How to test a used truck for the “Chevy shake”

ndgregor · July 30, 2018

Hello,

I am currently in the market for a 2014-2015 Silverado 1500. I have heard and read a lot about the dreaded “Chevy shake”. I certainly do not want to purchase a truck with this condition. Does anyone have any recommendations for what driving conditions I should make sure I complete in a test drive to try and get it to shake? How common of a problem is/was this?

anything else to look at in a used truck for evidence of a shaking problem?

Thank you,

nick

wforrest08 · July 30, 2018

This seems to be one of the most discussed things on here with all kinds of “fixes” seems to be a small % of trucks again I can’t comment as mine doesn’t do it. If I was shopping for a used 14+ Chevy part of my extended test drives would be a 90mph run on the interstate with a mile or so at every mph between 50-80 with half a bottle of water in the cup holder.

Out of all the fixes on this (as I have read it some for fun) the driveshaft balance and or replacements seem the most logical to me but some claim it’s as simple as putting a set Michelins on, swapping axles, or full blown tranny rebuilds?

As far as evidence if your shopping at stealerships ask for them to show you the service records of the truck looking for things like “diagnose customer complaint shaking, vibration, ect.” Check the online car check services for the same. Check glove box/center console for records. Climb under the truck and look at the u joint bolts to see there has ever been a wrench on them or if there is weld on weights near the yoke on the shaft seems like at some point most on here anyway a balance or replacement was tried.