New Truck Didn't Last Long

[cd1]

I got a 2009 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4x4 on Saturday. It had 5,000 miles on it. I took it on a trip Sunday and it vibrated the whole way. I had the tires balanced on Monday, got it back...same vibrating/wobbling/jerking senstation.

 

I took it to the dealer on Tuesday. They balance the tires again and put them on a road force machine. I get it back...same problem. Dealer tells me that "beam shake" is normal. They say it goes away if you put 500 lbs in the back. I put a 500 lb 4 wheeler in the back tonight and it still had the bucking/jerking sensation.

 

I bought the truck with a 5 day no questions asked return policy. Tomorrow is day 5, the problem isn't acknowledged or fixed by the dealer...this truck is going back.

 

I've read a lot of stories about people fighting dealers for year or more trying to get this problem fixed with no results. There is no way I want to be the guy in those stories...rather than walk into a fight I can't win I'm going to punt and look for a better truck.

 

This sucks. I looked patiently for three months for just the right truck. When I found this one I ordered it wiithin 5 minutes. I liked everything about the truck...but there is no way I could live with the poor ride quality.

 

Back to borrowing vehicles, car-pooling and looking for trucks.

[r1byker]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Bucking, shaking, and vibrating is definitely NOT normal, and I may be living a sheltered life, but I've never even heard of "beam shake".

 

Take it back cuz there is something definitely wrong with that truck.

[chev1guy]

Sorry to hear that but def take it back to the dealer.

[ajcain79]

Maybe thats why the original owner got rid of the truck with so few miles on it.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Damn.... sorry you got a lemon!

 

Now I bet you know why you got a great deal on a truck with such low mileage!

[cd1]

Maybe thats why the original owner got rid of the truck with so few miles on it.

 

 

That's exactly what I've been thinking. He probably kept getting the "beam shake" and "that's normal" runaround from the dealer and said screw it. I can hardly blame him...the floorboard vibrates enough on the highway that I'm afraid my legs might fall asleep.

[Zembonez]

Have you ever owned and driven a truck? They are a completely different breed of animal. Some midsized SUV experience won't prepare you for driving a full sized truck.

[cd1]

Have you ever owned and driven a truck? They are a completely different breed of animal. Some midsized SUV experience won't prepare you for driving a full sized truck.

 

 

I've owned and driven nothing other than crew cab trucks for the last 15 years. I've never...EVER had one ride like this turd. Trucks aren't supposed to ride like crap. A firm ride yes...a crappy vibrating ride is not what a modern pickup should deliver...especially when the manufacturer is asking north of 30 grand for them.

 

The 2001 F150 Super Crew 4x4 I'm replacing rode better than this Silverado. There is zero excuse for the ride quality this thing delivers. Zero.

[Zembonez]

Have you ever owned and driven a truck? They are a completely different breed of animal. Some midsized SUV experience won't prepare you for driving a full sized truck.

 

 

I've owned and driven nothing other than crew cab trucks for the last 15 years. I've never...EVER had one ride like this turd. Trucks aren't supposed to ride like crap. A firm ride yes...a crappy vibrating ride is not what a modern pickup should deliver...especially when the manufacturer is asking north of 30 grand for them.

 

The 2001 F150 Super Crew 4x4 I'm replacing rode better than this Silverado. There is zero excuse for the ride quality this thing delivers. Zero.

 

Well then I guess you know the answer. I'd certainly take it back while I still could.

 

The reason I asked if you had any truck experience is that they are a little different... Not to question your competence. It is quite possible that the truck has sustained some damage. A slightly bent axle or out of round wheel can cause crazy vibrations. Too bad the dealer decided to throw their hands up rather than try and fix it.

 

Looks like you are looking again! Good luck.

[cd1]

The reason I asked if you had any truck experience is that they are a little different... Not to question your competence.

 

I understand...it was a valid question.

 

I think I'm just going to buy a 2010 model and be done. Something with zero miles...no chance of anyone having damaged it. I'm at the point where I've got the money but I'm flat out of patience and time.

[Zembonez]

The reason I asked if you had any truck experience is that they are a little different... Not to question your competence.

 

I understand...it was a valid question.

 

I think I'm just going to buy a 2010 model and be done. Something with zero miles...no chance of anyone having damaged it. I'm at the point where I've got the money but I'm flat out of patience and time.

 

Take it for a LONG test drive and make sure!

 

Good luck man.

[mtiffinal]

Take it back, there's nothing "normal" about shaking like you described.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Take it for a LONG test drive and make sure!

 

Good luck man.

 

TOTALLY agreed. If you get a 2010, I would suggest test driving at least 3 of them before you buy one. I call that my "lemon detector" -- you'll most likely get enough seat time between the three to determine what's normal and what isn't, which should prevent you from buying something that isn't quite right straight from the factory.

 

Sadly, even a truck with 0 miles on it can have lurking issues, regardless what brand you go with. Comes with the territory when talking about mass-produced vehicles.

[Gregorio]

Have they looked at the driveline? What about swapping a full set of tires and rims from a vehicle that does not shake. Slightly bent rims will pass a balance test but shake the crap out of you on the highway. Vibration is not normal but there is a TSB for Beam Shake on 2500/3500 models only. Involves replacing cab mounts.

[r1byker]

Have they looked at the driveline? What about swapping a full set of tires and rims from a vehicle that does not shake. Slightly bent rims will pass a balance test but shake the crap out of you on the highway. Vibration is not normal but there is a TSB for Beam Shake on 2500/3500 models only. Involves replacing cab mounts.

 

 

So there is, indeed, a thing called "beam shake". Learn something new every day.

 

I hope your new truck turns out to be a much better experience for you.