2016 2500HD DMAX Steering woes-

QueenGlamis

New member
May 24, 2016
18
0
0
Chandler AZ
I bought a 2016 2500HD Gas truck after having a 2014 1500, loved the 1500 by the way!. The steering was so sloppy on the 2500HD gas truck and wandered so bad that I refused to drive it after week 3. COURTESY CHEVROLET is a terrible dealer for anything post-game FYI. Dealer had the truck 4x in 3 weeks. Their genius fix after 4 times plus 2 other non service visits and hours of conversations in email, phone and texts - too much air in the tires. Wow! It was never right and I just couldn't stand to pay for something I didn't feel safe driving.


Traded it back in - ate some big bucks, and got a 2016 2500HD duramax cc LTZ, my dream truck. ZERO steering issues, wheel was tight and felt as good as my 2014 half ton. Until the 2nd week I had it and the power steering box started leaking terribly- as in puddle on the driveway. Took it to different dealer -Thorobred Chevrolet- as the 1st on was horrible- and they had it for a few days.

Thy put me in a compact car loaner and said they couldn't get the part, GM had zero in Stock nationally, and they guessed it was being manufacturered but no ETA. They sealed the leak and gave me the truck back until the part come back in.
So I leave the dealer, guess what? The steering is sloppy. About 2-3 inches I can move the wheel left or right before it is responsive. It wanders and constantly has to be corrected. I move the wheel from 12 to 3 o'clock- the angle indicated on the DIC shows 1degree.

Everyone says "it's impossible" because it's a mechanical system. Until they drive it and they go "oh my I see what you are saying".

Meanwhile I have a 60,000 truck that I worry about driving to work or towing to go camping this weekend while I wait for a power steering box from GM that has no ETA.


VERY frustrating.
 
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Awenta

Active member
Sep 28, 2014
4,090
2
38
CT
If they can't get one I'd try to make them cover an aftermarket steering box.

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QueenGlamis

New member
May 24, 2016
18
0
0
Chandler AZ
Thanks guys.

Trust me I voiced my concerns, I told him I thought it was unsafe and incorrect but he said we just have to wait.

We were the ones that educated Courtesy Chevrolet sales and service and Thorobred Chevrolet that these 2016 HD have digital assist. Yes they argued with me - dump blonde lady that I am, what do I know? :baby: But then I showed them the websites and suggested they do some product knowledge because it was a big deal...:spit:

Maybe I will take it back today and ask if there's any adjustments that can be done...
 

Ridin'GMC

I like red
May 20, 2010
645
22
18
MA
Try taking it to Henry Brown. When I lived in AZ, they always fixed it right even under warranty.
 

Awenta

Active member
Sep 28, 2014
4,090
2
38
CT
Sounds likes it's time for a different dealership

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Texas Chevy

Active member
Feb 14, 2011
1,103
0
36
Vista, Ca
I always hated taking my truck or wife's suburban to a dealer and they had to keep it and give me a tiny car. Try and fight them giving you something small ended up always getting a suburban for the suburban and truck.
 

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
21,761
5,933
113
Phoenix Az
Thanks guys.

Trust me I voiced my concerns, I told him I thought it was unsafe and incorrect but he said we just have to wait.

We were the ones that educated Courtesy Chevrolet sales and service and Thorobred Chevrolet that these 2016 HD have digital assist. Yes they argued with me - dump blonde lady that I am, what do I know? :baby: But then I showed them the websites and suggested they do some product knowledge because it was a big deal...:spit:

Maybe I will take it back today and ask if there's any adjustments that can be done...

there isnt much they can do there. there is an adjustment on top of the box for the sector shaft to adjust the centering of it in relation to the worm gear inside which can tighten the steering wheel up but there is no guarantees how long that will last or if it will fix it.
 

c20elephant

C20ELEPHANT
Apr 25, 2013
2,065
0
0
Phoenix, Arizona
I've been waiting for these digital assist threads to show up, looks like a sore thumb attached to a dinosaur of a steering gear and a Borgesen gear to boot. Attach 21st century technology to 19th century parts you're gonna have problems...

GM has to start somewhere on the unsuspecting buyer (again) of new/old technology, in about 5 years they'll have it working well and maybe not...

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/10/what-you-need-to-know-about-gms-new-hd-steering-assist.html
 
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QueenGlamis

New member
May 24, 2016
18
0
0
Chandler AZ
The dmax was the best I'd driven as well - right up until it started leaking terribly and the dealer worked on it. The gas 2500 was seriously no bueno. Its amazing though- I sent GM service on a different forum a message with my VIN and posted my issue here and a few other forums- it's a miracle- the part showed up! Yay! Dropping my baby off at 7 am and they said they will have her done by the afternoon. We are leaving to go camping Thursday AM so must have it back or a loaner dmax. Lol.

I will keep you all posted. :coolspot:
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
15,692
1,971
113
Mid Michigan
I've been waiting for these digital assist threads to show up, looks like a sore thumb attached to a dinosaur of a steering gear and a Borgesen gear to boot. Attach 21st century technology to 19th century parts you're gonna have problems...

GM has to start somewhere on the unsuspecting buyer (again) of new/old technology, in about 5 years they'll have it working well and maybe not...

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/10/what-you-need-to-know-about-gms-new-hd-steering-assist.html

Good old GM....making simple parts more and more complicated since 1987. Chripes.
 

chrisuns

Member
Sep 11, 2009
283
0
16
San Antonio, TX
I wish they went into depth on the operation of the steering assist system. There's a few papers talking about the capabilities of those systems, such as: The ability to tie in with the vehicle stability program and assist the driver in recovering in a VSES event; then actually turn the wheels on it's own for things like automatic parallel parking/backing up a trailer (I'll be the first to admit I have little practice backing up trailers - I own a duramax for fun :D)

In fact, almost every electronic steering system (those using electric motors) has these capabilities, I just don't believe most manufactures are using them, yet. The duramax's system is the first recirculating ball to have the ability to turn the wheel on it's own - I just don't think it does so in any circumstance.
 

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THEFERMANATOR

LEGALLY INSANE
Feb 16, 2009
3,890
44
48
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ZEPHYRHILLS, FL
GM had this back in the 90's and ditched it with the gmt-800 trucks because there were so many complaints with it. So they went and made it 10x more complicated, and brought it back? Way to go GM. And to the OP, why didn't you lemon law the 1st one instead of taking a loss. Look into your states lemon laws, but in Florida, they have 3 times to make it righton a vehicle still under the initial warranty. If they fail to fix it in 3 times, then the state lemon law board can intervene, and either trade you out for a new one, or buy it back for full price. The manufacturers arbitration board will do everything they can to avoid this, so you have to work directly with the lemon law board and document EVERYTHING in detail.
 

LBZ

Super Moderator
Staff member
Jul 2, 2007
9,905
151
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B.C.
So is this nonsense steering system for parking assist or what?

FN useless IMO unless you are physically impaired in which case I understand.

Otherwise IMO if you feel you need this then your just a limp wristed puss that has no business owning a full sized truck.
 

WVRigrat05

Wound for sound
Jan 1, 2011
3,081
4
38
36
French Creek, West Virginia
My steering has been worse than an 86' one ton with a shit front end. I just replaced everything.

Turned out the pitman arm was rocking on the steering box. Put a cheater pipe on it and still did it. Put a thick washer above the factory lock washer and it's as good as new.
 

DAVe3283

Heavy & Slow
Sep 3, 2009
3,733
305
83
Boise, ID, USA
So is this nonsense steering system for parking assist or what?

FN useless IMO unless you are physically impaired in which case I understand.

Otherwise IMO if you feel you need this then your just a limp wristed puss that has no business owning a full sized truck.
Throw bigger tires on, and the stock steering needs all the help it can get. I had to maneuver my truck into a shop around a corner once when it wouldn't start, and by man-handling the steering wheel I destroyed the steering box and f'd up the bearing in the column.

So I'm not so sure it just makes you a limp writsted puss if you want more assist. I got tired of breaking things, that's why I modified my steering.
 

LBZ

Super Moderator
Staff member
Jul 2, 2007
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I do have bigger tires. Never had an issue.
That said this isn't a bigger tire option from GM. This is standard equipment for stock tire sized vehicles. Unnecessary IMO.
 

IOWA LLY

Yes, its really me
Feb 23, 2007
2,275
4
0
Work smarter not harder...... Lol.

I'm all for easier steering. Not sure I like the look of all that crap they stuck on there but I would love to have nice light steering. Especially when maneuvering a parking lot or backing a trailer. If I wanted a dump truck to feel like a man I would just buy a dump truck. Or a Ford. I like my creature comforts.....

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JoshH

Daggum farm truck
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 14, 2007
13,736
806
113
Texas!!!
I think the system is cool. If manufacturers didn't try new things and make improvements, we would still be driving horses and buggies. We sure wouldn't have a common rail diesel with aluminum heads. I remember when the Duramax came out and everyone said it would be a piece of junk.