2014 Silverado - Noise after RC 2.5" Level Kit

Phil0922 · July 9, 2017

Have scoured across the interwebs for a video showing a similar sound that i'm experiencing.

I installed a 2.5" Level Kit and don't remember if the sound was present upon install or after a couple thousand miles.

Total miles are at about 4000 with the kit. It rides fine, just went to SC and back from FL. It's still a dream, just a funky noise when turning the steering wheel to the right. When turning to the left, it's not bad at all. I don't even think it has a sound.

Please view the video link below and let me know if you have any questions or if you can diagnose it. I understand a mechanic may need to get involved, but before so, I'd like to try to fix it myself. I just re tightened everything just in case.

Phil0922 · July 10, 2017

Figured out on my own what happened. Overtightened the sway bar link bolts to the point where the bushings were "smushed". Untightened and retightened just enough until it was barely snug. Not a noise now. I thought I saw somewhere that it was 17-18 ft.lbs, I must have doubled that. Learn from my error, if you already knew this...nothing to see here.

Edit:

This actually didn't fix it. Re torqued to 18 ft/lbs and it's still doing it. Any help is appreciated.

nitro_kid · July 12, 2017

try to loosen and re-torque axle nuts

ridethedesert · July 13, 2017

I have the same noise.

Crafty34 · July 13, 2017

Mine is in the shop now for this issue along with others problems. Ill let you know what they say.

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Crafty34 · July 13, 2017

Just got a call from the dealer. They said its the rack and pinion steering gear. I suspect the level and bigger wheels and tires contributed to this issue.

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ridethedesert · July 14, 2017

Just got a call from the dealer. They said its the rack and pinion steering gear. I suspect the level and bigger wheels and tires contributed to this issue.

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What size tires and what level do you have? I installed the Fox 2.0 shocks which leveled it and everything was fine for 40,000 miles. Now mine is starting to make the noise. 285/65R18 tires.

Mine has been in to the dealer multiple times and they are saying there's nothing wrong with the truck. I had to post a youtube video and contact GM corporate. Now miracles are possible and the dealer is taking another look. I'll let you know the outcome.

Crafty34 · July 15, 2017

I have 275/70/18 and I'm running King coilovers. They said they will fix my truck under warranty but if it happens again im on my own. They noted the coilovers on my paperwork.

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Phil0922 · July 19, 2017

OK, so I took EVERYTHING apart on the suspension and inspected the CVs, inner and outer tie rods, sway bar/links, bushings, and the rack. Noise was vibrating near the tie rods and I believe it was going to the rack. I reassembled, this time WITHOUT the top strut spacer. Voila, the noise is 99% deadened.

The noise was definitely a Rack noise, i'm sure the rack would've went if I kept it that way.

Truck sounds so much better now. The 2" spacer on the bottom is still in to even it out a bit, but I feel disappointed that RCs products are doing this to their customer's trucks. I understand tweaking the suspension is asking for trouble, but for it to immediately wear down the rack like that is frustrating.

So, keep it in and repair the rack (~$1000 part) every now and then, OR take that top spacer out OR bare with the noise.

P.S. - This pertains to the 2.5" level kit, any actual suspension lift is beyond my knowledge.

Phil0922 · July 19, 2017

I have 275/70/18 and I'm running King coilovers. They said they will fix my truck under warranty but if it happens again im on my own. They noted the coilovers on my paperwork.

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If you don't mind, how much were they going to charge you to replace the rack? I know it was covered, but did they mention how much it would be?

Crafty34 · July 19, 2017

If you don't mind, how much were they going to charge you to replace the rack? I know it was covered, but did they mention how much it would be?

They told me that it would be around $2000. Im now debating if I should put my truck back to stock.

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Silver16 · July 19, 2017

They told me that it would be around $2000. Im now debating if I should put my truck back to stock.

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Probably a good call until at least the warranty runs out.

DIRTYDALE · July 23, 2017

Its really a shame i have this to after getting my 6" BDS lift on my 2014 high country its a nice truck but its embarrassing to pull out of anywhere honestly. its very loud for me wish i never would have got the lift lol i highly doubt the warranty will cover the replacement for the rack and pinion since its lifted.

Phil0922 · July 24, 2017

Its really a shame i have this to after getting my 6" BDS lift on my 2014 high country its a nice truck but its embarrassing to pull out of anywhere honestly. its very loud for me wish i never would have got the lift lol i highly doubt the warranty will cover the replacement for the rack and pinion since its lifted.

Before you replace anything. Remove the lift. This resolved my issue. Seems the guy up top replaced the R&P while the lift kit was still installed.

I had a loud noise and after removing the top strut spacers, noise is gone. The bottom spacer rides with no noises.

ChrisThompson0_0 · May 20, 2019

Resurrecting an old thread, but has anyone installed a full drop lift and it not have this issue? I have a top mount 2.5 leveling kit and obviously it is doing the same thing as everyone else. A full drop lift (mcgaughys) doesnt use a "spacer" to lift the front of the truck, so I was curious if I went ahead and ordered and installed that if I would continue to have the same problem.