Just wanted to thank everyone for the anti-vibration posts the last 6 months or so. I picked up a '00 Silverado LS, 3 dr, Z71,short bed, 4.10, w/locker in late December. After a couple of careful test drives I decided on this one. The first thing I did was take off the stock Firestone Steeltex A/T 245 tires and put on a set of BF Goodrich A/T 265's. I've got over 5000 miles so far with no hint of vibration and/or launch shudder. Knock-on-wood! B4 I bought the truck the I discussed these problems w/ the Dealer, and he unofficially stated that there may have been a couple of '99's that were affected. I hope that everyone that has had these problems gets them resolved.
From what I can recall the aftershocks were not as noticable when loaded. The rear end did sag a few inches, but as far as I can tell it is back to the original. Still higher than the front.
Purchased my silverado a month ago. Love this truck. Test drove the Tundra also, no comparison. Chevy blows this truck away. Have 2000K on it so far and no vibrations at any speeds. My truck has 255 tires on it, don't know if that helps the vibration problem or not.
Upon accelerating from a complete stop I feel a shutter and hear something for only a second. I am taking my 2000 Z71 into the dealership to let them try and fix it. I have 9000 on the truck and it is only recently that this has started happened. Any suggestions on what exactly I should tell them to look for
I have been reading this post & dealing with the high speed vibration since december. Thought is was time to do more than just read since it looks as if I will get my truck buy back from GM soon. I had 750 miles when I noticed the vibration above 65 mph on up. My dealer would not do anything but tell me at this time they concidered it normal characteristics of the truck. Silverado 1500, 5.3 short wheel base regular cab. After my second trip to them within 2 weeks, I started the BBB autoline and called the GM 1800# to get a case#. The BBB setup a GM rep. to meet me & look at the truck. He, as did the dealer, not dispute the vibration but still would not say it was a defect. He ended the meeting telling me that he would need to get back to me & that in the mean time it would be good it GM came up with a fix! About the closest he came to saying it was a defect. Upon setting up this meeting the BBB had sent GM a letter giving them just 30 days to respond. This was about 2/15/00. The meeting took place on 3/1/00 & the next day I called my BBB rep & told him I wanted to go ahead to arbitration. He did and it was to be yesterday at 1:00pm. Monday the BBB called me to remind me and about 5 min later GM called me and wanting to buy back my truck, less mileage, 8400. I told them I did not feel I should have to pay for any mileage. They said this would be the same deal the lemon law would give me if I won arbitration and they were right. However, I told them that I also knew that if we go to arbitration and I won, it was binding on them but I could and would still take them to a court for the mileage & that if I would request a jury trial I have every reason to believe I would win. Also, if I win by arbitration, the title would reflect this for at least one year or until they did fix it under lemon law. I told them they had until 12:00 noon that next day or I would see them at the BBB office. They called at 11:45 yesterday and told me they would not count for the mileage! They are giving me the agreed cash price, tax, title and all fees with no mile deduction. The system does work. They know there is something wrong with at least some of the trucks. I was going to use some of the posts here with the arbitrator and court, also the NHTSA posts. Point is, you out there with a vibrating truck and no satisfaction, go to the BBB autoline and get a case going. This was the easest and I would not have believed it until I did it! It did take about 2 1/2 months but GM seems to be much more intentive if they are involved. Keep at it & you will prevail. And oh, thanks for the help, it is good to know your not alone with problem & see what others are doing and have done. I still want a chevy truck!!! I will start looking agian. This time I will drive it longer and faster on the test drive!
I've always said take the bull by the horns, you have proved the point. Persistence counts. While I have had NO problems with my 2000 LS 2500 2wd Ext. Cab Shortbox 5.3, this is VERY useful info for those getting the run around.
Good on ya! what you accomplished helps everybody including those of us who are not experiencing problems -- yet. Your willingness to post your successful outcome gives ammunition for others to seek justifible redress.
I have a '00(built 11-10-99) Z71,3 dr.,3:73 locker, hd trailer pkg, 245 firestone m/s tires,polished aluminum wheels, and have not had any vibration or shudder problems, unless I am over looking it because it is a truck, How bad is this vibration and shudder of the line? We have almost 4000 miles and the only problem is a noisy rt side wing window. and 3 dr molding that doesn't line up.
dealer changed spring bushings in the front due to squeaking. They also changed the back leaf springs with new "updated" springs. Lo and behold..aftershocks are history. Truck rides like a truck again. I picked up the truck after the service dept. was closed so I did not get to see the paperwork thus no TSB number. As soon as I get them I'll pass it on. Bummer part is that truck has to go in again as rear quarter windows are on order. I've owned this truck for 7 months and can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as I once thought that this circus would never end.
I have been reading about vibration issues, I am looking at buyng the Silverado Ext cab with 4th door,5.3, Short Wheel base, 2wd. Are the vibration issues being addressed by GM? I am really thinking 2nd on the Chevy. However what are my options: Ford hell no, Toyota-not a chance. Dodge only if they would stay together longer. Any help is appreciated. One thing is for sure, a long test drive at all speeds should help. Did any of you guys notice vibration when you test drove them? Does GMC have they same problems?
terex728: I have a 2K GMC and it shakes. Started at about 200-300 miles. New wheels and tires did not fix. I guess I would have to say no they have not figured it out yet and the worst is a long test drive guarantees nothing. The truck can develop this problem after several hundred or several thousand miles (ie: too late). I test drove 5 different trucks (99's) and 3 of them shook on the test drive. They all had less than 100 miles on them. Two had aluminum wheels and one had steel wheels. 2 had locking diffs and one had open diff. It's a real mystery. If I were you I would wait as long as possible. Second choice would be to buy a Ford. I would not buy a GM truck right now if I could help it.
I was really worried about buying the new Silverado (3 Dr, 5.3, SB, 3.73, trailering), but I took a chance back in January, mostly in part to my 7 year old Lumina Z34 hitting the skids. I now have 2300+ miles on it, with absolutely no hint of vibration. I did have to get it aligned (slight pull to the right) and a fender tightened (squeak), but it has been a dream.
I really don't know what the best advice is here, but the sheer amount of 2K Silverado's and Sierra's I have seen lately let me think that the situation is not that wide spread. Plus, you can go into the dealer and use it as a negotiating tactic.
I have read this topic, and the similar ones before it, quite extensively and I really feel for those who are suffering through it.
I have a '00 Ext.cab 4WD Z71 (4-door) Silverado. I only have 658 miles on it. I just past the engine brake-in period. So far everything is running well! I have not noticed any shakes or rattles.
My question is for anyone who has this problem, what should I be looking for??? rcoos.
I think I have accidentally stumbled on a potenital fix for the vibration (but not all). In trying to fix it by replacing the tires and wheels myself (it still shook), I had the originals spin balanced one more time before putting them back on. (WOW)it took most of the vibration out!!! It still shakes just a little between 60-65 mph. Now, we can either make GM replace these bad designed trucks or just get a wheel man that is good with a spin balance machine. Oh, and I'll give FORD a chance at my next business!
Just when I thought all my problems were over, here comes another vibration problem.
Hauled my John Deere riding lawn mower in the rear of my truck today and noticed a steering wheel shake/jerk. It felt like it was detecting every bump in the road...very sensitive. The steering wheel had a slight jerk/shake/shimmy.
Got a feeling this has something to do with the drive shaft and/or launch shutter problem I'm still having. Or maybe the springs......
it changes the front end geometry-- also the amount of weight the front end carries-- that will change the harmonics of wheel balance-- try adding air to the rear tires whenever you have weight in the back. also maybe it's time to balance and rotate your tires-- should be done every 15,000 miles anyway. and rotate should be every 7500 miles.
I had both problems. Shake was attributed to change in pinion angle with load. After dealer changed rear springs it is still there but very minimal; no longer like a washing machine out of balance on the spin mode. Adding air to rear tires also helps keeping tires from compressing and flexing. Also changed to light truck tires. Sacrificed ride quality a little but big improvement in handling and steering response. After going through all of this, I now have a vibration at 65 that is barely noticeable. All other vibrations have been eliminated. Truck now rides like a truck.
Did you ever get the TSB or part numbers for the things they replace on your truck? I want to talk to my dealership about it. (sorry it took a while, I was out at a seminar last week.)
Still think I have an out of round tire though. Last time I took it in they indexed and rebalanced them. On one side they rotated front to back. Now the slight vibration is in the back and not front. I only know they switched because they had marked all four tires the last time I was in. Most of the problem I am facing now is the aftershock thing. On a smooth road it is fairly smooth, but on a wavy road it seems to exagerate the aftershock shaking. I really hope your fix works for me too.
thanks for reminding me..Called dealer today...said paperwork should be ready in a few days...said I could pick it up the same time that truck goes in for the replacing of the rear quarter windows. should be Wed or Thurs.
Is it an out of round tire or a warped rim? When the dealer rebalanced the tires did they all balance to 0.0? Did any of them have excessive weights?
we purchased a 2000 chevy silverado 1500 ext cab, december31. it has caused us nothing but problems, the dealership has been no help nor has the #800 for gm. our truck has been in the shop for over 40 days total. it stalls, front seals leaked, seat belt jammed, door seals leaked, truck vibrates in and out of 4 wheel, they've put new tires on it, and replaced u-joints, we have asked for a buy back or to even speak to a rep, NOTHING. attorney general says the lemon law doesnt apply because they had it for 33 days at one time but not business days, also everytime its in the shop its for a new problem. ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated, and if your reading this thinking about buying a chevy, they have the worst customer service!!!! when we had a dodge and had a problem we had a rep out in two days
My 4.3 had aloud rumbling vibrating noise at idle and at steady speeds up to about 50 mph,apparently the internals of the muffler was causing it,dealer put on a new muffler and it was ok.however,about 450 miles later it doing it again,it vibrates the floor boards and I can feel it in the steerimg wheel it sounds and feels like some type of a drive-line problem
Sorry to hear about your truck. I have a 2000 4WD Silverado Ext. cab (4dr) Z71. I have almost 1000 miles on it. I have not noticed any vibrations, shakes or other problems. This is the best vehicle that I have owned. My truck was built in Fort Wayne, Indiana on 02/22/00. I received it a couple of weeks ago. I am most impressed with the Silverado!!!!!!! rcoos
I had seen a few postings here where the rear-quarter windows are being replaced. I am curious as to why the windows are being replaced. Is there anyone who would be willing to briefly state why? Thank You!
I took my truck in yesterday for some wind noise and they said they would order new rear quarter windows, apparently they new they had a problem with them to start with. They didn't really give me an answer what the problem was
1- Wind noise while driving at highway speeds 2- Defective latches that don't latch
Started in '99 and carried over into '00 models. Speaking of which my replacements were to have arrived this past Tuesday. Damn Chevy dealers you gotta keep calling them or you'll never get anything done. Next thing you'll know they will use my parts on someone else's truck "by mistake"
I had mine replaced soon after buying my '99. They had contracted this job out to a glass company. The frame and latches were just too weak to hold against any amount of wind. The glass and frame had to be replaced. Was stated that they all needed this.
Note: I ended up in a rental, because while the windows were setting, the truck could not undergo any body flex for some 6-8 hours.
Still in and out for: Rough Idle (?), Launch Shudder(So far reflashed the PCM-mild help), Steering Clunk(ordered spring insulators), After Shocks(ordered front shocks),Wind Noise @ windshield and pass. door(still waiting) and an uneven brake squeel(Expecting a rotor resurface).
STILL A GREAT TRUCK!! at 18K miles ~ 4.8 motor If you're looking for perfection, do a frame off restoration of a classic, for around the same price.
Stick to your guns don't let them take you for a ride on this............ What state do you live in? NY"s Lemon Law works much better than where your at, 3 times in for same problem if it effects driveability & you can apply the law to this. Good Luck
3 times in for same problem if it effects driveability & you can apply the law to this.----------------------------- My daughter just tried to use the lemon law on her windstar (ford..shudder), in NY, and it was a $400 application fee, and the mileage buyout would make her take a licking. She traded it in instead, and made out better. Now someone else gets to own it.
Evidently the application of NY's lemon law has changed since 1987 when I last used it, it was only $100 application fee then refundable upon favorable judgement. Must have something to do w/that dimwit Gov. of ours who can't even get a state budget out on time.............
Per conversation with salesperson regarding my inquiry regarding the on-going vibration problem associated with the Silverado, advised the problem found to be caused by tires not perfectly balanced and/or out of round. The dealership has purchased a $40,000 balancing machine to address this problem. The salesperson advised they had major problems with the 99 trucks, but have seen a reduction with the 2000 trucks. This was due to better "quality" control from their tire(s) vendor. I truly enjoyed driving the 2000 LS and like the styling better than the Ford or Dodge. The tire problem has become a major concern and has me heading toward some other make of truck. As I mentioned to our salesperson what will be required when it comes time to purchase new tires. Think about it, you cannot go to the grocery store without something being priced incorrectly. What will be your odds in locating the "perfect" tire?
Generally speaking, the after market tires will be of better quality than oem. And if they aren't, there is still the new tire warranty.
I'm going to buy Bridgestone Dueler A/T's with Uni-T construction. This means the rim bead reinforcing cable is without a splice, and should help out roundness.
Of course, I was lucky enough to get 4 "perfect" oem tires, Firestone (owned by Bridgestone) Wilderness A/T's. With 25,000 miles, still going well. Rotated twice, never re-balanced. Run 30 psi front/back. Look like they can go 50,000.
I've had a long bed Silverado for about a month and 1,000 miles, and so far have not had any problems... and I can't recall seeing anyone post of a long bed truck having the vibration problems. I too let some air out of the tires first thing. They were at 45 psi when I took it home, but lowering them to 30 makes the ride much nicer.
I have a 99 Sierra long bed. It had the vibration problem. The dealer said the tires were part of the Goodyear batch that was suppose to be off spec and replaced them. At the same time he replaced one rim (chrome steel). I can't be sure it was the tires or the rim but in any case the vibration is gone.
Met with service advisor today and asked how they replaced rear springs. He said that on my work order they had listed that my complaint was that the truck bottomed out without load over speed bumps and upon their observation, the rear springs were sagging. No TSB, dealer just ordered and replaced.
Still got a slight vibration at 65. Not even sure where from but seems like might be the engine. Changed plugs and wires but still seems like vibration from engine like one cylinder not firing correctly. Oh well just gotta take the tech out again for a joyride when picking up truck tomorrow after rear quarter windows replaced.
jed1894 I had played a round of golf with two old friends who each owns a service station and used to race 7 sec pro stock type car. I asked them about pinion angle causing vibration. Both of them told me that the best way to set the pinion angle is to mark the angle with the truck loaded with max weight and with no weight and split the difference. Hmm...I guess I'll ask the dealer service manager about that one.
The problems are serious to those who have them, you & I are so far lucky not to have any vibration problems to date, they do not always show up immediately but sometimes further down the road they do. If you need to know more about what it is go back thru the posts, that will tell you what you need to know.
Don't harp on these guys the problems are REAL! Be glad you don't have them.
If I'm not mistaken, the 2500 xcab's have a one piece albeit larger but still one piece drive shaft. So...I don't see any reason that a one piece couldn't work with the 1500's. I'll check with dealer on Wednesday or Thursday when test driving my truck.
rcoos Just be glad you don't have the vibe problem...yet. Mine started at about 3000 miles. I have the Firestone 265's on my Denali though not WOL...these tires sure have an ugly profile. Michelin LTX M/S looks way better. Sometimes you have to wonder about GM placing Firestone's on a $45K SUV. Well I guess it's the same as General tires on a $30K truck.
and 104? Could have sworn we were talking about vibration in driveshafts. Let's see...I emptied my browser file...refreshed screen..hmm..now who could have deleted the last two posts?
Wasn't sure on the front springs so called dealer. They said that initially they thought that the front springs and insulator needed changing but GM told them that for the squeaks replacing insulators would suffice. They were also, on the recommendation from General Tire, going to check the hubs but after checking with GM, my truck did not fall within the specified time frame for the B8 to B9 update. I had asked if the rear springs were updated and was told that they did not know as they had only requested a like exchange for the springs. The new rear leaf springs have eliminated the aftershocks.
BTW, on the steering clunk wasn't there a TSB or actually a recall to retorque the steering gear to frame bolts NHTSA item no. SB602764?
The four wheel drive models have a transfer case, the 2wd models don't. The transfer case shortens the span to the differential, hence no two piece driveshaft required.
HOW you say it is another matter! Posts are scribbled for language - profanity, real or redactive (characters instead of letters); for being off topic, or for violating Edmunds requirement for civil discourse.
This is a family oriented site. While I recognize that children will hear worse language on the playground or in the hallways than they would here, I will still delete anything that I feel might trigger "Net Nanny," "Surf Watch," or similar programs.
In the final analysis, it is a judgement call, and this is NOT Burger King! I allow more leeway in Pickups than I would in SUV's or Aftermarket and Accessories , all three of which are mine to watch.
Front Porch Philosopher SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
So in other words "she's the boss"! You can say something is a pain to do but DON'T use the "a" word. As I said prior to scribble working on the split driveshafts & changing carrier bearings/universal joints IS NOT FUN.................... hope this will sufice!
Comments
I picked up a '00 Silverado LS, 3 dr, Z71,short bed, 4.10, w/locker in late December. After a couple of careful test drives I decided on this one. The first thing I did was take off the stock Firestone Steeltex A/T 245 tires and put on a set of BF Goodrich A/T 265's. I've got over 5000 miles so far with no hint of vibration and/or launch shudder. Knock-on-wood!
B4 I bought the truck the I discussed these problems w/ the Dealer, and he unofficially stated that there may have been a couple of '99's that were affected.
I hope that everyone that has had these problems gets them resolved.
Any suggestions on what exactly I should tell them to look for
While I have had NO problems with my 2000 LS 2500 2wd Ext. Cab Shortbox 5.3, this is VERY useful info for those getting the run around.
Thanks for posting it.
Ray T.
Cheers, Al
Thanks.
Ford hell no, Toyota-not a chance. Dodge only if they would stay together longer.
Any help is appreciated.
One thing is for sure, a long test drive at all speeds should help. Did any of you guys notice vibration when you test drove them? Does GMC have they same problems?
Obyone: Thanks!
I really don't know what the best advice is here, but the sheer amount of 2K Silverado's and Sierra's I have seen lately let me think that the situation is not that wide spread. Plus, you can go into the dealer and use it as a negotiating tactic.
I have read this topic, and the similar ones before it, quite extensively and I really feel for those who are suffering through it.
Keith
My question is for anyone who has this problem, what should I be looking for???
rcoos.
In trying to fix it by replacing the tires and wheels myself (it still shook), I had the originals spin balanced one more time before putting them back on. (WOW)it took most of the vibration out!!! It still shakes just a little between 60-65 mph. Now, we can either make GM replace these bad designed trucks or just get a wheel man that is good with a spin balance machine.
Oh, and I'll give FORD a chance at my next business!
Hauled my John Deere riding lawn mower in the rear of my truck today and noticed a steering wheel shake/jerk. It felt like it was detecting every bump in the road...very sensitive. The steering wheel had a slight jerk/shake/shimmy.
Got a feeling this has something to do with the drive shaft and/or launch shutter problem I'm still having. Or maybe the springs......
00 ext. cab. 2wd...... any suggestions?
P.S. rides OK without load.
John
try adding air to the rear tires whenever you have weight in the back. also maybe it's time to balance and rotate your tires-- should be done every 15,000 miles anyway. and rotate should be every 7500 miles.
Still think I have an out of round tire though. Last time I took it in they indexed and rebalanced them. On one side they rotated front to back. Now the slight vibration is in the back and not front. I only know they switched because they had marked all four tires the last time I was in. Most of the problem I am facing now is the aftershock thing. On a smooth road it is fairly smooth, but on a wavy road it seems to exagerate the aftershock shaking. I really hope your fix works for me too.
Is it an out of round tire or a warped rim? When the dealer rebalanced the tires did they all balance to 0.0? Did any of them have excessive weights?
2. Get a copy of your state's Lemon Law (the whole copy).... follow its guidelines if BBB can't help.
3. Read all of the post on this topic, if you haven't already.
Good luck
John
rcoos
rcoos
and they said they would order new rear quarter
windows, apparently they new they had a problem with them to start with. They didn't really give me an answer what the problem was
1- Wind noise while driving at highway speeds
2- Defective latches that don't latch
Started in '99 and carried over into '00 models. Speaking of which my replacements were to have arrived this past Tuesday. Damn Chevy dealers you gotta keep calling them or you'll never get anything done. Next thing you'll know they will use my parts on someone else's truck "by mistake"
They had contracted this job out to a glass company. The frame and latches were just too weak to hold against any amount of wind. The glass and frame had to be replaced. Was stated that they all needed this.
Note: I ended up in a rental, because while the windows were setting, the truck could not undergo any body flex for some 6-8 hours.
Still in and out for:
Rough Idle (?), Launch Shudder(So far reflashed the PCM-mild help), Steering Clunk(ordered spring insulators), After Shocks(ordered front shocks),Wind Noise @ windshield and pass. door(still waiting) and an uneven brake squeel(Expecting a rotor resurface).
STILL A GREAT TRUCK!! at 18K miles ~ 4.8 motor
If you're looking for perfection, do a frame off restoration of a classic, for around the same price.
Ray T.
driveability & you can apply the law to this.-----------------------------
My daughter just tried to use the lemon law on her windstar (ford..shudder), in NY, and it was a $400 application fee, and the mileage buyout would make her take a licking. She traded it in instead, and made out better. Now someone else gets to own it.
Ray T.
I'm going to buy Bridgestone Dueler A/T's with Uni-T construction. This means the rim bead reinforcing cable is without a splice, and should help out roundness.
Of course, I was lucky enough to get 4 "perfect" oem tires, Firestone (owned by Bridgestone) Wilderness A/T's. With 25,000 miles, still going well. Rotated twice, never re-balanced. Run 30 psi front/back. Look like they can go 50,000.
Still got a slight vibration at 65. Not even sure where from but seems like might be the engine. Changed plugs and wires but still seems like vibration from engine like one cylinder not firing correctly. Oh well just gotta take the tech out again for a joyride when picking up truck tomorrow after rear quarter windows replaced.
jed1894
I had played a round of golf with two old friends who each owns a service station and used to race 7 sec pro stock type car. I asked them about pinion angle causing vibration. Both of them told me that the best way to set the pinion angle is to mark the angle with the truck loaded with max weight and with no weight and split the difference. Hmm...I guess I'll ask the dealer service manager about that one.
I believe I read somewhere that a guy had a s-10 with two piece driveshaft and he replaced it with a one piece unit to fix launch shutter.
I looked under my truck and it looks like it would work........ what you think?
John
Don't harp on these guys the problems are REAL! Be glad you don't have them.
Ray T.
rcoos
Just be glad you don't have the vibe problem...yet. Mine started at about 3000 miles. I have the Firestone 265's on my Denali though not WOL...these tires sure have an ugly profile. Michelin LTX M/S looks way better. Sometimes you have to wonder about GM placing Firestone's on a $45K SUV. Well I guess it's the same as General tires on a $30K truck.
Ray T.
BTW, on the steering clunk wasn't there a TSB or actually a recall to retorque the steering gear to frame bolts NHTSA item no. SB602764?
Quads answer makes sense 4wd as opposed to 2wd driveshaft length difference.
Ray T.
HOW you say it is another matter! Posts are scribbled for language - profanity, real or redactive (characters instead of letters); for being off topic, or for violating Edmunds requirement for civil discourse.
This is a family oriented site. While I recognize that children will hear worse language on the playground or in the hallways than they would here, I will still delete anything that I feel might trigger "Net Nanny," "Surf Watch," or similar programs.
In the final analysis, it is a judgement call, and this is NOT Burger King! I allow more leeway in Pickups than I would in SUV's or Aftermarket and Accessories , all three of which are mine to watch.
Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
You can say something is a pain to do but DON'T use the "a" word.
As I said prior to scribble working on the split driveshafts & changing carrier bearings/universal joints IS NOT FUN.................... hope this will sufice!
Ray T.