Slop/Shaking column shifter when in Drive

Moose0814 · January 4, 2023

I know there are some other posts about this, but has anyone found a DIY fix?

My column shifter moves/vibrates at highway speeds very noticeably and when in Drive has some serious slop of 1/2'' to 1'' up and down. It isn't as noticeable under 50MPH, but at lower speeds over bumps very noticeable.

I feel like its gotten worse with time, but the tech said it is normal compared to other trucks. I also am not sure he was trying it while in Drive. In any other gear it feels stiff.

any input or feedback appreciated - dealership will definitely be a PITA about this one.

calgator73 · January 4, 2023

1 hour ago, Moose0814 said:

I know there are some other posts about this, but has anyone found a DIY fix?

My column shifter moves/vibrates at highway speeds very noticeably and when in Drive has some serious slop of 1/2'' to 1'' up and down. It isn't as noticeable under 50MPH, but at lower speeds over bumps very noticeable.

I feel like its gotten worse with time, but the tech said it is normal compared to other trucks. I also am not sure he was trying it while in Drive. In any other gear it feels stiff.

any input or feedback appreciated - dealership will definitely be a PITA about this one.

I have the same slop...it's been basically the same on my 07, 14 and 20. Vibrating the shifter though could be caused by tires or practically anything in the driveline. Heck even a busted tranny mount could allow for enough movement for the linkage to do strange things.

SilveradoRST · January 4, 2023

Don’t have an answer for you but do have a question. Do you feel slop in your hand when you are shifting to drive, reverse, etc?

Edited January 4, 2023 by SilveradoRST

Moose0814 · January 6, 2023

As you can see in the video, once you hit drive there is significantly more movement. I don't think that's normal. In new trucks it is tight.

Edited January 6, 2023 by Moose0814
video

Moose0814 · January 6, 2023

On 1/4/2023 at 3:37 PM, SilveradoRST said:

Don’t have an answer for you but do have a question. Do you feel slop in your hand when you are shifting to drive, reverse, etc?

It's not loose when shifting, just more when actually in a gear. Drive is definitely the sloppiest which causes the shaking at highway speeds.

It's Tim · January 6, 2023

On 1/4/2023 at 1:14 PM, Moose0814 said:

has anyone found a DIY fix?

Sounds like the fix is either live with it or replace the steering column.

Moose0814 · January 6, 2023

22 minutes ago, It's Tim said:

Sounds like the fix is either live with it or replace the steering column.

that's helpful... thanks...

Moose0814 · January 13, 2023

This was driving today at 65MPH. Camera is slightly moving, however the shaking on the shifter is definitely noticeable.

Moose0814 · January 18, 2023

Update: dealership service manager stated this slop in drive and shaking over bumps/highway speed is normal and he will show me in his truck. I stated a good friend of mine has a 2500 Denali with more miles and it doesn't do this, he proceed to tell me they aren't the same shifter or steering column in the HD vs. 1500. Any truth to that?

Either way I am going to insist the screws are checked and if they are tight the steering column be replaced because I am not happy with it. Might as well do that while it is in for an emissions issue that's taken 3 visits so far

Anacortes Army Guy · January 20, 2023

I've noticed on mine that there is some slack/slop in Drive, but if I move the lever down to L, then back to drive, the slack/slop disappears. Having said that, I do not notice any movement of the shift lever while driving down a smooth road, but then again I'm not watching the shift lever either...but now I will, and my OCD will probably kick in and I'll discover I have the same issue - thanks!

Moose0814 · January 25, 2023

On 1/20/2023 at 5:57 PM, Anacortes Army Guy said:

I've noticed on mine that there is some slack/slop in Drive, but if I move the lever down to L, then back to drive, the slack/slop disappears. Having said that, I do not notice any movement of the shift lever while driving down a smooth road, but then again I'm not watching the shift lever either...but now I will, and my OCD will probably kick in and I'll discover I have the same issue - thanks!

let me know what you discover!

It's really annoying to me. The column shifter has been in trucks for decades and in a ~$68k truck I expect much better. I have complained multiple times taking it to the dealer for other issues, the SA opened a "TAC Case." No idea what that is. I am going to be providing the video I posted and a video driving my buddy's Denali HD that does not move at all going 75MPH+. The service manager compared it to his 2021 Silverado and another Sierra on the lot saying it is normal; I replied those trucks probably need to be repaired as well!

Moose0814 · December 6, 2023

As a very late update: Took my truck to another dealer and they replaced the shifter. It is very stiff and doesnt move around as expected.

Bikerjon · December 7, 2023

10 hours ago, Moose0814 said:

As a very late update: Took my truck to another dealer and they replaced the shifter. It is very stiff and doesnt move around as expected.

Just the shift lever or the pivot pin or what?