Power steering whine..deal breaker...no new HD for me?

[puller738]

So my dealer ordered a new Cc ltz gasser for me a couple months ago. When I went into test drive it I noticed a high pitch whine which seemed to be associated with the power steering. It would only show up at idle after the truck was warmed up. The dealer agreed that something was not right. He replaced some parts and informed me the truck had been fixed. I went in for a second test drive and sure enough, same problem. I then test drove another HD on their lot and noticed the same noise it just wasn't as loud. The dealer called GM who informed him he would recommend that "I just turn up the radio or blower to drown out the noise." Honest truth. ?

 

After doing a little research it appears to be a common problem with the 2016 digital assist steeering. Does everyone have this noise and if so does it get worse with time. I just find it hard to believe you could market a truck with a 56000? Sticker price with these kind of problems. I'm just glad I found the problem before I wrote them a check.?

[SouthpawHD]

It's not a "common" problem at all.

 

These trucks make some noises, some stranger than others. I hear the steering too, doesn't bother me one bit.

 

Good luck on your next truck.

[Justin5352]

I have 6100 miles on mine and I have never heard any steering noises. Mine is a Duramax, not sure if that makes a diference.

[Cosmic Charlie]

On the 2017 Build & Price page it says Digital Steering Assist is a FREE OPTION ... on the Diesel only (?)

What is Digital Steering Assist ?

 

http://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/five-advantages-of-2016-sierra-hd-digital-steering-assist-system.html#

 

http://www.gmc.com/trucks/sierra-2500hd-pickup-truck/build-and-price.html#/config

 

Five Advantages Of The 2016 Sierra HD’s New Digital Steering Assist System Advanced technology results in steering that’s light and easy in the parking lot, confident on the open road, and easier than ever to use.

 

Working hard doesn’t have to feel hard – in fact, the 2016 GMC Sierra HD’s new Digital Steering Assist system makes driving and maneuvering a heavy-duty pickup easier.

The new variable-effort hydraulic power steering system, standard on most Sierra HD double and crew cab models equipped with SLE, SLT, All Terrain, or Denali trim levels, proactively adjusts power steering assist levels in order to increase confidence while on the open road

“Modern electric power steering systems offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to changing the steering weight and effort,” says Christopher Bither, vehicle performance/ dynamics engineer for the 2016 Sierra heavy-duty pickup truck. “Digital Steering Assist is unique as it allows us to offer a similar range of tuning possibilities in the 2016 Sierra HD, yet retain the robust durability of a conventional heavy-duty hydraulic system.”

Here are five advantages you will feel when you take the wheel of a 2016 Sierra HD pickup truck equipped with Digital Steering Assist:

Speed-Adaptive: Power steering assist is often tuned to provide enough assist to make low-speed maneuverability – in parking lots, for example – where resistance is greater. While a light steering weight is great in that situation, it can feel too light once a vehicle is up to speed, and might require constant correction.

Digital Steering Assist delivers the best of both worlds. A controller connected directly to the steering gear actively measures vehicle speed, steering wheel position, and steering gear pressure and can adjust the amount of effort a driver needs to input depending on the situation. At low speeds, steering effort is 20% lighter than a comparable 2015 Sierra HD, while at higher speeds, the steering system provides a heavier feel, which provides better stability and consistency.

Tailored for Tow/Haul: A truck loaded with cargo or pulling a large, heavy trailer handles much differently than an empty truck because of the added weight. A steering wheel that normally feels light and easy to turn may require greater effort once the truck is laden. Sierra’s Digital Steering Assist solves that: When the driver pushes the Tow/Haul switch -- which also adjusts transmission tuning -- Digital Steering Assist responds by increasing low-speed assist and reducing static steering effort another 10%.

Return to Center: Traditional heavy-duty steering systems often required a fair amount of driver input to bring the steering wheel back to center, even with power assist. Because Digital Steering Assist can actively adjust assist levels, it can greatly reduce the amount of effort required to center the steering wheel, which can be beneficial when maneuvering in small parking lots or other tight quarters.

Counteracts Road Pull: Roads with significant crowning can prove tiresome, as even a vehicle with perfectly-aligned suspension will inevitably pull to one side. Instead of forcing the driver to constantly dial in steering to counteract for this pull, Digital Steering Assist can recognize the situation and proactively assist.

“Digital Steering Assist will recognize when the driver is applying a certain amount of pressure offset over an extended period of time and then keep the pressure value there,” says Bither. “Instead of the driver constantly holding the truck in a straight line, the steering gear does it for you.”

Variable Flow Pump: In addition to varying the weight and effort of the steering system, Sierra’s Digital Steering Assist system goes a step further by utilizing a variable-output hydraulic power steering pump. When the system is under a light load – like on a long, straight stretch of highway, for example -- the pump’s output can be scaled back, reducing engine load and improving efficiency.

Digital Steering Assist is one of many new enhancements incorporated into the 2016 Sierra HD pickup truck. New HID projector-beam headlamps, complete with GMC signature LED lighting, is now standard on all Sierra HD models. A remote locking tailgate is available for added convenience. A new gooseneck/ 5th wheel prep package, which adds a frame-mounted hitch platform, a bed-mounted trailer harness, and a spray-in bed liner, will be available on Duramax-equipped models in the first quarter of 2016.

Inside, wireless phone charging is available in Sierra pickup trucks equipped with a fixed center console, while updated IntelliLink infotainment systems offer expanded connectivity, including Apple CarPlay and, on select models, Android Auto.

[dvdprL]

I have a whine type noise only when I crank the wheel left or right more than 3/4 of a turn.

[snarkee]

Mine does it

 

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

[puller738]

From my understanding digital steering assisted is new for the 2016 HD trucks excluding the WT models. Digital assist steering has a couple "digital controlled" valves on the steering box which open and close based on what the computer is telling them based on numerous inputs. This assist the driver in different situations. From what I understand, the noise is coming from that system as u will not find the same whine noise on a 2015. I believe the noise is probably on most trucks with digital assist, some are worse and more noticeable than others.

I'm not all that mechanical but I'm confused on why the noise is not there when the truck is initially started. It shows up when the truck gets to operating temp. I'm wondering if when u first start the truck and until the truck is warmed up it runs at just a little higher RPM which cancels out the noise. When the truck gets to op temp the rpm comes down into a range where the noise is noticeable. With the truck warmed up the noise is pretty bad but with just a little increase in rpm it goes away (i think). Is it possible that the idle rpm on the truck I'm looking at is just a little lower compared to the other truck I drove in which the noise is there, but not half as noticeable at normal operating temp???

[puller738]

Ok, so I called 5 different service centers and no one seemed to have heard anything about a whine coming from the power steering at idle. I'm thinking about buying the truck and just "living with it". I believe it to be on every 2016hd out there (not so much on the diesels for some reason).

Anyone else have the same problem and find it acceptable on their 2016. I really want the truck but the power steering whine (which I guess is normal) is causing a red flag to go up in my mind. Thanks.

[GMCustomerService]

Hello puller738,

We are sorry to see you are having some reservation about your new truck. We would be more than happy to reach out to your dealership to see if we can gather any additional details on this matter. Please send us a private message with more information, along with the name of your selling dealership.

 

All the best,

Julianne M.

GM Customer Care

 

 

So my dealer ordered a new Cc ltz gasser for me a couple months ago. When I went into test drive it I noticed a high pitch whine which seemed to be associated with the power steering. It would only show up at idle after the truck was warmed up. The dealer agreed that something was not right. He replaced some parts and informed me the truck had been fixed. I went in for a second test drive and sure enough, same problem. I then test drove another HD on their lot and noticed the same noise it just wasn't as loud. The dealer called GM who informed him he would recommend that "I just turn up the radio or blower to drown out the noise." Honest truth.

After doing a little research it appears to be a common problem with the 2016 digital assist steeering. Does everyone have this noise and if so does it get worse with time. I just find it hard to believe you could market a truck with a 56000 Sticker price with these kind of problems. I'm just glad I found the problem before I wrote them a check.

 

 

Ok, so I called 5 different service centers and no one seemed to have heard anything about a whine coming from the power steering at idle. I'm thinking about buying the truck and just "living with it". I believe it to be on every 2016hd out there (not so much on the diesels for some reason).
Anyone else have the same problem and find it acceptable on their 2016. I really want the truck but the power steering whine (which I guess is normal) is causing a red flag to go up in my mind. Thanks.

[NoProblem]

The dealer called GM who informed him he would recommend that "I just turn up the radio or blower to drown out the noise." Honest truth. ?

 

Yes of course, aren't we supposed to do same thing whenever you hear a strange sound coming from the engine or drive train. lol

[nicko1234]

I have the same issue. Took it to my dealer. They said there is nothing wrong. So, I guess I have to live with the noise.

[puller738]

We were at the dealer yesterday with a couple of them running. It seems like they all have the problem but some are worse than others. One was noticeable, but acceptable, another one was very noticeable but acceptable with the radio at the volume I normally have it set on and the last one (the truck I wanted) was louder yet to the point it would be completely unacceptable. I really wanted that truck but find it to be completely unacceptable for a 50 grand truck.

[nicko1234]

GM. Please ad me to this list of unhappy 2016 2500HD owners.

[Colossus]

What makes you think they have a list? They don't care.

[2018GMC]

So 2015s are quiet because they use the tried and true standard power steering?