Shake or Vibration Issues

mikegmi2 · December 1, 2014

Ok so I had the complete rear axle assembly swapped out on my 2014 5.3V8 All Star 4x4.

I had a bad shake/vibration in my steering wheel at 50mph, that was especially bad when decelerating from highway speeds. Also, had a buzz/vibration in gas pedal at 68-75mph, and a center console shake at 80mph.

The rear axle assembly completely fixed the 50mph steering wheel shake, but did nothing for the gas pedal buzz/vibe. I also feel like the 80mph center console shake has mostly been fixed.

Currently waiting for the next step from service on fixing the gas pedal buzz/vibe.

20L8TSierra24 · December 2, 2014

Ok so I had the complete rear axle assembly swapped out on my 2014 5.3V8 All Star 4x4.

I had a bad shake/vibration in my steering wheel at 50mph, that was especially bad when decelerating from highway speeds. Also, had a buzz/vibration in gas pedal at 68-75mph, and a center console shake at 80mph.

The rear axle assembly completely fixed the 50mph steering wheel shake, but did nothing for the gas pedal buzz/vibe. I also feel like the 80mph center console shake has mostly been fixed.

Currently waiting for the next step from service on fixing the gas pedal buzz/vibe.

Well Im glad its getting better for you! Keep us posted Edited December 3, 2014 by 20Bowtie14

eb575757 · December 3, 2014

i bought a n ew 2014 1500 2wd Z71 LT 5.3 and had the shake issue. I took it to the shop three times the last time they had it 5 weeks. the first time they said it was the wheel and tires, i told them thats the third set and same problem try again. Second time they changed the output shaft housing and drive shaft and said it possitively wasnt the wheels. They then changed the full rear end assembly brakes calibers and all. still same shake from 35 to 45 and again at 73 and above. it also shook other speeds but nat as bad. I was going on vacation and in a hurry and traded it for a 2015 LTZ 4x4 5.3, guess what it shook like a dog shitting bones, just like the other truck. PLus the new truck drives like crap, no power, takes off in 2 or 3rd gear it seems like and shakes trying to speed up until you give enough gas for it to shift down and go. If you slow down around corners or slow for a car to turn in front of you it almost dies and you fall forward till it finally kicks in and jerks you back. I took it back to the shop after a week, was out of town for the week. They then tell me it is running like normal, the transmission is doing like it designed to do. I drove four other loaners and my other 2014 and had no problem like this.

I know i cant get the shake fixed but does anyone know of a fix for the transmission shifting problem or can i buy an aftermarket tuner to fix the shifting problems?

goodbye-gm · December 3, 2014

i bought a n ew 2014 1500 2wd Z71 LT 5.3 and had the shake issue. I took it to the shop three times the last time they had it 5 weeks. the first time they said it was the wheel and tires, i told them thats the third set and same problem try again. Second time they changed the output shaft housing and drive shaft and said it possitively wasnt the wheels. They then changed the full rear end assembly brakes calibers and all. still same shake from 35 to 45 and again at 73 and above. it also shook other speeds but nat as bad. I was going on vacation and in a hurry and traded it for a 2015 LTZ 4x4 5.3, guess what it shook like a dog shitting bones, just like the other truck. PLus the new truck drives like crap, no power, takes off in 2 or 3rd gear it seems like and shakes trying to speed up until you give enough gas for it to shift down and go. If you slow down around corners or slow for a car to turn in front of you it almost dies and you fall forward till it finally kicks in and jerks you back. I took it back to the shop after a week, was out of town for the week. They then tell me it is running like normal, the transmission is doing like it designed to do. I drove four other loaners and my other 2014 and had no problem like this.

I know i cant get the shake fixed but does anyone know of a fix for the transmission shifting problem or can i buy an aftermarket tuner to fix the shifting problems?

Did you test drive the 2015 before you purchased it? Considering the issues with the 2014 I would have done a thorough shakedown.

tstehle · December 3, 2014

There is a lot of data collected in this post already but I just wanted to add a brief description of my experience. I am certain I do not have the bad shake and vibration many of you have posted with your dealerships practically rebuilding your drivetrain. About 6000 miles ago (15,000 total miles on truck) I started with a vibration felt throughout my cab in my gas pedal, steering wheel, floor boards, back seat which I did not have when the truck was new. Additionally I was noticing the truck did not seem to accelerate as smooth. I was using the forum to research why the truck did not seem to run as smooth as it had so was reading up on running catch cans and fuel cleaners got me thinking to try the simplest thing first. I ran a bottle of Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner through a tank full. After a few days I have noted smoother acceleration and surprised when the annoying vibration seems to be gone. Not trying to state I have any type of solution for anyone but this is what I just went through and since I had a good outcome I wanted to at least share here in the vibration thread. I don't have many top tier gas stations to utilize so I would estimate I get top tier 80% of the time. I think time will tell but ethanol could be messing with our injectors (unproven speculation).

Edited December 3, 2014 by tstehle

Enforcer · December 3, 2014

Another week has gone by and still no paper work from the dealership or any

contact from General Motors

ajdata · December 3, 2014

I got my truck back from the dealership, after they had it for 13 days for a vibration issue.

It turned out the vibration I was experiencing was related to an improper TSB update to my transfer case. Basically, they discovered that the update was applied incorrectly, and that my transfer case has been stuck in four-wheel-high for the past two months. They re-applied the update and now when I run in two-wheel drive there is no vibration. The vibration comes back when I shift to Auto or 4H and cruise at freeway speeds. I was told by the dealership that you shouldn't be driving around in "auto" mode, and just keep in 2H.

Interestingly enough they attributed part of the vibration in Auto and 4H to my "aftermarket shim kit" (aka leveling kit) that has put the front drive axles at a less than optimal angle.

We'll see what the result is going to be in the long term. Hopefully it will be all good.

I have attached the full write up that I received from the dealership, hopefully this will help some of you.

Edited December 3, 2014 by ajdata

kazaman · December 4, 2014

I got my truck back from the dealership, after they had it for 13 days for a vibration issue.

It turned out the vibration I was experiencing was related to an improper TSB update to my transfer case. Basically, they discovered that the update was applied incorrectly, and that my transfer case has been stuck in four-wheel-high for the past two months. They re-applied the update and now when I run in two-wheel drive there is no vibration. The vibration comes back when I shift to Auto or 4H and cruise at freeway speeds. I was told by the dealership that you shouldn't be driving around in "auto" mode, and just keep in 2H.

Interestingly enough they attributed part of the vibration in Auto and 4H to my "aftermarket shim kit" (aka leveling kit) that has put the front drive axles at a less than optimal angle.

We'll see what the result is going to be in the long term. Hopefully it will be all good.

I have attached the full write up that I received from the dealership, hopefully this will help some of you.GMScan_Page_1.jpgGMScan_Page_2.jpg

So, when not in 4WD (Auto or HI) mode, no vibration; when in 4WD (Auto or HI) mode you get vibration. Dealer is claiming this is due to lift kit and thus prop angle change? Does the angle change when you are switching in and out of 4WD? Of course not.. So aren't the axles spinning anyhow? I have this same vibration when in 4WD drive auto mode, and worse in 4HI which is very pronounced at highway speeds (no modifications to my truck). This happened to my '99 Silverado, which ultimately needed a new front gear box. Perhaps its the actual front gear box?

RoadWarriorMax · December 4, 2014

4W Auto vibrates somewhat for me as well, but I hear it from the front of the truck.

I figured it was normal because my previous GM 4x4s sounded similar. Unless I am wrong?

eb575757 · December 4, 2014

i bought a n ew 2014 1500 2wd Z71 LT 5.3 and had the shake issue. I took it to the shop three times the last time they had it 5 weeks. the first time they said it was the wheel and tires, i told them thats the third set and same problem try again. Second time they changed the output shaft housing and drive shaft and said it possitively wasnt the wheels. They then changed the full rear end assembly brakes calibers and all. still same shake from 35 to 45 and again at 73 and above. it also shook other speeds but nat as bad. I was going on vacation and in a hurry and traded it for a 2015 LTZ 4x4 5.3, guess what it shook like a dog shitting bones, just like the other truck. PLus the new truck drives like crap, no power, takes off in 2 or 3rd gear it seems like and shakes trying to speed up until you give enough gas for it to shift down and go. If you slow down around corners or slow for a car to turn in front of you it almost dies and you fall forward till it finally kicks in and jerks you back. I took it back to the shop after a week, was out of town for the week. They then tell me it is running like normal, the transmission is doing like it designed to do. I drove four other loaners and my other 2014 and had no problem like this.

I know i cant get the shake fixed but does anyone know of a fix for the transmission shifting problem or can i buy an aftermarket tuner to fix the shifting problems?

Did you test drive the 2015 before you purchased it? Considering the issues with the 2014 I would have done a thorough shakedown.

No i did not test drive the new truck, dumb i know. they didnt have the truck there and had to pick it up. It did not have the shake for the first 24 hours and then it started in with the shake and vibration. The dealership called me today and asked it i was satisfied with my purchase, they want a good review. without going nuts and cussing i explained the whole story to the woman , so i was pretty much not happy. I have a new $50000 truck that im disgusted with.

ajdata · December 4, 2014

So, when not in 4WD (Auto or HI) mode, no vibration; when in 4WD (Auto or HI) mode you get vibration. Dealer is claiming this is due to lift kit and thus prop angle change? Does the angle change when you are switching in and out of 4WD? Of course not.. So aren't the axles spinning anyhow? I have this same vibration when in 4WD drive auto mode, and worse in 4HI which is very pronounced at highway speeds (no modifications to my truck). This happened to my '99 Silverado, which ultimately needed a new front gear box. Perhaps its the actual front gear box?

Yes the axles still spin when in 4WD or 2WD, but the point the dealership is making is that the angle of the drive shaft from the transfer case to the front differential is not perfect, which is causing the vibration when I go itnto the 4WD modes.

What I don't understand is why I get the vibration in "Auto" Can anyone explain the difference between 2H and Auto or 4H and Auto? My assumption is that the front hubs are locked and the axle is engaged, but I could be completely wrong.

keakar · December 5, 2014

Did you test drive the 2015 before you purchased it? Considering the issues with the 2014 I would have done a thorough shakedown.

No i did not test drive the new truck, dumb i know. they didnt have the truck there and had to pick it up. It did not have the shake for the first 24 hours and then it started in with the shake and vibration. The dealership called me today and asked it i was satisfied with my purchase, they want a good review. without going nuts and cussing i explained the whole story to the woman , so i was pretty much not happy. I have a new $50000 truck that im disgusted with.

sadly your lemon truck nightmare has just started, so get written documentation of every repair and made sure it is clearly stated on each service ticket that it is the same vibration. make them write everything they tell you on the service ticket because later they will lie and deny saying it. have the service dept guy ride with you each time they try to claim that it is fixed and make him admit to you that he still feels it too and that it is not fixed.

look at the BBB website and read up on everything you need to do to file a lemon law case. I know you want to be in denial but this will be something you have to force them to buy back because they cant fix it and they will NOT stand behind their defective product. in the end if BBB doesn't work out you may have to file a civil suit lemon law.

don't let it get you down during the holidays but you are neck deep in manure and it will take time to get out of it. GM is not your friend, the dealership is not your friend, and everyone is trying to cover their butts so you need to do what you have to do to cover your own position in this and above all be nice and polite to everyone because if you give them any attitude (as hard as that might be as they lie to your face about things) because if given any reason to, they can make things harder on you and it will take a lot longer to be resolved.

gybob · December 5, 2014

Well folks, my ordeal came to an end today. My 14 Sierra 1500 SLT with 1750 miles on it does not shake any more while going down the road. My story:

By the time the truck had about 1000 miles on it, I realized that that the driveline vibration was (1)unacceptable and (2) not going to go away by itself. Took it to the dealer. The tech said that two of the wheels were out of balance. One by 3/4 oz and one by 1.5 oz's. Knowing this to be BS, I went ahead and took the truck. Of course nothing about the ride was different. Brought it back a couple of days later and told the service writer that "this is repair attempt number two - please troubleshoot and repair my problem." Service writer explained that at this point GM has a LOT of driveline vibration issues with this series of trucks and they do not yet have a solution.

He put me in a loaner, a 2015 Yukon XL. I told him "take your time". A week later, he told me to come and get the truck. When I got there, he told me that they had been able to improve the road force variation on the two rear tires by two pounds. BS again. It doesn't take a week to match mount two tires. Not good. I arrived, ready for a spirited discussion and seeing a buyback in my future. At that time, service writer told me that GM tech had just called and asked them to use the electronic vibration analyzer to troubleshoot the problem. I jumped in that sweet loaner and left. Two days later, service writer asked me to return the loaner and drive my truck while waiting for a rear axle assembly to come in. Too much or too little pinion to ring gear backlash will cause problems, but not vibration. I was told that there is a VARIATION in backlash during a ring gear revolution. Wow! That makes sense. The backlash should be equal (or very nearly so) between the pinion and ALL of the ring gear teeth.

Two days ago, I dropped it off to have the rear axle assy replaced. It came in COMPLETE, including rotors and calipers - ready to bolt up. Got my truck back this morning. It now rides like a new truck! During the last visit, all 4 wheels were scratched due to improper tooling being used on the wheel balance machine. I now have four NEW wheels. No pushback whatsoever about the wheels.

Some lesson learned:

The dealers (ALL of them - all brands) do not have the competent techs that they wish they had.
Based on an experience that I had with a 14 Silverado (same size wheel/tires), I was certain that the tires were the issue. Had the dealer done as I insisted in the beginning, the tires would not have helped and they would have been out a lot of money.
As frustrating as the first two visits were, I believe that my remaining calm and respectful contributed to these folks continuing in earnest to try to resolve the problem.
I'm not happy that they (twice) tried to give me a "let's hope he'll go away and not come back" non solution. I respectfully let this be known. See 1. above. I feel like we now have a good relationship.

I'm grateful to these folks for properly repairing my truck. I really like my truck now.

Edited December 5, 2014 by Bob2007

51G'sPaperweight · December 5, 2014

Well after 8 long weeks I finally have my 2014 Sierra 4x4 LTZ with the 3.08 gears back. I had the 45-55 mph steering wheel vibration pretty much from day 1. First they did the road force, then the electronic vibration analysis. Then did the ring and pinion thing, all along the head mechanic wanted to order a whole new rear diff. After 6 weeks straight in the shop GM finally sent a field engineer to assess the truck who said order a rear diff. 2 more weeks and voila a new rear diff and Vibration gone. I agree with others that it doesn't help to lose your cool but 8 weeks to fix really tests ones patience.

hf219 · December 5, 2014

Ok, well my dilemma is just starting I guess. I have a 2015 GMS Sierra 1500 Z71 double cab. My dealer had to locate the vehicle I wanted and when I picked it up it already had 90 miles on it. Ok, so no problem I can live with that. I had the truck 6 days and noticed a vibration in the steering wheel that just didnt feel right. I contacted the salesman he said to bring it by and they will look at it. I stopped by and they had a mechanic go for a ride with me, he drove and said that this was the worst vibration of all the trucks he has driven with the same problem. Ok, so Im not happy to hear they know of a problem, but to me being a mechanic I thought well thats good it should be easy to diagnose and or repair. He tells me he has to hook the truck up to a vibration diagnostic computer to verify where its coming from. I got a call from the service manager yesterday and they said they are putting a new ring and pinion in the truck along with rotors. My question really comes into play with how much mileage does this vibration diagnostic tool need a vehicle driven to check and diagnose a problem? At my last check, they drove the truck 68 miles! This to me seems a little excessive when it doesnt take more than a 1/4 mile to feel the problem. For me the vibration was between 30mph and 70mph. Another question I have has anyone gotten any kickback from GM in regards to down time, miles or just the general inconvenience this has caused? I brought this truck in with 498 miles on it and I can see them having the truck more time than I have and possibly putting more miles on it than I have. OR should I just shut up and be thankful it gets fixed? lol!