that it is out of GMs control. The Area vehical manager that road with me to ok my repurchase said there was nothing wrong with my truck and yes he felt the shake. I told him that we could go to arbitration and I was sure that a 3rd party would agree with me. That is when he oked my buy back. My advise to you is learn to live with it or get started on your buy back. I really do not think it can be fixed.

rock29 · March 2000

Ready for a new tally? Now I have been to 3 dealerships for repair of vibration on my 2K Silverado SWB and now have replaced the tires twice...Still got the shakes!!
This time I replaced tires and wheels, no difference.
We need to keep up the pressure on GM or they will just let it go and we will be stuck with these lemons.

jed1894 · March 2000

You're problem sounds similar to mine. After I went to numerous GM dealers for a fix, I decided to see a friend that would allow me into the shop to see tires for myself. Well, while I was drinking a coke, he called my back to the shop to look at a couple of wheels and tires.

One wheel, while still on the tire balancer, was wobbling just a little. Another one was doing similar, but it ended up being a bad Goodyear tire. He should me the tire wobbling on the rim and said that was probably the problem with the high speed vibration.

After I called GM raising hell about how their dealers were all idiots, they approved the local tire company to try to fix the problem, which he did the next day. He put on another set of chrome rims (which he had in stock because of a trade-in) and new set of General tires and it has been running fine since.

The local tire dealer also told me that he had been experiencing alot of vibration complaints the new style Chevy trucks. He said Chevy is now super sensitive and even the slightest warped rim or bad tire would effect the steering, etc. My point: if you saw the wheel jumping, etc. you may want to have a closer look.

Good luck

John

onepat · March 2000

first of all I would like to thank all of you for saving me from buying a problem. Had 1989 silverado to 150k no problem, have 1994 silverado 130k no problem except paint delaminated. Gm refused repaint at 95k so I had it dome my cost. I am retired and would like to buy a new silverado so I checked edmonds for problems. Was I suprised by this topic. Went to four dealerships three chev. and one GMC. I told them what I would like and that I would take a one time quote from each, total out the door price no add ons at delv. no dealing. Every thing was fine until I brougt up the vibration problem and the info I had on the subject. Not one sales person, sales manager, or service manager would acknowlage the problem, so I told them all to send me from GM what the problem is/was what the correction was and I would be in to purchase a truck. Not a word two months. I have a truck and no problems, I am an old fart but not stupid why pay 20somek to buy a problem. Any advice.

onepat · March 2000

first of all I would like to thank all of you for saving me from buying a problem. Had 1989 silverado to 150k no problem, have 1994 silverado 130k no problem except paint delaminated. Gm refused repaint at 95k so I had it dome my cost. I am retired and would like to buy a new silverado so I checked edmonds for problems. Was I suprised by this topic. Went to four dealerships three chev. and one GMC. I told them what I would like and that I would take a one time quote from each, total out the door price no add ons at delv. no dealing. Every thing was fine until I brougt up the vibration problem and the info I had on the subject. Not one sales person, sales manager, or service manager would acknowlage the problem, so I told them all to send me from GM what the problem is/was what the correction was and I would be in to purchase a truck. Not a word two months. I have a truck and no problems, I am an old fart but not stupid why pay 20somek to buy a problem. Any advice.

obyone · March 2000

on the luck of the draw. The dealer that I bought my truck from did not have any problems with vibrations until my '00 Silverado. Maybe I'm a little pickier than others. The sales people also did not know anything about vibration problems. I also talked to a friend of mine who is a service writer for a GMC dealership that picked up the truck line in September 1999 and have sold close to 80 trucks since then and no service problems related to vibrations. Obviously as time passes corrections are being made by the manufacturer. If I were to purchase a Silverado or GMC today, I would definitely take it out for a long test drive, insist on upgrading tires prior to taking ownership (not with tires on Chevy's upgrade options), and buy from the dealership with the best reputation for service. I'm a believer that saving a couple of hundred dollars on the sales versus having a better service department is a no brainer. I'll always go with the people that give me the best service.

I had a '00 F150 XLT for a loaner for 3 days and couldn't stand the truck. Test drove a Tundra, no deal, not full sized and wouldn't consider a Dodge not after my '70 slant 6 Swinger. Do not let the people on this site, me included, sway you from buying a new Silverado. It is an awesome truck, and our problems are not a true sample of all the Chevy trucks being sold. Also if we had better dealerships to work with our problems would not have reached the point of where it is now. Sorry about the long post. Good luck!

obyone · March 2000

Thanks for the post. I was reading your postings on Pacific Audio's site today as I was researching the vibration problem. It appears that a lot of these service departments have one common denominator...a lack of common sense. More importantly, a lot of them take an adversarial approach with the customer. I had asked the General Manager of the dealership I'm working with if they held the techs responsible for wasting customers time by writing on the service tag "unable to verify"? I related my tire balancing problem and that the tech couldn't verify vibrations on test drive and how simple the solution was to actually place the tires on a balancing machine rather than relying on tech's seat of the pants evaluation. Especially if the tech was on the heavier side with added padding on his posterior to "soften" the vibration. I guess the answer is that my truck goes back in next week to evaluate the integrity of the chrome rims. I called Enterprise Rent a Car and told them to get two vehicles ready for me to rent as I have my 97.5 Regal going in for warranty also to another GMC dealer. Glad the dealers are paying for the rentals. Maybe I could get a Tundra for a rental and a Silverado to carry it around...thanks again.

samrabbit · March 2000

Hey all
My problem ended last night when I dropped off the keys at dealer and drove away in new 2500 class Silverado. Yes it is stiffer than my Z71, and with no weight in rear it does bounce a little, but....it dont shake, it don't launch shudder, it don't shimmy either. My coffee stays in my cup. GM Fort Wayne has again satisfied this customer. I be happy, but I hope that GM owns up to this problem and does the right thing by all the people who laid down their hard earned dough for a piece of the dream. Yeah it cost me more money too, but a few extra bucks lost on purchase will equal out very soon on driving satisfaction.

vales · March 2000

Good for you! I made the same deal here - 1500 "magic fingers" Z71 swapped for 2500. Cost me a bit more with less frills, but LOVE the new truck. Brought my Steeltex tires down to 50 psi all around and only slightly stiffer than Z71. I rarely haul a ton. Feels a LOT more solid too. I'm happy, but I drive a smooth (<60mph) Z71 at work and at times wish that my 1st shaker had worked out. Oh well, I guess I am fortunate to experience both the 1500 and 2500. Each has their own personalities and merits.

ovalley · March 2000

For those folks experiencing vibration problem, do you think it is tire related or suspension related? I have had the tires on my GMC replaced, balanced, indexed and/or matched and even after they should have fixed them the first time. Most all of the vibration driving on a smooth road is gone. However, I still have this hopping sensation around 40 to 45 mph. Also when I hit a bump or hole in the road I get a shock wave for a small time afterwards. Kind of like the shocks are worn out or bushings are worn out. I have driven cars and trucks before with lots of miles and them shimmied after hitting a bump when the suspension was worn out. Anybody out there experiencing this same thing? Have you replaced shocks to try to fix it.

obyone · March 2000

I had replaced my stock shocks with Edlebrock IAS in the first month of ownership. I believe the aftershocks you are experiencing is from the extra soft springs that GM put on the trucks to give them more of a car like ride. I am having the same problem and it is not related to the shocks. Some of the aftershocks subsided after changing to light truck tires. Currently dealer has front springs and rear leaf springs on order to replace. Did you notice if your ride height has changed since you first bought the vehicle. After I carried an 800# load, my ride height was lowered by about an inch and a half when compared to similar new Silverado on dealer lot.

The hopping sensation may be due to a defective rim.What's funny is that the tire will balance to "0" even if the rim is defective. It took three sets of tires and countless rebalancing when finally I took the truck to a friend's shop where we rebalanced all the tires and noticed one rim was warped. The dealer never noticed it so now I also have one rim on backorder. Hope this helps...good luck!

edd4 · March 2000

my truck also has the "shock wave" sensation after hitting potholes. Very smooth and quiet otherwise. No vibrations at any speed on smooth asphalt.

krc32 · March 2000

I recently bought a 99 Silverado 1/2 ton extended cab short bed with the 4.8. Almost immediately became aware of the launch shudder, to which at this point they are about to redo the driveshaft alignment. It only occurs at initial acceleration. I have spoke with many others with similar trouble, one had the leaf springs and shackles replaced, which he said only masked the problem. I am trying to gather all the information possible to get everything done at once. At this point they still say "Launch shudder, huh, haven't heard that one. But we will try the drive line."

I tried to explain to my service manager about the tranny having what seemed to be a delayed shift at times and harsh other times. To which he actually told me that the tranny has a computer that will alter the shift points as you change your driving style. Anyone out there care to back him up on that??? Sounds like BS, I am sure to most. I have read some similar tranny trouble, but haven't found any TSB numbers yet ~ Valves or flashing ?

I already had the rear quarter windows replaced. Framing and all. Before the tint job.

Braking while in a turn occasionally has a very serious side effect. Jolts dramatically. This has yet been acknowledged by the service dept. It may be just the tires skipping.

I believe the Chevrolet Trucks are the best designed and the best looking. Only they are so mass produced causing these problems. I have spoke to an ex-line worker. Most people realize this, but the fact that the vehicles never stop, can you imagine? You literally have to move with it to get your part installed. I don't imagine it goes over well when someone has to stop the line to finish his part properly. Think he'll be next up for a raise. They ought to just slow the line a little, I still don't think we would really have to wait for a truck.

Toyota Tundra ~ Test drove one today ~ I DON'T THINK SO!! Though I do respect their reputation and care in assembly, which is in Indiana from what I hear. The are just too small and cramped.

For more on launch shudder check out #246 and #177 and #402 of Topic #969. Thanx, for those, very informative.

Tranny flat spots best described at #248. It seems jeffthro had a split shaft seal on his tranny. Though the repair was short lived.

The rattle in the dash is beginning to drive me crazy. I am sure something will drop out soon, can't wait to see what it is.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE

krc32 · March 2000

http://www.alldata.tsb.com/consumer/TSB/11/9911ARGC.html is a TSB Site.

I left out, along with the above listed problems I also have a rough idle in all gears, park, neutral, and drive. I have read earlier above, that some others have also encountered this. Though some that ride in it don't seem to think anything of it. I, myself don't feel that this is alright. Not with less than 18K miles. I did find a TSB (86-65-06) for it, but am unaware of their fix, on it. Anyone have this resolved?

Does anyone out there think that there is any possible relation of the LAUNCH SHUDDER to trouble with the torque converter? Just a thought...

jed1894 · March 2000

According to my GM service friend (the only one who has not worked on my truck because of distance), the launch shutter is the result of the two piece drive shaft. He said he has been adjusting the angle with some positive results, but in other cases, no changes have occurred. It's a trial-by-error kind of problem: adjust and then test drive. That's his opinion, not necessary mine. Good luck...... John

ovalley · March 2000

I have had about 20 sheets of half inch sheetrock in the back of mine (finishing the basement) not long ago. Have not noticed any lowering of the ride height. The back end is still higher than the front.

obyone · March 2000

my truck goes in today to replace defective rim, rear leaf and front springs, and rear quarter windows. Will let you know if the replacing of springs eliminated the aftershocks.

When carrying load of sheetrock, did your load cause the rear to sag? Did you experience the aftershocks while you were carrying the load? I noticed that while carrying loads, the aftershocks are still there but not as bad as with an empty bed.

obyone · March 2000

Did they also change your front springs? Funny how people like to customize their trucks to get that "level" look...mine does it naturally. After carrying 800# load, the truck never returned to previous height and now rides with front and rear the same height. What has the dealer done about your 65-80 vibes?

It figures that launch shudder is more pronounced with new 1" higher springs as the change in pinion angle is greater when empty and carrying a load. I get this weird feeling that there is no fix for these problems as the cause is from a bad design... the fix would take a redesign and it just costs too much to correct the older trucks. Hopefully changes are being made to the newer trucks coming out now... but where does that leave us?

2000 Chevy Silverado Vibration - II

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