Alignment Specialist Needed

Zeke · April 16, 2011

I Have a new 2011 (700 miles) Sierra 4x4 extended cab and it has an issue with very sensitive steering . If I just touch the steering wheel not even 1/4 inch to the left or right the truck veers in that direction, also it almost seems as though the steering does not return to center that quickly at slower speeds. But if I turn down a side street it seems to return ok. In addition it also follows the crown in road aggresively. I have owned two other nnbs silverados same exact truck just first year 07 models extended cab same engine 4x4 etc. and neither of those vehicles had this issue. Can anyone tell what part of the alignment could cause these symtoms from what I described? The truck has been like this since day one it is very tiring especially on the highway and horrible when it's windy at all on the highway.

Thanks

8.1HD/ALLISON · April 17, 2011

I would take it to the dealer and have them check the alignment. If somthing is out of spec, it can cause this. I myself have noticed the newer trucks are very touchy. Might have somthing to do with going to rack and pinion system, but I would still have them check it.

Superperv23 · April 17, 2011

Sounds to me like you have too little caster, ask them the specifically check that and if it is in spec maybe look at dialing in some more to suit your taste. 3.5* is about where it should be from the factory though.

Doug_Scott · April 17, 2011

Sounds to me like you have too little caster, ask them the specifically check that and if it is in spec maybe look at dialing in some more to suit your taste. 3.5* is about where it should be from the factory though.

You may want to have someone check all four wheels. Since the truck is brand new, it may be something defective in the general "straightness" of the truck. Also may be something in the rack itself, there are spool valves that activate when you turn the wheel, they may be sticking and then suddenly moving, creating an over powered steering assist.

Take another truck that is on the lot that is optioned like yours, and compare. You may want to take the service manager with you to show him.

Zeke · April 17, 2011

Sounds to me like you have too little caster, ask them the specifically check that and if it is in spec maybe look at dialing in some more to suit your taste. 3.5* is about where it should be from the factory though.

You may want to have someone check all four wheels. Since the truck is brand new, it may be something defective in the general "straightness" of the truck. Also may be something in the rack itself, there are spool valves that activate when you turn the wheel, they may be sticking and then suddenly moving, creating an over powered steering assist.

Take another truck that is on the lot that is optioned like yours, and compare. You may want to take the service manager with you to show him.

Yes I did drive another truck before I settled on this one and the other one seemed fine (as far as I can remember) although I could have missed it because it was only a few mile drive. It's a very odd feeling in this truck. I just got back from taking a drive in it and I have to be aware and somewhat on my toes especially on the highway when it's windy as it is today. I never had this when driving in my last 07s same NBS trucks. I am going to have them check it on the alignment rack (4 wheel) and then have them drive it with me in it. I'm wondering if it has something to do with these Goodyear Wrangler AT/S "P" rated soft sidewall tires. I put Michelin tires on my last 07 and it never followed the road crown and the steering was not this sensitive.

brianf60 · April 18, 2011

When you take the truck in to the dealer to have them check the alignment ask them before hand to give you a copy of the alignment report when there done. This way you can verify that they did a quaity alignment and not just the bare minimum.... Plus if the truck still drives poor it will help to diagnose by looking at the other angles...