Denali drives like crap

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Big Mama

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2015
Posts
3,035
Reaction score
1,759
Location
Virginia
I’d do the same thing Wes did and I plan to when the time comes. I have 130k on the clock with original stuff and you’re at 180 I don’t know what would last longer than that. I’m a believer in using what the truck is used to.
 
OP
OP
P

pupsvette76

TYF Newbie
Joined
Apr 8, 2019
Posts
10
Reaction score
0
If the rears are the only ones that are driven by the air pump then what is the plug at the top of the front struts? And if they’re just regular struts then why are they so damn expensive to replace?
 
OP
OP
P

pupsvette76

TYF Newbie
Joined
Apr 8, 2019
Posts
10
Reaction score
0
Ironically I’ve watched that video before. The front struts do not dampen the ride at all the car has been very bouncy lately. I’m thinking of doing th conversion to regular shocks and struts for cost effectiveness. Can anyone suggests a good conversion kit? Preferably one that comes with resistors to keep the light off in the dash. Also when you do the conversion does the whole car have to be done or can I just convert the front and keep the air shocks on the rear?
 

Charles Land

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Posts
23
Reaction score
12
hey guys first time posting on this forum but look forward to hearing from you guys. I have. 2008 GMC Yukon denali, love this thing to death. It’s getting older so it’s got its little aches and pains, but lately I have noticed that the car drives like a boat it’s all over the place. This thing used to handle like it was on railed especially for a truck. I also noticed that I don’t hear the air pump in the back coming on. Is this a common issue. Not sure where to start.

There is a command from a diagnostic tool that should briefly energize the air pump - a good test. Mine failed. Ordered a new pump - amazon or Rock Auto - I forget - about $140. Installed it myself. Now I hear the pump - a lot - must have an air leak. Ride didn't improve any.
 

91RS

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2009
Posts
2,447
Reaction score
1,801
Location
GA
The Autoride has real time dampening for all four shocks and the rear has the additional airbags for auto leveling. Due to the way these shocks work, they don’t “age” like normal shocks where they slowly stop working over time but they can still blow out or lock up and cause the issue you describe. If you replace them with regular ole passive shocks you will also have to solder in resistors to the wiring at each shock or you’ll get a “service suspension” message on the DIC. Check Rock Auto, eBay, and/or the wholesale parts web sites and you can find them cheaper than list price. I would keep the Autoride because that’s what makes these ride so good.
 

Linderov

TYF Newbie
Joined
Mar 29, 2019
Posts
18
Reaction score
17
Yes the pumps fail over time. They handle the leveling. You should hear it if you add some weight to the back. I just stand on the rear step. If you really like the feature replace the pump and shocks. Out front the shaking could be lots of things. Follow Galante advice and get under it with a pry bar.
I had this. Check power steering feedback sensor, or steering gearbox. These problems delay the feedback and therefore you get shake and shimmy, can be severe, will happen at high speed not so much at low speed. It's dangerous. Fix it, a good repair shop can fix it.
hey guys first time posting on this forum but look forward to hearing from you guys. I have. 2008 GMC Yukon denali, love this thing to death. It’s getting older so it’s got its little aches and pains, but lately I have noticed that the car drives like a boat it’s all over the place. This thing used to handle like it was on railed especially for a truck. I also noticed that I don’t hear the air pump in the back coming on. Is this a common issue. Not sure where to start.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
128,791
Posts
1,805,520
Members
91,774
Latest member
jkavros
Top