GMC Sierra: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

1492 messages,  Last post on Oct 12, 2006 at 6:32 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra Forum.

What is this discussion about? GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Sierra 2500, GMC Sierra 3500, Truck

#329 of 1492 Forgive me, this is long. by 0patience

Aug 06, 2001 (9:50 pm)

These are some information on a couple things I read thru the posts and saw that may interst some of you.
 
--------------------------------------------------
Driveline Vibration/Growl Noise (Reprogram PCM) #99-07-30-024
Driveline Vibration/Growl Noise (Reprogram PCM)
2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Utility and Pickup Models (Silverado and Sierra)
 
with 4.8 L or 5.3 L Engine (VINs V, T -- RPOs LR4, LM7)
 
and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E Transmission (RPO M30)
 
Condition
Some customers may comment about a driveline vibration/growl noise at speeds between 56-80 km/h (35-50 mph) with low engine speeds.
 
Cause
Engine torsional vibration when the torque converter clutch is engaged at low engine speeds, 1100-1400 RPM, can excite various driveline components. These driveline disturbances can cause noises and vibrations that the driver may feel and/or hear.
 
Correction
Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the calibrations listed in this bulletin.
-------------------------------------------------
Front Suspension Coil Spring Noise (Install New Coil Spring Insulators) #99-03-08-002A
Front Suspension Coil Spring Noise (Install New Coil Spring Insulator)
1999-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Models (Silverado and Sierra 2WD 1500 Series)
 
Condition
Some owners may comment about front suspension noise. The noise may be described as a "bong" or "clunk" noise. The noise may be more noticeable when driving slowly over bumps or backing the vehicle out of a driveway.
 
Cause
The front coil spring contacting the frame may cause this condition.
A new front coil spring insulator has been developed to correct this condition. Install a new insulator (1) to the top of both front coil springs.
-------------------------------------------------
Steering or Front End Road Induced Vibration (Install and Reinforce Revised Steering and Suspension Components)
1999-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C1500 Pickup Trucks (Silverado and Sierra)
 
Built Prior to the Following VINs
Plant
 Body Series
 VIN
  
Fort Wayne, IN
 C15703
 1GCEC14V7YZ243861
  
C15753
 1GTEC19T8YZ244020
  
C15903
 1GCEC14T4YZ245211
  
Pontiac, MI
 C15903
 1GCEC14V4YE279931
  
C15953
 1GCEC19V1YE277451
  
Oshawa, ON
 C15753
 2GCEC19VXY1264957
  
Important
Canadian dealers require PRIOR District Service Manager approval to apply this bulletin.
Condition
Some customers may comment on a steering wheel or front end vibration.
Cause
Several components in the front end steering and suspension work in unison to isolate the driver from road irregularities and from road/tire induced vibration. If any of these components are not working effectively, it will affect the other components of the suspension and steering system. Tire and road vibrations may be transmitted to the passenger compartment and steering through the rack and pinion unit. Additionally, the mounting points of the steering rack on the front frame crossmember may be amplifying any road vibrations.
Correction
In order to dampen unwanted vibration from the steering wheel, the following revisions must be performed:
 
The tires must be in accordance with Corporate Bulletin Number 99-03-09-002 published August, 1999.
The steering rack must be replaced with a revised rack.
The left front steering rack mounting point must be reinforced.
The lower control arms must be replaced with units incorporating a revised bushing.
The power steering (PS) pump metering valve must be replaced with a revised fitting.

#330 of 1492 Well what do you know, the old by obyone

Aug 06, 2001 (11:41 pm)

replace the rack and pinion TSB. Can you imagine having to change your rack and pinion on a new truck. You would think it's grounds for buyback wouldn't ya. BTW, it's works 50% of the time or less as ths owners who have done it have pursued buyback as it didn't really solve the front end/steering vibration.

The first TSB to reprogram the PCM can be called the solution for the driveline growl. You can find the updated software solution by going to this site and entering your VIN.

http://calid.gm.com/vci/

BTW, the recalibration doesn't work either. All it does is force the truck to downshift faster when depressing the gas pedal. The truck will still lug and cause the driveline growl at 38-42 mph.

How do I know all of this......been there done that. And yes, you do need the GM district reps approval to change out the rack and pinion which BTW, is harder than pulling your own teeth.

#331 of 1492 Vibrations by jsmisek

Aug 07, 2001 (8:09 am)

Hey guys, I finally had my wheels and tires performance balanced on a hunter machine. Two of the four rims and tires balanced out great. One of them balanced out so-so, and one of the rims and tires would not balance out at all. The dealer tried spinning the tire on the rim and other methods, but could not quite get a true balance. The tire store that sold the rims and tires to the dealer put the same defective rim and tire on his machine, and it showed that it was way off. The tire store wants to try a hubcentric adapter on the wheels I have to see if the vibrations go away. If this does not cure the problem, he is willing to let me select a new style of replacement rims. I told him I was tired of "jacking around" with this problem and would like to get different rims because I have a defective rim. Anyway, the adapters are on order and should be here on Thursday. I do not feel this will cure the problem, I still have one rim and tire that will not balance out! I will keep you informed on my progress.

#332 of 1492 vibration by sujer

Aug 07, 2001 (9:00 am)

the vibration starts at 62 mph thru about 75 mph, also tires & rims were balanced on a hunter foced balancer

#333 of 1492 sujer by obyone

Aug 07, 2001 (9:43 am)

i would look at getting rid of those tires. The sidewalls are totally flimsy as compared to other brands, not to mention the lightness in weight of the tire.

#334 of 1492 Ticking/tapping/clattering sound by jdgoat

Aug 07, 2001 (3:37 pm)

After reading through all the posts it appears I have the infamous tapping problem with my 5.3. Any suggestions on what I should do next with my dealer who claims it's normal for the truck? I have 24,000 miles on the truck. Since there is no fix should I request a certain service or ask for a longer warranty? I'm in the dark on the next step to take, if there is a next step. Thanks for any help.
 
Jim

#335 of 1492 jdgoat by nerd

Aug 07, 2001 (4:46 pm)

My '00 Sierra has the same problem. The dealer said the sound is due to piston slap caused by a piston design flaw. He said that GM plans to provide new pistons beginning early next year and that the dealer will install them in the engine. (Ford provided new or remanufactured engines when they had the problem). I don't plan to accept this option since I don't believe a dealer has the tools and expertise to do the job well.

#336 of 1492 As with rumors and hear tells, by obyone

Aug 07, 2001 (6:22 pm)

from what I understand they won't be coming out with new pistons. Nor will they do anything about it, cause "all the trucks do it". So, jdgoat, do you have it documented as to what GM plans to or not to do about your problem? given them any opportunity to correct the problem? Cause, for one, you need to have it identified by the dealer and give them the opportunity to repair it. If the deny any problem exists, then proceed directly to BBB online and file a complaint against GM. You will get a phone call from a guy in Florida whose name I'll omit for now and he will tell you that under no circumstances would GM buy back the truck (it's what he's paid to do).
 
The BBB will contact you and ask if you would settle for anything less than and outright buyback. At that point, you may ask for the extended warranty as a negotiating point. GM will ususally agree at this point cause it really costs them nothing but paper to give it to you.

#337 of 1492 Replacing Pistons by volkej

Aug 08, 2001 (2:55 pm)

obyone - The service advisor at the dealership where I had the problem diagnosed told me the likely fix was to change the pistons. It was written on the service order that the problem existed and that a change was in works - probably 4 to 6 months.
It may be a rumor, but some Chevy dealerships are acknowledging the problem in writing.
 
Jim

#338 of 1492 volkej by obyone

Aug 08, 2001 (3:48 pm)

I wonder how do you go about determining that it is the piston and what piston are they about to change to? Time will tell on this one. What do you feel about your dealer tearing your motor apart and replacing your pistons when simple things cannot be verified. Is this a can of worms, a nightmare waiting to happen?

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