Steering Wheel Wobble

2011 Denali HD · February 26, 2011

Hello everybody, wondering if anyone has an idea of what I should do with my situation. First off, I did read the topic on a couple 3/4 ton problems related, and wasn't sure if it may be applicable to my truck. I have a 2011 Sierra 3500 HD Denali, and it has EXACTLY 1,543 miles on it at the time I am typing this. My problem started 35 miles prior to the odometer reading I just entered, and did so when I was going to work. The truck is in the stock form that I got it from the dealer. I left for work, after the engine ran for about 5 minutes. Shifted into drive, then heard a rather loud clunk, and the truck kind of lurched forward a bit. I chalked this up to the cold engine / tranny since it was about 25 degrees out. Anyhow, engine sounded fine after this, and the truck rolled forward without a problem. As I continued into work, I noticed a small wobble in the steering wheel. When I say wobble, I mean from side to side type movement. I figured that it was probably the imperfections in the road, but the persisted even when I was on completely clear road, and on rather new asphalt and the wobble did not coincide with the road bumps either. I never noticed this wobble before and always enjoyed the smooth as glass ride. I continued to drive, and sometimes the wobbling lightened up, and sometimes it got kind of bad. No lights were illuminated on the dash, and I know that I had not run over or hit anything with the truck. It has less than 1600 miles, and I have been the only driver thus far. At this point, it was bothering me so bad that I pulled over to see if there was a visible problem. I did not see any, and pulled back on the road. The truck I noticed was very smooth up until about 50 mph, and then continued with the intermittent wobbling from this speed and higher. I then purposely took a newly paved road just to again rule out my thoughts of the road being rough, and still felt the wobbling in the steering wheel. It should be noted that it isn't a "loose" steering wheel because when the truck is stopped and parked, there is absolutely no play. This is a problem only when I am moving. Does anyone have any suggestions beside going to the dealership and wasting 5 hours of my day hearing them say that "there is nothing wrong with the truck?" I appreciate everyone's help.

matsrat · February 26, 2011

rotate tires. and road test again. if it goes away, i suspect a bad tire. probably a broken cord.

Shaners · February 26, 2011

You didn't mention how far a drive it is to work. Tires (even radials) will flat spot when sitting especially when it is cold out. Sometimes it will take several miles for them to become "round" again.

Check to see if there is any visible signs that a wheel weight may have fallen off. Also it could be a bad tire and the belts are starting to seperate.

markw8 · February 26, 2011

Let your dealer fix it.

Mark

jtramsey · February 26, 2011

Simple. UNDER WARRANTY. Take it to another Dealer and tell them the problem.If they tell you it again drive with them.If that does not work you will have 2 repair orders (make sure to get it Documented) then call Gm and get A case opened.

pm26 · February 27, 2011

I suspect tires too, but it could also be a bad U joint in the drive shaft. Does the vibration get worse under load, i.e. when you press on the gas pedal? Is it still there when you coast? These observations can help pinpoint the problem.

BlackSilver · February 27, 2011

Take it in. It's a brand new truck. "Do-it-yourself" is for clunkers.

2011 Denali HD · March 13, 2011

Thanks everyone. I checked out all that you guys recommended, and took it in. Of course, they couldn't find anything wrong. I looked myself and I'm not any mechanic, but I didn't find anything either. I took it in to an NTB buddy and had him check the tires and weights. He said everything was fine too. They put tires back on, and issue is now gone..... at least for now. I just posted another topic as well where there is a engine chirping and squeal. I only have 2100 miles on it now. Uuuuuugggghhh!!!! I don't understand what is going on with my truck. This is my third GMC and never had a problem with the previous 2 trucks. The other topic us listed as 2011 Duramax chirping / squeal. If you guys get a chance, take a look, and thank you again for the advice.