Extremely rough ride and occasional vibration

[WP77]

About 3 weeks ago I purchased a new 2014 GMC SLT crew cab short box 4x4 Z71. It's summit white with jet black interior and front bench seat. 20" chrome aluminum wheels with Goodyear SRA tires. I have read the numerous posts on here about vibrations. But my problem seems different from most. This thing has the roughest ride I've ever had in a pickup. It does it on city streets at low speeds, freeways at 75 mph and everything in between. My second problem is a terrible vibration that only happens on certain stretches of freeway. It is a back and forth kind of bounce that actually makes me motion sick. I think it's related to the overall stiffness of the suspension. From the dealer, the tires had 34 psi. I have lowered it a bit, to 32 in front and 30 in back. This seemed to improve ride slightly, but it is still unacceptable.

 

I've had a 88 Chevy Z71, 92 Chevy z71, 01 Chevy z71 and 08 GMC Z71. I even had a 87 Chevy 4x4 which was the last year with the solid front axle. All of these rode 100 times better than this 2014. So I don't think it's something to do with it being a Z71. For what I paid, I expect this thing to ride like a Cadillac, not make me car sick. I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow morning to set up an appointment. I just wanted to see if any of you are experiencing anything similar?

[pm26]

Your truck does ride like a Cadillac. A 1965 Cadillac with 450k miles, worn out suspension, and bald tires.

 

It sounds like something in suspension of your truck is definitely not right. i would check all nuts and bolts on the spring mounts and shock mounts for tightness.

[johnrunner89]

I have same truck as you and experience same things you say, which sucks cause anything store in the driver doors compartments or center console area will vibrate. Only way I get a smooth ride is on the best and newest paved roads. Other then that, I feel every crack, dip, bump, pot hole and piece of confetti I run over. It seems like the z71 suspension won't absorb small stuff well and energy transfers to frame and thus having us feel the entire road. I've driven a C6 Z06 vette with STIFF suspension that felt smoother then my truck. I heard Rancho released adjustable shocks for our trucks, I want to look into it.

[Silverado-Hareek]

Yeah I have a Z71 and driving on the road I swear I can feel a penny if I run over one. With that being said, I have taken this truck off-road and I also loaded it up this past weekend with retaining wall blocks from Lowe's and let me tell you, this thing handled like a champ in both scenarios.

 

I also get a vibration in the steering wheel that comes and goes and I'm back and forth between thinking it's the tires or not. The jury is still out on that one.......

 

So in general, yes these trucks ride rougher but they have stiffer suspension than the previous generation trucks so general riding around will not be as smooth as some people will like. But it's a truck. And when you put these trucks to work, they handle it incredibly well from what I've seen and felt so far.

[fondupot]

There is a TSB that is supposed to help the rough idle vibration. Mine was pretty bad before i had it done. Helped get rid of about 75% of the idle vib.

[GMCustomerService]

We certainly understand your frustration, WP77. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help with this situation. We’d be happy to contact your dealership on your behalf for further assistance. Feel free to send us a private message in reference to this thread if our help is needed. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

 

Kristen A.

GM Customer Care

[yojo]

We certainly understand your frustration, WP77. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help with this situation. We’d be happy to contact your dealership on your behalf for further assistance. Feel free to send us a private message in reference to this thread if our help is needed. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

 

Kristen A.

GM Customer Care

Stop it!!