Q-steer noise

ToeJam · October 5, 2004

My Quadrasteer has started moaning lately. Usually when I'm in a tighter turn, it will let out this deep shuttering moan that you can almost feel in the seats. Everything is still working propertly, so I have no idea what the problem is. I had a Tech from the dealership drive around the lot with me yesterday and all he could hear was tire noise and birds chirping. I nearly opened the door and kicked him out of the truck after he "didn't hear" the second and third time it made a noise.

Has anyone else experienced this yet? I just had it at the dealership last Saturday and they should have lubed everything, so I don't think its a lube-issue.

Thanks,

Stu

budhayes3 · October 5, 2004

I'm not too familiar with the system, but it sounds like either a dry bearing or viscous clutch type of issue to me.

Butch 02 Denali · October 5, 2004

Yup,

Had exactly the same moaning noise with my QSteer.

Add a bottle of posi additave and it will cure it.

Butch 02 Sierra Denali

ToeJam · October 5, 2004

Yup,
Had exactly the same moaning noise with my QSteer.

Add a bottle of posi additave and it will cure it.

Butch 02 Sierra Denali

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Interesting...the dealership just replaced the fluids, so I wonder if they forgot to put in the additive?

Butch 02 Denali · October 5, 2004

Did the noise start after they changed the fluid? Mine did, I changed to Schaeffer's #267, which I thought was GL5 (Posi) rated but found out it wasn't. Took about 100 or so miles and the noise started. The posi additive stopped all noise within a mile or two after I put it in. Some posi's require 2 bottles of posi additive anyway, My GN did. The dealer even put the second bottle in. The Dana 60 in our QSteer trucks has a true limited slip posi unit, a Detroit Trac-Loc, very beefy. Nothing like the G80 locker/posi used in all the other trucks, the dealer probably has no clue that this is a true posi!

ToeJam · October 5, 2004

Did the noise start after they changed the fluid? Mine did, I changed to Schaeffer's #267, which I thought was GL5 (Posi) rated but found out it wasn't. Took about 100 or so miles and the noise started. The posi additive stopped all noise within a mile or two after I put it in. Some posi's require 2 bottles of posi additive anyway, My GN did. The dealer even put the second bottle in. The Dana 60 in our QSteer trucks has a true limited slip posi unit, a Detroit Trac-Loc, very beefy. Nothing like the G80 locker/posi used in all the other trucks, the dealer probably has no clue that this is a true posi!

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I'm trying to remember if I had heard this problem before. I know something similar has made a sound in the past, but it was once or twice at most over the past few months. Now it's almost every turn.

jeb · October 6, 2004

I've been trying to find out the maint intervals on the Qsteer system and the differentials on my new QS truck. I looked in the owners manual and could find nothing on the Qsteer maint.

In my last 2 limited slip new GM 3/4 ton's (99 and 01), I had to change the rear end fluid pretty early in the trucks life. Do I need to do it with my current truck, too?

ToeJam · October 7, 2004

Jeb - The local dealership here recommended it at 15K to remove all the break-in crap. They said you can then go up to 45K before your next flush.

Butch - I think you're dead on with your guess. I turned off the Qsteer last night and it got even worse. I know its coming from the rear diff because it only happens when I turn (with brakes on, or without) and it's still there with the Qsteer off, so it has to be the idiots forgot to add the right fluid.

So here is the next question - I can't get it fixed (I'm making them do it) until NEXT weekend. What kind of damage am I doing driving with this problem?

budhayes3 · October 7, 2004

Could be burning the clutches in the diff since they are not slipping as they should.

KoolAID · October 7, 2004

Could be burning the clutches in the diff since they are not slipping as they should.

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I just started hearing a groan in my Q-steer, also. It sounds almost like tire rub. I know it's not the tires because there is no sound when the vehicle is cold, but after running it for a while the rear end will groan when I make a sharp left or right turn.

I called the service dept and the rep said "That sounds dangerous. Get it in here right away."

I'll let you know how it goes!

KoolAID

Butch 02 Denali · October 7, 2004

Will be interesting what the dealer does, most are not at all familar with these diffs.

Will it hurt....probably not for a short time, but I wouldn't go long. Just don't make any turns!!! LOL

Don't let the dealer do unnecessary repairs here, this is a simple $5, 5 minuet fix!!!

Tell them to at least try the posi additive first. I would almost guarantee that will cure it, been there, done that! If they won't do it, do it yourself!!

Greg · October 7, 2004

I heard a strange noise for the first time when turning today, too. Maybe that was it. I'll keep my ears peeled as the truck will get a few miles on it over the next few days going to Ohio.

ToeJam · October 8, 2004

I've actually decided to take it in tomorrow morning for service. I'll let you know what they "find", but I told them it's their idiot shop monkeys putting the wrong fluid into the pumpkin and they said "oh yea, well look at that"....like I'm an idiot.

ToeJam · October 12, 2004

I just got my truck back from the dealership. Sure enough, they didn't put in the friction modifier. I really hope I get one of those dealership surveys in the mail, because I'm going to blast them.