Shake or Vibration Issues

hokis · October 7, 2014

Well the truck went into the shop on sunday night and I have not gottten a call until today (tuesday)..... Nothing they can see with warranty claims.... so they took it upon themselves to see why my truck was shaking so bad. Turns out it is a bent drive shaft due to someone "offroading" Well to be honest if you get a 4x4 truck what else are you expected to do with it! Im not talking rock climbing offroading just simple trails through the woods to get to a fishing spot or something. So the guy calls me around 11 am and says whats up with it and that it will cost about 900 bucks to replace it. I told him I would have to call him back since I was walking to class (i am a college student) So I call him back later that same day and this is what he says to me after he puts me on hold mid conversation for 5 min. "Because it is not a warranty issue and we can see why it was bent we will not cover it." He then proceded to break down the replacement charges and said that a new drive shaft is 500 bucks and that there was an 89 dollar charge to isolate the problem. That got me livid! I argued with him saying that I brought it in for warranty stuff not expecting to get charged and I was unaware of what they were doing! He then said he would wave the charge after saying that now the mechanic that looked at my truck wasnt going to get paid. So fast foward a little to the end of our conversation when he said so are we going to repair it or are you? I said im not exactly sure I know how to do most mechanical things and have the tools. He then interrupted me saying im only saving 109 bucks and is there a reason for this. I said yes because I am a college student and have to also work my way through school. He then said that Im in college owning a 2014 silverado so I dont know how much of that I am paying for (i guess he thought mommy and daddy bought me it?)

This is just ridiculous how they talk to me just because I am younger? I give respect to everyone I talk to but this guy talked down to me the entire time. Most defently the last time I buy from them. My dad bought a fully loaded avalanche from them and it was hard to get them to do work on his truck. Probably the last chevy I will own.... that is new at least

Have any of you guys gotten your drive shafts replaced because of this vibration issues?

Edited October 9, 2014 by hokis

mafd2 · October 8, 2014

My 14 Sierra was in the shop for a whine in the differential on acceleration between 57-60 mph. The backlash was 0.013. The tech tried to shim it and bring the backlash within factory spec of 0.002-0.005 but couldn't get it any closer than 0.008 trying different shim kits. The tech also said the teeth weren't tracking quite right and even the whine wasn't as bad as before, he wasn't satisfied so he ended up changing the ring and pinion and bearings. Preload was set and backlash is 0.004 using the original shims. Now the truck has no whine and is quiet as it should be. I don't know if the preload and backlash wasn't set up correctly from the factory (GM may be lacking in this area) or if the ring and pinion was defective. Whichever, I'm satisfied now.

So then here's the point I want to make. While my truck was being worked on, they let me use a new Sierra SLE with 31 miles on it. I've just recently started keeping up with this thread so when I brought the loner truck back today, I decided to test it on the interstate. When I got around 70-75 shake and bake started! The console was shaking and a WalMart bag I had on the front seat was shaking away! It was awful. There was no comparison in how the loner truck rode compared to mine. As of today, I have had no shakes or vibrations and have driven it up to 85 mph. It's really smooth. The loner truck was a V6 2wd double cab with a 3.23 ratio and my truck is a 5.3 crew with 3.42. So it's just to say it doesn't matter if you have a V6, V8 or what ratio to get the shakes. I've read that drive shafts, shocks, tires, wheels, pinion angles and other things have been blamed with some getting results and some not. I don't know but I'm thinking something in the transmission or transmission area (maybe the transmission cross member like stated in a previous post). Whatever the culprit, I hope it's found and fixed.

Edited October 8, 2014 by mafd2

14silverado4.3 · October 8, 2014

Just on a related note, I was scheduling mine for the transfer case recall and an oil change last night.

I overheard a service advisor on the phone talking to someone about a noise in the front end of their vehicle. The SA response was something to the effect of "how do you know that's the problem, because sometimes people read things on the internet and then they think they have a problem."

I would not want to do what these folks do day in and day out.

The dealership I was at is a Chevrolet dealer, I am guessing by the looks of it they aren't looking for more work due to the multitude of recall work GM has blessed them with.

afchief · October 8, 2014

Yep, I have the same problem with my 14 Silverado. Excess vibration at highway speeds. Very annoying!!! I have over 48,000 miles on it and this truck has been nothing but a lemon.

shakey · October 8, 2014

My driveshaft was replaced after the tire and wheel "merry go round" . No change what so ever. I emailed Mary Barra the other day and so far no one has contacted me. I hope that this comes to a point where they have to fix em all someday. I Would like to talk with a DMA but I think it,s unlikely unless it comes from the top down. As far as the fellow with the bent shaft is concerned... There are drive train/ powertrain shops everywhere that can "retube" your existing shaft for a whole lot less and youwill end up with a one off piece rather than some imported iffy piece. Good luck. Still SHAKEY

Hintco · October 8, 2014

A few thoughts.

I currently own a 72 chevy, 84 chevy, 94 GMC, 2002 chevy and a 2013 that I have been negotiating a trade for a 2014.

All except for the 2013 and 2002 don't get driven much. I disconnect the batteries on most and maybe drive twice a year if that. After 6 months of setting NO VIBRATIONS IN ANY OF THEM, so I am not buying flat spots on tires unless maybe softer sidewalls and or new rubber compounds could contribute I guess, I'm still skeptical.

On about page 30 or so of this post a gentleman returned his vibrator and received a new transmission and torque convertor, fixed his issue.

My 2013 has always had a weird kinda vibration as well, hard to explain just never really smooth. Probably not as bad as some are reporting on the newly designed trucks, however does seem to kinda come and go.

My question is do the 2013's and 2014's have the same 6 speed? If so Hmmmm, I am sure they are set up differently as far as pressure and shift points but just wondering if 2013's were beginning to have these problems just maybe to a lesser extent.

These dang trucks are just to technically advanced with electric steering and no throttle linkages Etc. I sometimes think we would be better off to step back a notch or 2. Bring back the "72" with maybe throttle body and drive a dependable truck for 3 to 4 hundred thousand miles, I guess those days are over.

I think I will wait and drive what I have for a while and forget the trade for now.

One final note. GM used to build one heck of a truck. I guess thats why it is so hard for folks like me to leave the brand. I am saddened for what they have become.

To the Lady that is currently running General Motors. If you read this post don't you understand that if you take care of your customers they will take care of you! This is a tried and true concept that has always worked and will continue to do so. There is speculation from the start of this thread to the end as to what is causing these problems. With the resources GM has, YOU KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HAVE KNOWN FOR SOME TIME, the only reason you refuse to recall and repair is due to cost, I am sure you call it a business decision, gotta satisfy the share holders right. Your customers are LOYAL TO THE BRAND just as I am and you are turning your back on them. The folks having these issues are hard working and most are living from paycheck to paycheck trying to survive. They don't have the funds and or resources to diagnose this much less repair it but they are TRYING THEIR HARDEST TO STAY LOYAL TO THE BRAND. Most are probably in these trucks to deep to sell them and purchase something else so COME ON I don't believe for a second you can't have some sympathy and compassion AND DO THE RIGHT THING.

With all the recalls GM has had recently maybe you don't want to face more embarrassment. Heck it doesn't matter, stuff happens, what you do about it is all that matters.

TAKE CARE OF US AND WE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. BANK ON IT!

PLEASE HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS!!!!!!

beetle · October 8, 2014

Just on a related note, I was scheduling mine for the transfer case recall and an oil change last night.

I overheard a service advisor on the phone talking to someone about a noise in the front end of their vehicle. The SA response was something to the effect of "how do you know that's the problem, because sometimes people read things on the internet and then they think they have a problem."

I would not want to do what these folks do day in and day out.

The dealership I was at is a Chevrolet dealer, I am guessing by the looks of it they aren't looking for more work due to the multitude of recall work GM has blessed them with.

Edited October 8, 2014 by beetle

1997SierraSLT · October 8, 2014

GM better wake up because the younger generation has no loyalty towards much of anything, much less an automobile brand.

BlueWrapper · October 8, 2014

A few thoughts.

I currently own a 72 chevy, 84 chevy, 94 GMC, 2002 chevy and a 2013 that I have been negotiating a trade for a 2014.

All except for the 2013 and 2002 don't get driven much. I disconnect the batteries on most and maybe drive twice a year if that. After 6 months of setting NO VIBRATIONS IN ANY OF THEM, so I am not buying flat spots on tires unless maybe softer sidewalls and or new rubber compounds could contribute I guess, I'm still skeptical.

On about page 30 or so of this post a gentleman returned his vibrator and received a new transmission and torque convertor, fixed his issue.

My 2013 has always had a weird kinda vibration as well, hard to explain just never really smooth. Probably not as bad as some are reporting on the newly designed trucks, however does seem to kinda come and go.

My question is do the 2013's and 2014's have the same 6 speed? If so Hmmmm, I am sure they are set up differently as far as pressure and shift points but just wondering if 2013's were beginning to have these problems just maybe to a lesser extent.

These dang trucks are just to technically advanced with electric steering and no throttle linkages Etc. I sometimes think we would be better off to step back a notch or 2. Bring back the "72" with maybe throttle body and drive a dependable truck for 3 to 4 hundred thousand miles, I guess those days are over.

I think I will wait and drive what I have for a while and forget the trade for now.

One final note. GM used to build one heck of a truck. I guess thats why it is so hard for folks like me to leave the brand. I am saddened for what they have become.

To the Lady that is currently running General Motors. If you read this post don't you understand that if you take care of your customers they will take care of you! This is a tried and true concept that has always worked and will continue to do so. There is speculation from the start of this thread to the end as to what is causing these problems. With the resources GM has, YOU KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HAVE KNOWN FOR SOME TIME, the only reason you refuse to recall and repair is due to cost, I am sure you call it a business decision, gotta satisfy the share holders right. Your customers are LOYAL TO THE BRAND just as I am and you are turning your back on them. The folks having these issues are hard working and most are living from paycheck to paycheck trying to survive. They don't have the funds and or resources to diagnose this much less repair it but they are TRYING THEIR HARDEST TO STAY LOYAL TO THE BRAND. Most are probably in these trucks to deep to sell them and purchase something else so COME ON I don't believe for a second you can't have some sympathy and compassion AND DO THE RIGHT THING.

With all the recalls GM has had recently maybe you don't want to face more embarrassment. Heck it doesn't matter, stuff happens, what you do about it is all that matters.

TAKE CARE OF US AND WE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. BANK ON IT!

PLEASE HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS!!!!!!

Great post and 100% agreed. It's sad the way they've treated loyal customers. I've wanted a new Silverado forever but after two of three test drives I've taken being vibrators and seeing how people have been treated with no fix in sight I've started looking at other brands. Test drove an 8 speed ram that really nice. I keep checking back here hoping for fix but it doesn't look like one is coming.

MikeySierra · October 9, 2014

Ok people, I have some thoughts from my trip that started on Tuesday up through Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky I managed to change the vibration on a WINDY day. Yes I am stressing the windy day part because when I was traveling with the wind the vibration was VERY different or passing 18 wheelers while along side them and when I cleared them. Today I left Kentucky and now in Ohio and the day started off not so windy and really didn't vibrate at all, like it was a different truck. Same speeds on the interstate but less vibration. I am almost convinced that the vibration is aerodynamic related aka dirty air. I just traveled almost 900 miles and I could change the vibration while I was traveling and being around other vehicles.

My question here is, has anybody else noticed windy days, direction of wind versus travel and noticed how some days are better than others vibration wise?

Just a thought since some people have said tires, driveshaft, rear end etc.... and it's not correcting the vibration?

14silverado4.3 · October 9, 2014

Miley great post. Dirty air behind a semi is almost unbearable

14SLTZ71 · October 9, 2014

Ok people, I have some thoughts from my trip that started on Tuesday up through Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky I managed to change the vibration on a WINDY day. Yes I am stressing the windy day part because when I was traveling with the wind the vibration was VERY different or passing 18 wheelers while along side them and when I cleared them. Today I left Kentucky and now in Ohio and the day started off not so windy and really didn't vibrate at all, like it was a different truck. Same speeds on the interstate but less vibration. I am almost convinced that the vibration is aerodynamic related aka dirty air. I just traveled almost 900 miles and I could change the vibration while I was traveling and being around other vehicles.

My question here is, has anybody else noticed windy days, direction of wind versus travel and noticed how some days are better than others vibration wise?

Just a thought since some people have said tires, driveshaft, rear end etc.... and it's not correcting the vibration?

I haven't noticed variations in the vibration due to wind conditions however, these trucks are so inconsistent that anything is possible. I am pretty dang sure mine is being caused by something in the transmission, probably the torque converter.

Edit: did you try it with your tailgate down?

Edited October 9, 2014 by 15LTZZ71

MikeySierra · October 9, 2014

I haven't noticed variations in the vibration due to wind conditions however, these trucks are so inconsistent that anything is possible. I am pretty dang sure mine is being caused by something in the transmission, probably the torque converter.

Edit: did you try it with your tailgate down?

No I have a solid fiberglass tonneau cover. Today when the wind was coming from the west and I was heading east I had virtually no vibration and when I started traveling NE the vibration came back.

Mine has not vibrated consistently during this 900 mile run. I have traveled at the same speeds.

So does your vibrate every time at the same speed with no variations? Is it better in the mornings than in the afternoon?

Edited October 9, 2014 by MikeySierra

14SLTZ71 · October 9, 2014

No I have a solid fiberglass tonneau cover. Today when the wind was coming from the west and I was heading east I had virtually no vibration and when I started traveling NE the vibration came back.

Mine has not vibrated consistently during this 900 mile run. I have traveled at the same speeds.

So does your vibrate every time at the same speed with no variations? Is it better in the mornings than in the afternoon?

Mine vibrates the floorboards almost all the time now. It progressively seems to be getting worse. If you read thru this entire thread there seem to be 3 different variations of the shake/vibration people are experiencing. Mine has a shake that seems to be getting worse also.

EvilSpatula · October 9, 2014

Hi all- I've been watching this post for a while now, since I bought my 50k vibrator a month ago- I've noticed a few things- the causes and few solutions seem to be all over the place; and the service techs seem to be reading the same script. So I think it's safe to say they DO know something is up. However the most recent post about aerodynamics made me speak up- I noticed my bed was about 1/2 off to the right side of the truck, viciously mounted by someone who needs glasses- regardless I actually emailed my service tech and asked him the same question; do you think it may be a aerodynamic issue? I noticed something else as we'll- there are "gaskets" in between the bed and the cab. I am wondering if these May be creating some sort of air compression causing the vibration we are all feeling. That would explain the on and off effect we are all (most of us) experiencing- as the truck turns, whether on the highway or not your air flow over and under the cab changes as the wheels causes turbulence which would allow for a vacuum to be created under and over the truck, relieving the pressure between the bed and the cab- when you straighten out the air pressure begins to resonate again crating a pressure bubble in that small space. I am going to see about taking off the gaskets and see if that makes a difference. In other news I also have the crappy tires and have had 1 replaced- and of course the dealership has NEVER had this complaint before....

Ill,post results soon. Good,luck to all!

Sorry for the typos- autocorrect on iPad and I don't feel like going back- hope you all get the idea!

Edited October 9, 2014 by EvilSpatula