Shake or Vibration Issues

Arclight · February 19, 2015

If the dealer doesn't know about this tool, the equipment part number is 733-CH-51450, known as "Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit with NVH".

Is this new info?

http://vitalysmobileautodiagnostics.com/archives/6392

TheFactor · February 20, 2015

Mine is going in Monday morning for its first oil change and to check out my 20 to 30mph vibration . Feels like driving on a rumble strip and starts exactly from 20mph to 30mph . Can be felt in gas peddle and steering wheel / floor board . When under hard acceleration it's not noticeable but slowing down for a stop sign or light acceleration it is .

Very annoying I hope they can fix it : (

Edited February 20, 2015 by TheFactor

mafd2 · February 20, 2015

I'm friends with the service mgr. of over 20 years at a local dealership and asked him about the vibration problem. The dealer sells Chevrolet and GMC and he said there have been no vibration complaints come into the shop. I have some friends and co-workers with '14's and they have no problem either. I know there's no particular build dates etc. on those with vibration problems. This dealer sells many trucks both GMC and Chevy. Weird...

Edited February 20, 2015 by mafd2

OmahaBen · February 20, 2015

I have had my 2014 Sierra in the shop 5 times for the vibration issue.

The first two times they didn't feel the issue so they thought they had it fixed by balancing the rear wheels.

After taking the service manager and letting him drive it he could feel it get worse from 70mph to 80mph. They did a road force balance on the wheels and it made it a bit better.

They have also replaced one 20" chrome GMC SLT wheel and 1 or 2 tires. Goodyear LS2s 20". (I say 1 - 2 because I didn't get a straight answer)

They did find that their road force balance machine needed to be calibrated. They sent my 4 wheels off to another dealer in town and road force balance those. That made it much better. (almost acceptable but still annoying during long hauls)

I drove the truck about 1000 miles and it still wasn't good enough. I told the service manager this and he said they had the vibration analyzer on order. It looks very similar to the one posted here. I actually got to see the tool. It basically allows you to put a sensor close to your rotating item. IE wheel, driveshaft or whatever. They use a magnetic base just like you would us with your dial indicator and that holds the sensor to the rotating part. If there is a vibration it assigns a number to that harmonic or vibration. They said when they connected my truck with the tool it measured an 8. After they were done it was below a 3. (below a 3-4 GM says that is acceptable because it isn't noticeable anymore while driving) I don't notice the vibration anymore.

After they used this tool they got my vibration to go away. They stated it was still one of the wheel tire assemblies. They had the truck for about 5 days.

I don't think there is anyway that it should have taken 5 times having this truck in to get the vibration to go away. I also feel that they are hiding the real issue because when I ask them which wheel they can't tell me.

I told them when I first brought the truck in to do a road force balance on all 4 wheel/tire assemblies and after they talked they said they only did the rear tires at first. I have caught them lying or maybe they forget or make up stuff to the customer to get us to stop asking questions or go away.

They did say they had to do a steps required by GM so they can get paid on the repairs.

I have several other issues and if they get those fixed I will be pretty happy. A little discussed that it took so much time to get it squared away but I think when you get the first year of a new model you open yourself up to issues. My father always told me to never get the first year maybe 2 of a new body style so they can get the problems ironed out and I think he is correct.

I have been flexible and very polite to the service team and manager. I have tried to make them my friends and I think that has helped.

Hopefully others can get this solved to. I wish I knew if this was more than just tire/wheel issues. I feel that since they had it 5 days it could have been anything. That is enough time to replace the driveshaft, or do many other things such as rebuild or re setup the rear diff and many other items.

pm26 · February 20, 2015

I'm friends with the service mgr. of over 20 years at a local dealership and asked him about the vibration problem. The dealer sells Chevrolet and GMC and he said there have been no vibration complaints come into the shop. I have some friends and co-workers with '14's and they have no problem either. I know there's no particular build dates etc. on those with vibration problems. This dealer sell may trucks both GMC and Chevy. Weird...

GM specs and quality control for trucks sold in Louisiana are way above the rest.

Mickey_D · February 20, 2015

I'm friends with the service mgr. of over 20 years at a local dealership and asked him about the vibration problem. The dealer sells Chevrolet and GMC and he said there have been no vibration complaints come into the shop. I have some friends and co-workers with '14's and they have no problem either. I know there's no particular build dates etc. on those with vibration problems. This dealer sells many trucks both GMC and Chevy. Weird...

With the roads in Louisiana how are you going to tell...

mafd2 · February 20, 2015

With the roads in Louisiana how are you going to tell...

We have some nice newly paved roads and some bad just like wherever you are. The interstates are nice as well and I have no vibrations. I have a savvy for vibrations, rattles, and noises as I've raced motorcycles for several years, restored and worked on motorcycles including HD's. Believe me, I've had trucks with improperly balanced tires and know a vibration. I have no steering wheel, foot pedal or console shake/vibration. Seems bad roads would create some of that??? Good roads or bad, my truck along with many others I've ridden in are smooth. I hate that some of you guy's are having vibration issues and glad for those of you who had theirs fixed.

You think your truck vibrates? Try racing a 2 stoke motocross racing bike @ 10,000 rpm's for several motos or try riding a '76 hard tail shovel head.

Dozzer LTZ · February 23, 2015

Someone several pages back in this Thread repeated several times to stop taking the truck to the Dealer for tire vibrations because they have no clue how to properly RF Balance the tires. While I don't think we should have to pay out of our pocket to do this on a new truck I finally did it. My truck has been in three times for the vibration at high speeds (73 to 83mph). Each time they would replace a tire or two and the issue would get a little better. The last time they replaced all 4 with Michelin LTX MS2 and the ride improved dramatically with only a trace of vibration left. I took the truck to a performance shop in the area and explained the issues to him and he laughed and said they do tires for local dealers all the time because the dealer cant fix it.

So I stood there and watched as he did each tire and he explained everything as he went. 3 of the 4 tires on my truck were off by 1-3/4 ounces of weight and the 4th was 2 ounces off (so Dealer obviously cant balance a tire). Three tires came in at #18 RF and the 4th was #24. He said that the Dealer should have not even put the one with #24 on due to the vibration compliant I was having. Anyway, truck is glass smooth now up to 95mph and it cost me $70.00. I wish I would have went to them months ago and been done with this issue.

Just wanted to share my experience with you all. I know all of these issues are not tires but its worth a shot.. Good Luck

pm26 · February 23, 2015

Someone several pages back in this Thread repeated several times to stop taking the truck to the Dealer for tire vibrations because they have no clue how to properly RF Balance the tires. While I don't think we should have to pay out of our pocket to do this on a new truck I finally did it. My truck has been in three times for the vibration at high speeds (73 to 83mph). Each time they would replace a tire or two and the issue would get a little better. The last time they replaced all 4 with Michelin LTX MS2 and the ride improved dramatically with only a trace of vibration left. I took the truck to a performance shop in the area and explained the issues to him and he laughed and said they do tires for local dealers all the time because the dealer cant fix it.

So I stood there and watched as he did each tire and he explained everything as he went. 3 of the 4 tires on my truck were off by 1-3/4 ounces of weight and the 4th was 2 ounces off (so Dealer obviously cant balance a tire). Three tires came in at #18 RF and the 4th was #24. He said that the Dealer should have not even put the one with #24 on due to the vibration compliant I was having. Anyway, truck is glass smooth now up to 95mph and it cost me $70.00. I wish I would have went to them months ago and been done with this issue.

Just wanted to share my experience with you all. I know all of these issues are not tires but its worth a shot.. Good Luck

They should throw away their fancy $ 14k balancers and buy the old style bubble balancers . There is no way you would be off by more than 1/4 of an ounce on one of those old machines and that is not very noticeable on any vehicle. Good static balance is much better than bad dynamic balance.

Wrench589 · February 23, 2015

Dozzer, that a very interesting story. I'm not surprised that the dealers have trouble Roadforce balancing. Let's face it, how many tires do they routinely balance at a dealership compared to a tire shop? Now, add in the complexity of doing a Roadforce balance properly and it does not surprise me that they can't do a very good job. I've read the manual for the Hunter GSP9700 and it's not for the faint of heart.

If you want a good laugh, search for Hunter Road force balance on YouTube. You'll find all kind of clowns trying to show what they know. One tire shop was even so stupid they posted a video about how to Roadforce balance, and they did not use the roller at all! All he did was a simple dynamic balance! Yet he was trying to advertise for his tire shop. Doing Roadforce balance. Clown!

Now, having said that, the Roadforce numbers your dealer achieved at 18lb and 24lb are withing GM spec. GM spec is 18lb for P-metric tires on a car, 24lb for P-metric tires on a light truck, and 35lb for LT tires on a light truck. Now, I agree with your tire guy that said they should not have returned it with a tire at 24lb when they are trying to solve a vibration problem. But, there are two other things to consider: first, it is likely very important to match all 4 tires on these vehicles. Having one tire generating 33% more road force then the tire across from it! can't be a good thing even if 24lb is in spec.

Second, I think GM's spec is too high. I believe it is the same values they have been using since they started using Roadforce balance machines. But, vehicles have changed over the years. This new generation of vehicle is very stiff - stiff suspension, stiff frame, stiff body mounts, stiff stiff stiff. GM needs to update their specs. For comparison, the default limits in the hunter Roadforce balance machine are 26lb of P-metric tires and 39lb for Lt tires, but it clearly says those values are only a guideline. Clearly, a tighter limit is warranted.

And then there the whole thing about doing the "Lateral Force Measurement". I wonder how many dealerships are doing that, or even understand it.

What do we do? I'm thinking unless I stand and watch the dealership do the Roadforce and Lateral measurement and correction, having them do a Roadforce is pointless. If it works, great. If it doesn't, needs to be done at a proper shop. And, not all tire shops will do it right. I was shopping for tires about a year ago and one of the local tire shops told me Hunter Roadforce balancing is a joke and the machine don't work. In other words, he doesn't know how to run it! So, shop around.

TheFactor · February 23, 2015

Well wish me luck I dropped my 2014 Silverado 2wd in today at my local Chevy dealer for its first oil change and for the 20 to 30mph vibration /shake . My service writer was very nice and professional and I didn't even need to ask for them to go on a test ride with me so I can show them the problem .They suggested it before I did and anyway Went for a ride and they acknowledged the issue and said this is the first truck to come in with the vibration . They don't think mine is a tire/wheel balance problem because it only does it between 20 and 30 mph . But there going to need my truck for a few days to research the issue so they know we're to start and try to fix it . Mine isn't a violent shake like some have experienced maybe because it's only 2 wd and it only does it at lower speeds . But it still is annoying since that area it happens in 20 to 30 mph is in the city driving area I do 50% of the time . You can feel it in the steering wheel , gas peddle and a little on the floor . Not so much when accelerating but more coming to a light and slowing down or just maintaining speed in the problem area . Best way to describe the way mine feels it's like I'm running an aggressive all terrain tire "which I'm not '' or on a mild rumble strip and you can kind of hear it to . Well wish me luck on my adventure I'm hoping it all works out my dealer seems pretty straight forward and acknowledging the issue is a good start and they even provided me with a loaner at no charge .

Edited February 23, 2015 by TheFactor

findingnewvibratingroads · February 23, 2015

Well..it had been 1 month and 4 days since I took my vibrator in for diagnosis. I drove up to the dealer last Friday to make sure that they hadn't sold it or something. I found my truck sitting near the service department so I asked went in to inquire. I was told that they replaced the faulty parts. I asked if it was fixed. The fellow said, "He said it took ALOT of the vibration out of it." So....I asked if I could drive it. As soon as I hit the road, I knew the problem hadn't been fixed and it actually may be worse than before. I spoke with the General Manager and he said I need to contact General Motors about replacing the truck. I told him that I want a refund/buyback. He said I'd have to call GM. So, I did and they said I'd need to talk to the dealership about their buyback program. I explained that I already had and he told me to call them. Haha...what a mess!! I have been in constant contact with General Motors. I have been told that my truck does not qualify for a buyback. However, it has now been in the shop for 34 consecutive days which should qualify it for the lemon law. I guess I will have to get a lawyer and push the issue. I'm not going to except my vibrator back. I'm done with GM.

TheFactor · February 23, 2015

Ok well just got a call from the dealer after dropping it off this morning he said they have a few new 2015 trucks on the lot I can drive that does the same thing and unfortunately Chevrolet does not have a fix for the problem so there's nothing he can do for me . They haven't done the oil change yet so guess I'm picking the truck up in the morning . Very disappointing to say they least so either I fight it with GM or put a leveler on it and some all terain tires because my vibrations aren't to bad probably won't even feel it with a set of all terain .

Pretty shitty though that Chevy is still selling& building these trucks with these known issues . Probably will be my last Chevy that's for sure . I'd sell it right now but I'm not going to take a 5 or 6000 dollar hit of depreciation for truck I've owned for only 4 1/2 months . If it was a violent shaker like some have reported id probably dump it and take the hit. But being its not that bad I'll probably just drive it for a few years but again very disapointing because it is a very nice truck with the exception of the slight vib between 20 and 30 mph .

Also the service writer mentioned it doesn't do it that bad to warrant tearing the truck apart .

Oh well it is what it is I guess .....

mjj · February 23, 2015

Ok well just got a call from the dealer after dropping it off this morning he said they have a few new 2015 trucks on the lot I can drive that does the same thing and unfortunately Chevrolet does not have a fix for the problem so there's nothing he can do for me . They haven't done the oil change yet so guess I'm picking the truck up in the morning . Very disappointing to say they least so either I fight it with GM or put a leveler on it and some all terain tires because my vibrations aren't to bad probably won't even feel it with a set of all terain .

Pretty shitty though that Chevy is still selling& building these trucks with these known issues . Probably will be my last Chevy that's for sure . I'd sell it right now but I'm not going to take a 5 or 6000 dollar hit of depreciation for truck I've owned for only 4 1/2 months . If it was a violent shaker like some have reported id probably dump it and take the hit. But being its not that bad I'll probably just drive it for a few years but again very disapointing because it is a very nice truck with the exception of the slight vib between 20 and 30 mph .

Also the service writer mentioned it doesn't do it that bad to warrant tearing the truck apart .

Oh well it is what it is I guess .....

Did they at least hook up that vibration device others have been taking about? Any other Chevy or GMC dealers near you? Probably worth taking it to another one and seeing if they'll look into it a little further. I haven't taken mine in yet either. I was planning on at first oil change like you. My vibration is the 70-80 mph one. Like yours it's tolerable, most noticeable to me in the petal. Long freeway trips I gotta use the cruise or it gets to bugging me/my foot.

TheFactor · February 24, 2015

Did they at least hook up that vibration device others have been taking about? Any other Chevy or GMC dealers near you? Probably worth taking it to another one and seeing if they'll look into it a little further. I haven't taken mine in yet either. I was planning on at first oil change like you. My vibration is the 70-80 mph one. Like yours it's tolerable, most noticeable to me in the petal. Long freeway trips I gotta use the cruise or it gets to bugging me/my foot.

I think the next closest dealer is around 50 minutes away were I bought it, didn't ask if they hooked up the vib tool or not but I will when I pick it up . . I'm going to think about it and if it gets worse or really starts bugging me more I'll probably take it to another dealer . That's strange these trucks do it at different speeds depending on the truck . At freeway speeds it's smooth as silk or anywhere really just not between 20 and 30 mph .

Think I'm going to just try and enjoy the truck the way it is and not go threw months of aggravation fighting it .

Good luck with yours and at least we don't have the violent shakers like some . I'd be really mad if it did that but then again maybe they'd be trying to correct the problem if it did .

Edited February 24, 2015 by TheFactor