Suspension/Steering Issues

pure_corruption · April 24, 2005

I have multiple issues and was wondering if the GM Tech could assist with answers.

2004 GMC Sierra Standard Cab 5.3L - 20,000 miles

I have a popping/marble type bouncing noise when I hit bumps or turn or just drive anywhere(sounds like it is from the linkage or something). I got a grease gun and lubed all the joints, but the issue remains. I've read this is a known issue and can be resolved by replacing the intermediate drive shaft or something. Mine also pulls to the right no matter how often I get an alignment. I read this is a known issue as well with the steering box. Also, when i'm in stop and go traffic, whenever I come to a complete stop or a hard stop I hear a creaking that sounds like it is coming from the back ends somewhere, kinda like frame flex or something weird like that. This I don't know about.

Out of all the information provided I have a few questions.

1. Would you agree with my first 2 resoultions? IE: Take to dealership for TSB assistance?

2. What could the final problem be? Is there a TSB for that? Have you seen it before?

3. I have 20" rims and if I take it in with them on will they tell me that the issue is because of them and won't resolve it under warranty? The reason I ask this is because I read something about the dealership wanting to put on a jounce kit or something for 20" and larger rims.

Any assistance that can be provided would be helpful. I plan on getting my truck dropped and want to resolve these issues first.

Editing Post:

I forgot another issue.

Whenever I turn off the engine it sounds like you can hear the starter letting go and spinning. It sounds like clock gears just disconnect from themselves and wind down. It takes about 2 seconds to complete and is noticeable from about 10 feet away.

pure_corruption · April 28, 2005

I took my 20's off and went to the dealership... Well, I was right - This is for future information for people that may have the same issues.

1. the popping while turning/over bumps is due to the intermediate steering shaft.

2. The pulling was a crown issue

3. The creaking coming from what sounded like the back end was my transmission mount. needed to be replaced.

To the GM Tech, maybe this will help if you see any additional question in relation to noises. Maybe not.

I haven't got my vehicle back yet, they had to order the transmission mount. I actually have 2 more things I want him to do.

1. hook up the truck to the diag machine to make sure there are no "alarms"

2. look into the front shock area because when I hit bumps it sounds like my shocks are blown out - alot of what sounds like air compression when I hit bumps.

Once I get my truck back I'll post more. Thanks to everyone else and they're excellent information provided here at gm-trucks.com

pure_corruption · April 28, 2005

Rode the truck home today. Seemed good. However, I noticed there is like a spring creak now or something, so I'll have to take it back again. I'll wait until next month on the first because that is when I switch shifts at work. I will say all issues seem to be resolved, there was nothing with the engine, they didn't look at the shocks/suspension, but the issue seems resolved by the steering shaft replacement. More info coming as I get it. Guess I'll have to wait to throw the 20's back on - dumb.

snoman · April 29, 2005

Rode the truck home today. Seemed good. However, I noticed there is like a spring creak now or something, so I'll have to take it back again. I'll wait until next month on the first because that is when I switch shifts at work. I will say all issues seem to be resolved, there was nothing with the engine, they didn't look at the shocks/suspension, but the issue seems resolved by the steering shaft replacement. More info coming as I get it. Guess I'll have to wait to throw the 20's back on - dumb.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When you use oversized rims and tires it puts stress on front end that it is not warranted to cover. If the truck came with 20's you would be okay but it did not and if you want them to warrant it you will need to lose the 20's when ever you take it in.

pure_corruption · April 29, 2005

Which is why I kept the stock ones, in case I needed to take my truck back in. Every time I've gone in I put the stock ones back on so they don't have a "reason". I really want to get all issues resolved that I think I might have before I put a new suspension on. Because at that point, there is no going back.

GM-Tech · April 24, 2005

Noises are difficult to diagnose by this medium. Maybe an intermediate shaft, maybe not.

I am not aware of any steering box issue that causes a pull in either direction. If an alignment doesn't have any effect on the pull, then I would suspect a radial tire pull. Will it change if you rotate the tires? Or just cross the front tires? (yes, you can cross tires side to side unless they're directional). Also, if roads in your area have a significant crown, this can cause a lead to the right.

Will the 20's be a problem if you take it to the dealer for the pulling problem? Yeah, they probably will not write that particular problem up as a warranty issue. Alignment is not covered anyway at that mileage and tires are not original, and there's not much besides alignment or tires that can cause a pull.

Not sure about your noise on shut down. Doesn't sound like anything I've heard so I'd have to hear it.

pure_corruption · May 7, 2005

Additional Information.

The dealer had my truck for a week and a half. They ordered a crossmember and will try that next week. They provided me with a rental during the time I was without my truck at no charge.

cashflow50 · June 11, 2005

Dont know if changing the intermediate shaft is the answer to clacking noise from steering wheel. I had the intermediate shaft removed and replaced by the dealer tech about 8 months ago. Problem's back again. I'm taking my '03 yukon back in again for same problem. I think there needs to be a yearly maintenance on the intermediate shaft. Gotta grease em up at least once a year. That really sucks.

pure_corruption · May 25, 2005

Additional Information.

The dealer had my truck for a week and a half. They ordered a crossmember and will try that next week. They provided me with a rental during the time I was without my truck at no charge.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I got my truck back and d**n if they didn't fix the issue. They got a stethoscope and all that out to find out it was the SOP Crossmember. They replaced that and now it sounds and handles like a dream even with my 20's on it. I'm really impressed with the service I was provided. Now I have to start on my next problem. I hear a shaking like metal shaking in both front disk areas. I did notice that when they tightened all the bolts on the front end it went away, but the roads suck here and after time and bumps it comes back. I'm going to drop it here soon and hopefully that resolves. I'll post here more as it comes. I really hate it when people don't come to post there conclusion.

pure_corruption · May 25, 2005

I have multiple issues and was wondering if the GM Tech could assist with answers.

2004 GMC Sierra Standard Cab 5.3L - 20,000 miles

I have a popping/marble type bouncing noise when I hit bumps or turn or just drive anywhere(sounds like it is from the linkage or something). I got a grease gun and lubed all the joints, but the issue remains. I've read this is a known issue and can be resolved by replacing the intermediate drive shaft or something. Mine also pulls to the right no matter how often I get an alignment. I read this is a known issue as well with the steering box. Also, when i'm in stop and go traffic, whenever I come to a complete stop or a hard stop I hear a creaking that sounds like it is coming from the back ends somewhere, kinda like frame flex or something weird like that. This I don't know about.

Out of all the information provided I have a few questions.

1. Would you agree with my first 2 resoultions? IE: Take to dealership for TSB assistance?

2. What could the final problem be? Is there a TSB for that? Have you seen it before?

3. I have 20" rims and if I take it in with them on will they tell me that the issue is because of them and won't resolve it under warranty? The reason I ask this is because I read something about the dealership wanting to put on a jounce kit or something for 20" and larger rims.

Any assistance that can be provided would be helpful. I plan on getting my truck dropped and want to resolve these issues first.

Editing Post:

I forgot another issue.

Whenever I turn off the engine it sounds like you can hear the starter letting go and spinning. It sounds like clock gears just disconnect from themselves and wind down. It takes about 2 seconds to complete and is noticeable from about 10 feet away.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So here are the resolutions starting from the top.

1. popping during bumps and turning was the intermediate drive shaft - it was replaced.

2. pulling was a crown issue.

3.creaking sound was a combinatin of the transmission mount and the sop crossmember

4. The engine turning off noise is normal and I had him start a new truck and the sound was there. Plus, my dad has a few year older model and it's on his too.

5. My advise to anyone getting different than factory rims is to ride them for a bit, see if you have any issues. If you do then put back on the stock ones and take it to the dealer. This way you don't have any hassle whatsoever. Then when you get your truck back, put the big ones back on and test again. Long process, but thats just the way it is.

Now on to my 5th and final issue, the noise mentioned in the previous post coming from the front disk area.

pure_corruption · June 12, 2005

It was in my case. I was getting these all resolved because I want to drop it, now that they're all gone I ordered part of my drop kit last night. When I was thinking of which one to get I was thinking about how these problems may be issues in the future instead so I thought of a kit that will completely remove stock parts. I got the hotchkis rear leafs and sway bar set. Mcgaughy spindles and new shocks. I'll get it installed next month sometime.