Lurching on right turn

kavemanrj

New member
Aug 23, 2009
24
0
0
Cheyenne, Wyoming
I have a 2001 duramax and im starting to get some pretty bad lurching while turning left. it does on right turn as well but not as bad. Does anybody have any idea what this might mean? could it be tie rods, transfer case, driveline, rear diff? Or maybe a combination of two or more. Just wondering what a common problem is for this symptom. Any help would be awesome.
 

kavemanrj

New member
Aug 23, 2009
24
0
0
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Ya! It feels like 4wd on dry but check this, it does it in 2wd on dry or icy! I mean that the truck lurches. Nothing with the engine, just the truck itself.
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
15,601
1,852
113
Mid Michigan
The differential is a locking type (G80). He means that there may be something wrong with the diff itself. Would make sense. Mine binds in reverse at slow speed just before I come to a stop. Too much drag racing I guess...
 

chevyburnout1

Fixing it till it breaks
Aug 25, 2008
2,368
1
38
Berthoud, CO
I know I'm a freakin rookie but I didn't know that this year of dmax came with a diff lock. What is this and where is it located?

I believe all Dmax's came with the rear automatic diff lock. It's located in the rear differential. When one of the rear tires begins to spin it will automatically 'lock up' or connect both left and right axle shafts together to increase traction. If it never unlocks after that it will cause the tires to skid or crow hop when turning.
 

kavemanrj

New member
Aug 23, 2009
24
0
0
Cheyenne, Wyoming
These are slow turns and I haven't really noticed it in reverse at all. But really bad on slow and sharp turns. Thanks for everyone's input so far by the way!
 

DAVe3283

Heavy & Slow
Sep 3, 2009
3,724
292
83
Boise, ID, USA
Have someone check outside the truck when you are slowly going in a tight circle in a parking lot. If the G80 is stuck locked, one of the rear wheels will be making a racket and leaving black marks on the ground.

My G80 started dying from too much abuse, and did something similar to what you describe. The solution was to apply even more power and kill the G80 completely (but this can have mixed results :spit:)
 

02duramax

Member
Nov 9, 2008
162
0
16
Yreka Ca
i would put new gear fluid in and maybe try a limited slip additive before anything. could just be burned old fluid not lubing properly.
 

chevyburnout1

Fixing it till it breaks
Aug 25, 2008
2,368
1
38
Berthoud, CO
The G80's aren't supposed to take a limited slip additive. I've seen three G80's act up like yours. Two of them had damaged goveners, the other one had a split carrier.
 

POWDR

Lame
Jan 24, 2013
150
0
0
Timberlakes
Mine seems to be doing the same thing. Thanks for the post as I am bringing it to the dealership on Tues. now I have a little info to give them.
 

halffast

New member
Nov 11, 2011
2
0
0
southwest ohio
Mine aslo has been doing the same. On mine its definitely the front wheels mostly the left. I replaced the wheel bearing and axle shaft and still have the problem.
 

POWDR

Lame
Jan 24, 2013
150
0
0
Timberlakes
Mine aslo has been doing the same. On mine its definitely the front wheels mostly the left. I replaced the wheel bearing and axle shaft and still have the problem.

Mine is the left turn also. I was also thinking wheel bearing or maybe U-Joint?

Mine comes with a cluncking and a noticable feeling underfoot. Occasionally, a little loose feeling in the steering wheel?
 

oscyjack

New member
May 7, 2016
775
0
0
Northeast
I'll revive this one.

Having a very similar symtom with a recently built front end. All new except CVs and centerlink. Have had three alignments and even replaced tires/wheels. My truck feels lurchy or "unsteady" especially when entering the freeway at 40-45mph, mostly when turning right.

Did most of these issues end up being in the rear end?