Too much "play" in drive train.

[Ron.s]

6.2 Denali built in Oct 2013... On and off the gas there is what I consider excess slop in the drive train. Really pronounced towing. Dealer tech says it's likely a combo of tolerances in the rear end and transfer case. He said GM won't repair under warranty although this could likely lead to increased wear or failure.

Any suggestions? I feel like I'm driving a truck with 200m miles. Actually I've never driven a vehicle this bad.

[scott19677]

There is a tsb out about this across nearly every rear drive GM vehicle. GM claims it is operating as designed. It is the worst drive lash issue I have ever seen. Piss poor tolerances if you ask me.

 

 

Edit: I do not think it was a tsb, but just a bulletin. I will try a look up a copy that was posted.

[scott19677]

Bulletin No.: 99-04-20-002H, Sorry it took so long. Been a busy Saturday.

I was unable to find the one I was looking for. Basically says just what your service tech stated.

[pm26]

Yes. The part tolerances are apparently loose, and if you happen to get the worst case tolerance stack up, then the results will be unpleasant. However, the vehicle sticker prices reflect parts with ultra high tolerances, instead of sloppy fit parts they actually use.

[Ron.s]

I really doubt they check tolerances once production starts except on a sample basis. What GM is doing is a business decision. Cost to fix vs "might make it through warranty" gamble. I bought their most expensive truck and its a POS. Paint flaw on door, Nav screen blanks, etc. I can live with some of the flaws but not the slop in drive train. On winter roads this could be a safety issue causing the vehicle to skid. If I can't get it fixed for a reasonable price I'll be driving something else soon and it won't be a GM product.

[waumo1]

I've noticed my 2011 Ext Cab LB drivetrain is much more "clunky" on start/stop than the 1998 same configuration that I sold. I suspect it has a lot to do with the 2011 one piece driveshaft design vs the 1998 two piece with a center carrier. Just a guess though.

[1997SierraSLT]

Wonder where GM is sourcing their differential assemblies these days? As a kid, I've seen my father work on numerous GM rear ends and it's definitely a time consuming and tedious process to obtain proper gear mesh and backlash.

[AaronIROCZ]

Wonder where GM is sourcing their differential assemblies these days? As a kid, I've seen my father work on numerous GM rear ends and it's definitely a time consuming and tedious process to obtain proper gear mesh and backlash.

American Axle Manufacturing I believe.

[2strokesmoke]

I believe they are in mexico now!