Vibrations at 70MPH; 2011 2012 2500/3500HD

Domano 68 · June 4, 2012

There are several threads at Duramax Forum and DieselPlace about the new 2011 and 2012 diesels (LML) having a vibration at 70mph. It is very similar to a out of balance tire feel but that is not the problem. You can actually see and or feel the passenger seat vibrating at or around 70 mph. Many of us have had tires rebalanced, road forced balanced, new tires, new rims, etc and the problem still exists. Also, this is occuring with different tire brands and the different rim sizes that the LMLs come with.

I wanted to see if any of you that have the gas 6.0L engine are experiencing this problem. Want to see if there is anything to do with the Duramax/Allison power train. Thanks in advance.

RJG183SA · June 4, 2012

No vibration issues here. 2011 2500HD 6.0 EC

00Silverado4x4 · June 4, 2012

Driveshaft(s) balance? It's a long shot...

Poleman · June 4, 2012

Experienced this exact problem on my 2011 2500HD 6.0L right from new. Dealership blamed it on tires. Rebalance and road balanced and then told to put some miles on the tires. Michelin LTX 285-18. Helped a bit but still get the vibration at 65mph. Have 3500 miles on truck now (bought it in Feb. 2012). Will be taking it back to the dealer when I have some time to do so.

C/K Man · June 4, 2012

'12 3500HD RCLB, 4X4, 6.0L, LTX tires. No vibrations.

scooby5121 · June 5, 2012

None 08 3500 dually 4x4 Crew Cab LongBox, Family Cruiser

Scooby

6L Gasser with original tires Grabber

StingerZ16 · June 5, 2012

i had a 2010 1500 crew cab that had the same problem.

had tires rotated, and force balanced.

no change.

i have not noticed on the 2500....yet.

only have 350 miles so far

sdeeter19555 · June 6, 2012

I have a 2012 2500HD 6.0L, I sometimes have a "tire out-of-balance" feel. I immediately thought tires, but I haven't touched anything and just kept an eye on it. We bought the truck with 3 miles on the clock...it has the 265x70r17 Durvis A/Ts.

I have noted that it seems road dependant in my truck...like its something in the suspension that doesn't dampen certain road surfaces as well? You hit the right road, ride is smooth as glass (which indicates its not tire related)...and a "smooth" road (i.e. polished concrete) will yield a out-of-balance feel. I am wondering if its an oscilation based on wheel base and road surface, as in the front and rear axles are hitting similar "bumps" simutaneously and the entire truck is oscilatting up/down? And if a better grade of shock (like a Bilstein) might make the difference???

Like I said, I felt this right away, and thought tires...but I have done nothing to the tires and noted it seems to be dependent on the road.

GMCustomerService · June 7, 2012

Experienced this exact problem on my 2011 2500HD 6.0L right from new. Dealership blamed it on tires. Rebalance and road balanced and then told to put some miles on the tires. Michelin LTX 285-18. Helped a bit but still get the vibration at 65mph. Have 3500 miles on truck now (bought it in Feb. 2012). Will be taking it back to the dealer when I have some time to do so.

Keep me posted on your progress with the dealer regarding this vibration. If you find that you need further assistance, please contact me privately. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

sheikss · June 8, 2012

I have a 2007.5 2500 hd 4x4 with the 6.0 and have the same problem. I have taken it to several different dealers and none of them have been able to fix it. I have told them that I have had the tires balanced, bought new tires, and had alignments done and nothing has fixed it. The last place did the road force balance and it did nothing. I have called gm and complained and they tell me to bring it back to the dealership to varify the problem. This has happened a couple times, they have ruined the protective coating on the rims which has resulted in a large spot flaking off on the passenger side front rim. Needless to say gm doesn't seem worried about fixing the problem and I got jacked up rims now as a result. I also have a surge under light throttle or when the truck is under load, ie. going up a hill, taken to the dealer for that and still not fixed. All of this has been happening since the truck was bought new. All my vehicles have been gm products since I have been driving. This truck was my first new vehicle and I have regretted it since I bought it. Besides my 2 camaro's and buying a c6z eventually, I won't buy another gm product. Just bought a honda for the old lady because of the lack of service on repairing my truck(she had a saturn). Sorry to raint but if you only new the nightmare owning this truck has been.

therink · June 10, 2012

I am having the same problem as OP in my 2012 3500HD 6.0 gasser. It is a srw crew LTZ shortbed 4x4. Had the problem since 6 miles on the odo. Now have 13k, had it looked at by 3 different dealers. 6 tires, road force balanced at least 3 times, drive shaft balanced and still no resolution. It drives me crazy. The dealers can't figure it out so they end up saying it is normal.

This should not be for a $45k truck.

Hopefully I will get some insight here.

GMCustomerService · June 11, 2012

I am having the same problem as OP in my 2012 3500HD 6.0 gasser. It is a srw crew LTZ shortbed 4x4. Had the problem since 6 miles on the odo. Now have 13k, had it looked at by 3 different dealers. 6 tires, road force balanced at least 3 times, drive shaft balanced and still no resolution. It drives me crazy. The dealers can't figure it out so they end up saying it is normal.

This should not be for a $45k truck.

Hopefully I will get some insight here.

I would be happy to look into this for you as well. Feel free to contact me privately for more assistance. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.