Noisy steering column

Shawn H · October 20, 2020

8 hours ago, bh069me1 said:

Update.

Just received a call from my dealership, and guess what...could not duplicate...imagine that.

Is there anyone on here that can direct to some kind of gm tech help or support ?

This is just totally ridiculous.

take it back to the dealer and request a senior technician to check it out not just the next technician in the queue. Its all what technician gets the ticket is to whether they find anything wrong or not. Some techs are lazy and dont care because the warranty work may not pay but half a hour labor and its a pain to change out. or they may be unexperienced etc.. When I worked as a tech as GMC dealer it was literally like drawing straws at to which vehicle I would be working on next. But if you explain that you brought it in before and they didnt find anything that you want a senior tech to check your vehicle out usually they will get their top guy on the job.

bh069me1 · October 20, 2020

1 hour ago, Shawn H said:

take it back to the dealer and request a senior technician to check it out not just the next technician in the queue. Its all what technician gets the ticket is to whether they find anything wrong or not. Some techs are lazy and dont care because the warranty work may not pay but half a hour labor and its a pain to change out. or they may be unexperienced etc.. When I worked as a tech as GMC dealer it was literally like drawing straws at to which vehicle I would be working on next. But if you explain that you brought it in before and they didnt find anything that you want a senior tech to check your vehicle out usually they will get their top guy on the job.

I did this exact thing this afternoon, after the ride he acknowledged the steering clunk but said that there were no codes saved or otherwise that they could find. I proceeded then to show him the 7 saved codes that my scanner found ( I too was employed by gm many moons ago as a mechanic) he then downplayed that saying people using scanners only cause issues that shouldn't be there in the first place in the vehicle. After that I showed him the gm bulletin that details the steps to take on clearing those codes and the cause telling the shop foreman to keep them in case they need them in the future.

Landon Tannehill · October 22, 2020

So this is what I'm hearing and feeling on most every turn, throughout the entire turn of the steering wheel. It's a very pronounced rattle, shake, and vibration through the steering wheel. This is on a regular rock road going around my property. It makes the same noises on paved streets as well. Like I stated, it's already been in twice for this issue. Turn up the volume.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/movj3eXaeBKbSm6j7

MTU Alum · October 22, 2020

9 hours ago, Landon Tannehill said:

So this is what I'm hearing and feeling on most every turn, throughout the entire turn of the steering wheel. It's a very pronounced rattle, shake, and vibration through the steering wheel. This is on a regular rock road going around my property. It makes the same noises on paved streets as well. Like I stated, it's already been in twice for this issue. Turn up the volume.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/movj3eXaeBKbSm6j7

That is hydraulic hammer.

Landon Tannehill · October 23, 2020

16 hours ago, MTU Alum said:

That is hydraulic hammer.

Can you elaborate? Whatever it is it's very pronounced and the dealer is saying it's unfixable. What I also would like to know, is this happening to all the HDs?

jamco44 · October 25, 2020

My truck steering is similar. No clunk but loose feeling at freeway speeds. Every tiny bump makes the steering vibrate and move. At 65 there is so much play and movement in the steering. Feels like an old 70s pickup. Cant believe a modern 2020 2500 Denali handles so badly. Only have 3100 miles and hesitant to pull any RV so delaying that purchase. Been to the dealer 4 times for vibration, pulling to right and brakes. They road forced the tires and did something to help alignment and changed the brakes that all helped but the steering is so vintage. They keep telling me this is normal. Should I just unload this thing and buy a Ford 2020 Super Duty or does anyone have a way to save this truck and help me believe GM knows what they are doing. Thx for any advice

kylant · October 25, 2020

11 hours ago, jamco44 said:

My truck steering is similar. No clunk but loose feeling at freeway speeds. Every tiny bump makes the steering vibrate and move. At 65 there is so much play and movement in the steering. Feels like an old 70s pickup. Cant believe a modern 2020 2500 Denali handles so badly. Only have 3100 miles and hesitant to pull any RV so delaying that purchase. Been to the dealer 4 times for vibration, pulling to right and brakes. They road forced the tires and did something to help alignment and changed the brakes that all helped but the steering is so vintage. They keep telling me this is normal. Should I just unload this thing and buy a Ford 2020 Super Duty or does anyone have a way to save this truck and help me believe GM knows what they are doing. Thx for any advice

have them recalibrate the steering sensor.

that may help.

what is the vibration?

the alignment needs to be redone.

possibly a tire issue.

my truck is smooth, does not pull, vibrate, or wander. This is even after a leveling kit

maynard9089 · October 25, 2020

My upper intermediate shaft was replaced Friday and the "clunk" is gone. There was a lot of unwanted "road feel" that is gone as well. Unfortunately though I have since developed an electrical issue that I believe may be tied to the remote start. Today the vehicle was dead and had to be flat bedded to another dealer. Up until the repair on the steering shaft the remote start worked fine and as designed. Afterwards, every time I used it the infotainment screen would be black and I had to turn off and restart the truck to correct it. Not sure how the steering fix would affect this unless he pinched some wires.

Since taking delivery in April they have replaced a computer tied to the cameras and sensors, both front and rear brakes due to squeal (and they are starting to squeal again but now GM says its normal), did an alignment because it pulled right from day 1, replaced the rear seal on the transfer case for a leak, and then Friday was the shaft. God only knows what they will find now but I have already spoken to my salesman and the dealerships manager to let them know that they will be replacing this truck. If I didn't work for GM I would be taking a long hard look at the Fords. As a GM employee I do have some access to leadership I did send an email to one of the VP's this morning to make him aware of my frustration and my concern for non-employee customers who may have similar experiences.

kylant · October 25, 2020

6 minutes ago, maynard9089 said:

My upper intermediate shaft was replaced Friday and the "clunk" is gone. There was a lot of unwanted "road feel" that is gone as well. Unfortunately though I have since developed an electrical issue that I believe may be tied to the remote start. Today the vehicle was dead and had to be flat bedded to another dealer. Up until the repair on the steering shaft the remote start worked fine and as designed. Afterwards, every time I used it the infotainment screen would be black and I had to turn off and restart the truck to correct it. Not sure how the steering fix would affect this unless he pinched some wires.

Since taking delivery in April they have replaced a computer tied to the cameras and sensors, both front and rear brakes due to squeal (and they are starting to squeal again but now GM says its normal), did an alignment because it pulled right from day 1, replaced the rear seal on the transfer case for a leak, and then Friday was the shaft. God only knows what they will find now but I have already spoken to my salesman and the dealerships manager to let them know that they will be replacing this truck. If I didn't work for GM I would be taking a long hard look at the Fords. As a GM employee I do have some access to leadership I did send an email to one of the VP's this morning to make him aware of my frustration and my concern for non-employee customers who may have similar experiences.

i know there is an update for the black infotainment screen.

there also seems to be a bad batch of batteries in these trucks prompting some the issues you describe

hopefully that is all you need.

maynard9089 · October 26, 2020

As kylant suspected, the battery was bad. This was the last straw for me with this truck and the dealer tagged a 2021 model for me that is scheduled to be built next week. Its identical to what I have except instead of onyx black it is ebony twilight metallic.

Schmidty · October 28, 2020

On 10/22/2020 at 8:19 AM, Landon Tannehill said:

So this is what I'm hearing and feeling on most every turn, throughout the entire turn of the steering wheel. It's a very pronounced rattle, shake, and vibration through the steering wheel. This is on a regular rock road going around my property. It makes the same noises on paved streets as well. Like I stated, it's already been in twice for this issue. Turn up the volume.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/movj3eXaeBKbSm6j7

I have the same noise... it's hard to tell if it's "vibration" from the uneven ground but when I go over uneven ground like a dirt road, i get that same vibration too.

rialbh · October 28, 2020

UPDATE:

So I had my truck back in to the dealership, as he had reached out to the GM engineering team and he opened a case number. They asked him to use the "chassis ears" on the truck to pin point the issue. That is what they did and it is definitely an issue within the steering column. They already completely replaced the steering column, but it is a manufacturing issue, so no matter how many times they replace it, the issue will remain. He said that he passed the information on to the GM engineering team and they are working on a solution. There isn't much else that the dealerships can do for us right now, but apparently, there are so many people screaming about this issue, that they are making it a priority. I am hoping that this will not take too long, but no one can tell for sure. I will repost, if I hear anything on my end.

While this issue still isn't fixed, I am at least optimistic that we are heading in the right direction!

Landon T · November 2, 2020

On 10/28/2020 at 5:14 PM, rialbh said:

UPDATE:

So I had my truck back in to the dealership, as he had reached out to the GM engineering team and he opened a case number. They asked him to use the "chassis ears" on the truck to pin point the issue. That is what they did and it is definitely an issue within the steering column. They already completely replaced the steering column, but it is a manufacturing issue, so no matter how many times they replace it, the issue will remain. He said that he passed the information on to the GM engineering team and they are working on a solution. There isn't much else that the dealerships can do for us right now, but apparently, there are so many people screaming about this issue, that they are making it a priority. I am hoping that this will not take too long, but no one can tell for sure. I will repost, if I hear anything on my end.

While this issue still isn't fixed, I am at least optimistic that we are heading in the right direction!

Same thing my service manager stated, that there is no "fix for this, and that if its that big of a problem, GM will work on it". Well I can tell you, its a big problem for me, makes the truck unbelievably annoying to drive. Disappointed is an understatement. How could they not encounter this glaring problem, through years of supposed testing in all conditions??

What I would like to ask you guys also, is that if you are in drive and press the brake firmly, do you get a vibration type feeling back through the pedal?? The other day, I pressed fairly hard on the brakes while stopped at a light and tried to rotate my steering wheel. It was as if the pump was off, very difficult to complete the "stand still" turn....and was getting the same vibrating pedal. This is every time I press firmly on the brakes. Is this normal for this truck as well??

MTU Alum · November 2, 2020

12 hours ago, Landon T said:

What I would like to ask you guys also, is that if you are in drive and press the brake firmly, do you get a vibration type feeling back through the pedal?? The other day, I pressed fairly hard on the brakes while stopped at a light and tried to rotate my steering wheel. It was as if the pump was off, very difficult to complete the "stand still" turn....and was getting the same vibrating pedal. This is every time I press firmly on the brakes. Is this normal for this truck as well??

These trucks have hydroboost brake assist where the power steering pump supplies power assist to steering and brakes. If you are stopped with engine running at low rpms, you can run out of assist if you press the brake hard and turn wheel at same time. This is one of the tradeoffs of a hydroboost system that you just have to get use to. As the engine increases with speed, the pump supplies more assist. You will only see this issue when stopped.

#iworkforGM

bh069me1 · November 2, 2020

For most of us here the issue will be the upper intermediate steering shaft (gm part number 84488135) along with the bearing that is in the firewall..the latter of which I cant find a definite replacement number but I have emailed Dorman to see if they make one yet.

Gm knows that this is the problem as it has been in the past but they will not do anything other than the "could not duplicate" until there is a tsb for the 2020 model years in my opinion