Front End Vibration
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 186
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From: Detroit
Front End Vibration
I read through most of these messages yesterday and I picked up my 03 expy last night. Traded my 2000 in for it. When I first test-drove it I felt the vibration in the steering wheel. Only felt it when cruise it set around 60 mph on the highway and steering straight ahead. If I moved the wheel slightly left or right of center I would feel the vibration. I asked the sales guy to get it checked before I picked it up.
When I drove it last night I tried the same thing. I can only feel it when I do the same as above and really concentrate on looking for it. It is really slight. If I drive with one hand in a relaxed position I don’t notice it, nor do I feel it driving in city traffic.
I’ve run all kinds of tires in my lifetime and always get Michelins for replacement. They seem to give the best ride on any vehicle.
Overall the ride is exceptional compared to the 2000, and I wonder if this kind of feel is only related to a big vehicle with big tires. I don’t think I should expect it to feel like a buick.
Thoughts?
When I drove it last night I tried the same thing. I can only feel it when I do the same as above and really concentrate on looking for it. It is really slight. If I drive with one hand in a relaxed position I don’t notice it, nor do I feel it driving in city traffic.
I’ve run all kinds of tires in my lifetime and always get Michelins for replacement. They seem to give the best ride on any vehicle.
Overall the ride is exceptional compared to the 2000, and I wonder if this kind of feel is only related to a big vehicle with big tires. I don’t think I should expect it to feel like a buick.
Thoughts?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 458
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From: Grande Pradera, TX
Front End Vibration
Wow! This is pretty much what I'm feeling with my 03 EB 4x2. Just like you said -- If I moved the wheel slightly left or right of center I would feel the vibration.
I've made one trip back to the dealer. They rebalanced the wheels. Now it doesn't do it as much, and it happens at 75 mph instead of 65 mph. I'll be going back this Saturday. I'll keep you posted.
I've made one trip back to the dealer. They rebalanced the wheels. Now it doesn't do it as much, and it happens at 75 mph instead of 65 mph. I'll be going back this Saturday. I'll keep you posted.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Detroit
Front End Vibration
I just talked to the service department and they told me the technicial didn't feel it, so they did nothing. They offered to have the tech take a ride with me so I can show him.
My wife has it today for the first time and she says she can feel it also.
Please do keep us posted, and I will do the same.
My wife has it today for the first time and she says she can feel it also.
Please do keep us posted, and I will do the same.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Front End Vibration
I have my 03 in for the 3rd time for this same problem. Each time they tell me the tires were out of balance. I told the service manager I didn't want it back until this and MANY other problems are fixed. They have had my Expy now for 3 full weeks and I still have issues
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Wixom
Front End Vibration
They will never be able to balance those junker Contis they are putting stock on the 03's.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 186
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From: Detroit
Front End Vibration
That's a good point. We all know the continentals have problems. Does anyone here have a tip or trick on how to convince the dealer to replace them with better tires?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 129
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From: Wixom
Front End Vibration
Well my dealership gave new car buyers 1 year of free rental car service so I told him to keep the truck and I'd keep the rental until it was fixed. I don't think he wanted to pay for a full year on a rental car 
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 458
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From: Grande Pradera, TX
Front End Vibration
Update: I took the truck to the dealer's service department. They rebalanced the wheels and did an alignment. As part of chasing a rattling noise, I got their Shop Foreman to ride with me. He saw the steering wheel shaking at 75-80 mph and wrote it up. I'm scheduled to return this weekend. We'll see what they do this time. Hopefully, they will have some new tires waiting for me.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 186
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From: Detroit
Front End Vibration
Thanks for the update. I took mine on a 500mile trip this past weekend and it was shaking all the way when at highway speeds. I'll be hard on the service department when I see them.
keep us posted.
keep us posted.