Brand New 1500, Issues Already

[jjsonoma]

Just a little update on my situation... At the risk of repeating myself a bit, the dealer took measurements on my truck and a similarly equipped truck from the lot with a vibration analyzer. The results came back in a similar range, and after a call to GM Tech Support the condition was classified as "Normal" - No additional repairs will be authorized... I have refused to accept this as an acceptable outcome. Just saying that there is no problem does not make the truck not shake!! Early on I filed a complaint with GM and have been following up with them as well.

 

After the 2nd trip in for this vibration, I took the truck to my friend's shop and balanced the tires personally and they were all out of balance (1.0, .75, .5 and .25 oz). The service manager at the dealer told me that this couldn't be (my friend's machine must be out of calibration) and to bring it back and they would re-check the balance. He also stated that he just had his machine re-calibrated by Hunter. Amazingly when he rechecked the balance at the dealer, everything was perfectly balanced. But to no avail, the vibration is no better.

 

I also checked the runout on the driveshaft, front and back. It seemed to be ok, .014" front and .010" in the back. I couldn't check the center for whip, as I couldn't mount the indicator appropriately.

 

But the kicker to me is that while I was at the dealer they let me drive the stock unit they used to take the vibration readings. It shakes far worse than mine... Not only could I feel it, but I could hear it (Much like flat spots on the tires).

 

The proposed solution was to drop the tire pressure to 30 psi all around as per the door tag. This seems awfully low to me... It's reminiscent of the Ford Explorer/Firestone fiasco where the Ford engineers lowered the recommended tire pressure to get the ride quality the wanted and the tires ended up de-laminating. While I don't think that is going to happen @ 30psi, it did little to mitigate the vibration, and the fuel economy decreased by 1.5-2.0 mpg. Consequently, I put the pressure back to 33psi (fuel economy right back up).

 

I have since sent a nice followup email to the Service Manager thanking him for his efforts, but informing him that I would continue to pursue any means necessary to resolve the issue (including lemon law). Additionally, I called the GM Service Rep I have been dealing with (who has been very responsive and a bright spot in this fiasco). The GM rep called me back and told me that he would like to forward it on to a regional service rep (not sure if that is the correct title) who would look at the truck at the dealer. I (of course) have given my OK to this. We'll see where it goes from here...

 

All I want is a truck that doesn't shake...

 

I'll update when there is something to report...

 

(2011 Silverado EFE Crew, w/ Chrome Clad 20's and <3000 mi)

[ChevyTech77]

The GM rep called me back and told me that he would like to forward it on to a regional service rep (not sure if that is the correct title) who would look at the truck at the dealer.

 

FSE is the correct title which stands for Field Service Engineer.

 

Good luck.

[RyanbabZ71]

(2011 Silverado EFE Crew, w/ Chrome Clad 20's and <3000 mi)

 

What size rims/tires did the other vehicle you drove have?

 

Have you driven a truck with a smaller rim? Have you tried putting a smaller set of rims on your truck and driving?

 

Might be worth a try just trying to help you rule out possible causes

[jjsonoma]

(2011 Silverado EFE Crew, w/ Chrome Clad 20's and <3000 mi)

 

What size rims/tires did the other vehicle you drove have?

 

Have you driven a truck with a smaller rim? Have you tried putting a smaller set of rims on your truck and driving?

 

Might be worth a try just trying to help you rule out possible causes

 

 

The truck I drove that shook even worse than mine had the same exact wheel and tire combo. I have driven similar trucks with 18s and 17s with no shake wobble or vibration. I would like to put another set of wheels and tires on it just to test, unfortunately I don't have any laying around. Beyond that, I'm not sure that I want to drop another $1100 for wheels and tires if they can't/refuse to solve this problem... I have suggested that they could try another wheel and tire combo just to check (like you said, rule out the tires as a source) This idea was dismissed out of hand...

 

With the amount of highway driving I do, this vibration is a real deal breaker for me.

[dataspng]

(2011 Silverado EFE Crew, w/ Chrome Clad 20's and <3000 mi)

 

What size rims/tires did the other vehicle you drove have?

 

Have you driven a truck with a smaller rim? Have you tried putting a smaller set of rims on your truck and driving?

 

Might be worth a try just trying to help you rule out possible causes

 

 

The truck I drove that shook even worse than mine had the same exact wheel and tire combo. I have driven similar trucks with 18s and 17s with no shake wobble or vibration. I would like to put another set of wheels and tires on it just to test, unfortunately I don't have any laying around. Beyond that, I'm not sure that I want to drop another $1100 for wheels and tires if they can't/refuse to solve this problem... I have suggested that they could try another wheel and tire combo just to check (like you said, rule out the tires as a source) This idea was dismissed out of hand...

 

With the amount of highway driving I do, this vibration is a real deal breaker for me.

 

 

Glad GM has been responsive sounds like they have improved customer service over my experiences in 09. I hope you do get it fixed but you are now in the bean counter zone I hit where it is no longer profitable to fix (and keep a customer) they just want you to go away. If it really bugs you can fix it yourself or I would start your lemon law process for your state since that can take several months.

[jjsonoma]

I'm in MA, and I've heard Lemon Law is a pain in the butt. Compared to some of the other issues you read about, it's not that severe, and should be fixable.

 

My concern is that if I start taking parts out (driveshaft) and sending them out to 3rd parties to check quality, GM will then tell me that my warranty is void... Beyond that, I personally should not have to take parts off of a brand new truck that I just spent over $30,000 on in order to find a vibration.

[dataspng]

I'm in MA, and I've heard Lemon Law is a pain in the butt. Compared to some of the other issues you read about, it's not that severe, and should be fixable.

 

My concern is that if I start taking parts out (driveshaft) and sending them out to 3rd parties to check quality, GM will then tell me that my warranty is void... Beyond that, I personally should not have to take parts off of a brand new truck that I just spent over $30,000 on in order to find a vibration.

 

Oh I agree 110% the lemon law is a PIA and will cost you both time and money (and gray hair). I'm glad some states stll have them, but its not something to take lightly. If you PM me I can go into more detail. GM did come through and I have no ill feelings for the dealer. But I do feel that industries cold calculating methods for profit over customer satisfaction is one of the reason folks are no longer loyal to the brand.

[jblakeney]

But I do feel that industries cold calculating methods for profit over customer satisfaction is one of the reason folks are no longer loyal to the brand.

 

That and the bail out money..... That's why I put an Expedition under my carport and not a Yukon. I'm in such a debate. It's time for me to get a new truck but I can't decided if I want another GMC or Ford......... The bail out thing really baked my cookies, so to speak.

 

Jbo

[dataspng]

But I do feel that industries cold calculating methods for profit over customer satisfaction is one of the reason folks are no longer loyal to the brand.

 

That and the bail out money..... That's why I put an Expedition under my carport and not a Yukon. I'm in such a debate. It's time for me to get a new truck but I can't decided if I want another GMC or Ford......... The bail out thing really baked my cookies, so to speak.

 

Jbo

 

 

Just the opposite for me. I switched to GM from Ford in 09 due to all the issues I had with the last 2 Ford trucks in a row. In my experience so far GM and Ford are giving me the same end result but different approaches. IMO Ford likes to throw parts at it until your out of warrenty, then its your problem (to fix right). GM likes to say "they all do that" until you push them and then will attempt to fix it 3 times, give up and hope you go away.

 

The "baked cookies" for me on Ford was when they sued the engine manufacture, settled out of court for some huge amount and never gave anything back to the customers that suffered through all the repairs and now had a truck that was valued so poorly (60% off KB wholesale) that dealerships would not take it for trade in and private buyers would run a CarFax and freak out it was in the shop a bunch of times. It ended up going to auction for penny on the $. I know a truck is not an investment but that pushed me to change brands..

[foghorn23]

Just the opposite for me. I switched to GM from Ford in 09 due to all the issues I had with the last 2 Ford trucks in a row. In my experience so far GM and Ford are giving me the same end result but different approaches. IMO Ford likes to throw parts at it until your out of warrenty, then its your problem (to fix right). GM likes to say "they all do that" until you push them and then will attempt to fix it 3 times, give up and hope you go away.

 

The "baked cookies" for me on Ford was when they sued the engine manufacture, settled out of court for some huge amount and never gave anything back to the customers that suffered through all the repairs and now had a truck that was valued so poorly (60% off KB wholesale) that dealerships would not take it for trade in and private buyers would run a CarFax and freak out it was in the shop a bunch of times. It ended up going to auction for penny on the $. I know a truck is not an investment but that pushed me to change brands..

 

Same here. Without getting majorly into personal political beliefs on the board, I did have problems with the details of the GM bailout, but when it came truck buying time I didn't buy a truck to make a political statement. It was a vehicle that I had to live with (hopefully for a long time) every day. I simply had more faith in GM trucks. Three previous positive GM truck experiences didn't hurt my perceptions. And while it had been a few years since I'd owned a Ford truck, they in my experience, didn't measure up to the ownership experience of my Chevys. My wife had owned a 2006 Ford car that was a pos and that "baked my cookies." In short Barak Obama, John McCain, the Tea Party or the MSNBC hosts weren't going to be making my truck payment, and politics just didn't figure into my decision. I respect those who disagree, this is America and you're free to do so.

 

By the way I agree with Chevytech77, the larger wheels/tires seem to be a vibration problem no matter what brand of vehicle. Good luck with a resolution to your problem.

[Black2011]

Just the opposite for me. I switched to GM from Ford in 09 due to all the issues I had with the last 2 Ford trucks in a row. In my experience so far GM and Ford are giving me the same end result but different approaches. IMO Ford likes to throw parts at it until your out of warrenty, then its your problem (to fix right). GM likes to say "they all do that" until you push them and then will attempt to fix it 3 times, give up and hope you go away.

 

The "baked cookies" for me on Ford was when they sued the engine manufacture, settled out of court for some huge amount and never gave anything back to the customers that suffered through all the repairs and now had a truck that was valued so poorly (60% off KB wholesale) that dealerships would not take it for trade in and private buyers would run a CarFax and freak out it was in the shop a bunch of times. It ended up going to auction for penny on the $. I know a truck is not an investment but that pushed me to change brands..

 

Same here. Without getting majorly into personal political beliefs on the board, I did have problems with the details of the GM bailout, but when it came truck buying time I didn't buy a truck to make a political statement. It was a vehicle that I had to live with (hopefully for a long time) every day. I simply had more faith in GM trucks. Three previous positive GM truck experiences didn't hurt my perceptions. And while it had been a few years since I'd owned a Ford truck, they in my experience, didn't measure up to the ownership experience of my Chevys. My wife had owned a 2006 Ford car that was a pos and that "baked my cookies." In short Barak Obama, John McCain, the Tea Party or the MSNBC hosts weren't going to be making my truck payment, and politics just didn't figure into my decision. I respect those who disagree, this is America and you're free to do so.

 

By the way I agree with Chevytech77, the larger wheels/tires seem to be a vibration problem no matter what brand of vehicle. Good luck with a resolution to your problem.

 

 

I dont believe this "large wheels and tires = vibrations thing.

i had 35's on 18s on my cummins, and vibration issues.

turned out to be my transfer case was loose, and 3 of the 6 studs holding it on the transmission were stripped out. i replaced the studs, filled them with epoxy, (to keep em from wiggling or ever coming loose, and blue locktite all around. after that it was PERFECT. and i drove 6 months of the year in 4wd. (including highway)

a properly built vehicle shouldn't vibrate.

I work at a peterbilt dealership now, and if anyones fussy, its pete buyers.

Which is fair, really, seeing if you spend $180,000 on a truck, you expect it to work, and work good.

customers concerns come first. if a customer has a problem, you do whatever they need u too, to keep em coming back.

however when i bought my gmc, (2011) the response was not the same.

next time i'll go to chrysler.

[ChevyTech77]

next time i'll go to chrysler.

 

Becuase I am POSITIVE that you'll get better service there.

 

Honestly all these "issue" thread make me sick, they really do and in many ways. 1. I'm a '11 Silverado owner that loves his truck and it is the largest investment that I have made in a vehicle, ever. 2. I am a GM Master Tech Certified automotive technician and see "issues" on a daily basis. 3. The way that some of you get treated by your local dealer's make me sick. 4. Sometimes, things need to be explained better between the tech and the customer for the customer to get a complete understanding of what they are dealing with. 5. No mass produced vehicle, no matter how much it costs, is perfect, EVER. You didn't buy a Lambo or Ferrari, relax.

[RyanbabZ71]

next time i'll go to chrysler.

 

Becuase I am POSITIVE that you'll get better service there.

 

Honestly all these "issue" thread make me sick, they really do and in many ways. 1. I'm a '11 Silverado owner that loves his truck and it is the largest investment that I have made in a vehicle, ever. 2. I am a GM Master Tech Certified automotive technician and see "issues" on a daily basis. 3. The way that some of you get treated by your local dealer's make me sick. 4. Sometimes, things need to be explained better between the tech and the customer for the customer to get a complete understanding of what they are dealing with. 5. No mass produced vehicle, no matter how much it costs, is perfect, EVER. You didn't buy a Lambo or Ferrari, relax.

 

 

[dataspng]

next time i'll go to chrysler.

 

Honestly all these "issue" thread make me sick, they really do and in many ways. 1. I'm a '11 Silverado owner that loves his truck and it is the largest investment that I have made in a vehicle, ever. 2. I am a GM Master Tech Certified automotive technician and see "issues" on a daily basis. 3. The way that some of you get treated by your local dealer's make me sick. 4. Sometimes, things need to be explained better between the tech and the customer for the customer to get a complete understanding of what they are dealing with. 5. No mass produced vehicle, no matter how much it costs, is perfect, EVER. You didn't buy a Lambo or Ferrari, relax.

 

 

 

#3 +1 - Actually for me it should be +4 in 2009, went to 4 different dealers and once they call GM for approval it was the same story, no fix. So I would say its how the manufacture treats the customer via the dealer.

 

#5 Yes, but good Quality Control also happens after the sale and how that QA happens is what builds loyal customers. Seems the big 3 are less focused on keeping customers and more on bottom line. Just my experience but my wifes cars which she only buys one brand (loyal customer) and although has had a few problems its always fixed the first time and correctly no questions asked. My truck purchases which are about the same number in 25 years have a 50/50 satisfaction rate and its all how its handled by the manufacture when the problems show up. I have lost my loyality and its how I was treated, not the fact it needed repairs.

 

Lambo's and Ferrari's have problems but its the customer service and the manufacture's desire to keep a good image that keeps the folks loyal.

 

 

I would add #6 Then dont charge the customer $38K for a truck and promise it rides better than a car and can tow the moon and get 22mpg. In otherwords honest advertising! If you raise expectations and charge big $ then folks are going to expect it.

[Rolling]

Quick update:

I have had 3 sets of brand new tires put on my 11: Goodyear Wrangler HP, Michelin Lattitude Tour HP and now finally the BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain.

The shake/shimmy/vibration has been the least with the BFG's but it has still been there. Today I had a nice meeting with my area GM engineer and we discussed my trucks problems. Without even driving it he said I had a bad tire. Then he drove it and said I had at least one bad tire. He said they worked on another truck elsewhere that they put almost a dozen tires on to reduce the road force variation to remove the vibration felt on this chassis. Its not necessarily a tire issue, I got the impression that the rigid frame will transmit otherwise non concequensial vibrations that other chassis will not. This is my words, not his, so please dont take it as Be all End all.

So.. he looked at the spec sheet I provided from a 3rd party driveline shop showing the driveshaft is in spec, then he put a lateral runout meter on the tires themselves to conclude if any of them were 'egg-shaped'. They all passed the lateral runout with variances ranging from .010 to .024 (pretty minute to me)

Then he proceded to balance all 4 tires, one was out by a couple grams (not ounces, grams is more finite) and he corrected that but said it wasnt enough to cause a problem.

Then he proceded to remove the drums and check them on the tire balancer. They passed perfectly in balance.

The road force drum is not functioning properly at my shop, so we are having a tech come out and repair and calibrate the machine before ruling out any tires.

The two tires that were the least in spec for runout were moved to the front of the vehicle (they came off the rear) and the vibration moved from the seat to the steering wheel, so I am under the impression he knows what he is doing.

Next will be road force match the 1 suspect tire and hopefully fall back in love with this truck!!!!!

 

So....(sorry for the much longer than i thought quick update) Hopefully this helps some with chasing down suspicious shakes!