Thank you for sharing. I hope it works out eventually and yes, others can benefit too.
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Help with 2009 PPV Harsh Ride
- Thread starter balln2k11
- Start date
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Wanted to share an update On my horrible ride quality and also get the forum’s feedback on the possible solution. Sorry for the long post.
My current and always challenge with my PPV is how everything will rattle when hitting the smallest of bumps, almost losing control and feels like the truck is going to rattle apart. Now if you read my posts, you can see I have done a lot of improvements.
So...I took my PPV to a different Indy who specializes in alignments. They are actually the best alignment shop probably in the west ( A Arrow Alignment, Las Vegas NV).
I had taken many trucks/SUVs to these guys for alignments including my PPV (each time I would replace something). I asked if they knew why my suspension is so bad. After a quick drive around the block, I always get the same “man this rides so much better than all the other PPVs we work on!” And I have heard this from multiple shops. Almost like hearing I shouldn’t have my man card and this is a truck, they ride rough (was told that before at a local dealership).
What made this trip different, I listed everything that has been changed to increase ride comfort, I basically have a civilian Tahoe at this point and can’t do anything more (ok, maybe add air bags?). After about 3 minutes in, I was relived when I heard a loud “FOUND THE ISSUE!” from the amazing tech. I was asked to crawl under the lift and he pointed to my rack & pinion. Now I have had this looked at my times by other shops, but this time was different. To the techs testing and with my own eyes, I learned that my steering rack was so trashed with shot inner tie-rods, broken (almost missing) bushings and some minor leaking of fluid!
So my question to this amazing group of Tahoe owners, what would you do?
1. Take the old steering rack out to be rebuilt locally? $220 rebuild cost + my time of removal and install (plus having my PPV on stands while I wait)
2. Buy an off-brand rebuilt from a Rockauto (A-1 Cardone, Maval)? $250 - $300 after core charge
3. Bite the bullet and get a new or rebuilt AC Delco steering rack? $450 -$800 after core
4. Buy a used one from the wrecking yard thats newer and better shape? $100
4. Just replace the inner tie-rods and bushings myself (it does leak a little fluid)? $100 parts and a lot of beer
Any help would be amazing!
My current and always challenge with my PPV is how everything will rattle when hitting the smallest of bumps, almost losing control and feels like the truck is going to rattle apart. Now if you read my posts, you can see I have done a lot of improvements.
So...I took my PPV to a different Indy who specializes in alignments. They are actually the best alignment shop probably in the west ( A Arrow Alignment, Las Vegas NV).
I had taken many trucks/SUVs to these guys for alignments including my PPV (each time I would replace something). I asked if they knew why my suspension is so bad. After a quick drive around the block, I always get the same “man this rides so much better than all the other PPVs we work on!” And I have heard this from multiple shops. Almost like hearing I shouldn’t have my man card and this is a truck, they ride rough (was told that before at a local dealership).
What made this trip different, I listed everything that has been changed to increase ride comfort, I basically have a civilian Tahoe at this point and can’t do anything more (ok, maybe add air bags?). After about 3 minutes in, I was relived when I heard a loud “FOUND THE ISSUE!” from the amazing tech. I was asked to crawl under the lift and he pointed to my rack & pinion. Now I have had this looked at my times by other shops, but this time was different. To the techs testing and with my own eyes, I learned that my steering rack was so trashed with shot inner tie-rods, broken (almost missing) bushings and some minor leaking of fluid!
So my question to this amazing group of Tahoe owners, what would you do?
1. Take the old steering rack out to be rebuilt locally? $220 rebuild cost + my time of removal and install (plus having my PPV on stands while I wait)
2. Buy an off-brand rebuilt from a Rockauto (A-1 Cardone, Maval)? $250 - $300 after core charge
3. Bite the bullet and get a new or rebuilt AC Delco steering rack? $450 -$800 after core
4. Buy a used one from the wrecking yard thats newer and better shape? $100
4. Just replace the inner tie-rods and bushings myself (it does leak a little fluid)? $100 parts and a lot of beer
Any help would be amazing!
Last edited:
Kee Fuller
Full Access Member
Where is this shop located? I wanna check them out
Hey Kee, they are located near Russell & Decatur. Ask for Mike.
RichardCranium
Full Access Member
I'd personally go with a rebuilt unit from one of the big auto parts retailers, like Advance Auto or O'Reilly. You'll get a better price online with Rock Auto, but working with it down the road for warranty will be a PITA. So worth the extra 10-15% by getting it locally than to deal with the headache down the road, but that is just me.
Thank you for the response. Didn’t know if the brands sold at the national parts stores were any good value and had leaking seals and what not?
kbuskill
***CAUTION*** I do my own stunts!
I'm not trying to be a naysayer, and it certainly sounds like you need a new steering rack, but I don't quite understand how a bad steering rack has anything to do with a harsh ride.
But hopefully this eliminates your issue.
I'd have your original rebuilt if you have the resources to do it. It cuts down on the list of unknowns, in terms of having it redone. Would it be the shop that diagnosed it doing the rebuild? If so, that is an additional vote to have it rebuilt locally. Good luck!
I have a Silverado on which I am JUST starting this journey.
I have a Silverado on which I am JUST starting this journey.
RichardCranium
Full Access Member
They are all rebuild cores, but just make sure you have a good warranty and it should be worry-free. If you rebuild your original rack, its up to whoever does it to warranty it. Look out for you and the simplest way for you to handle an issue, if one comes up.
From what I read it was the ride all around, I think he's solved the harsh ride but it sounds like it still wanders. I guess it'd be the worst case here, but I could see a sloppy rack causing some bump steer.
Thank you everyone for the help and feedback. I’m praying it’s the steering rack from what I noticed when inspecting, along with the symptoms.
It’s been 115 degrees here in Vegas and not motivated at all to go outside and wrench. once it gets to closer to 100 degrees I will take care of the rack. Also getting my PPV repainted
It’s been 115 degrees here in Vegas and not motivated at all to go outside and wrench. once it gets to closer to 100 degrees I will take care of the rack. Also getting my PPV repainted
Kee Fuller
Full Access Member
Where you getting it repainted? I got mine wrapped, but im looking to remove it and get it repainted black
I’m going to Affordable Collision. Shopped around for the past few months. Best offer for the work they will do and what I had seen (base +Clear). They had a Lamborghini and a new Rolls there getting worked on so I figured they did good work. My PPV is in all primer right now. Had so many dings + the savages who did the de-badging used a screwdriver all over and had bare metal scuffs in the paint. Didn’t notice when I bought it at the auction until I brought it home to wash.
Here is a photo right after wash From the Auction, the rest of the PPV was just as bad. Now its all fixed and ready for paint. Anyway, I’m high-jacking my Own post
Kee Fuller
Full Access Member
How much did it run you?
It’s been awhile from updating my thread. Wanted to add a conclusion on what I did to help soften the ride.
I finally got around to replacing and rebuilding my steering rack. WOW! What a difference in handling and it has less rattle up front when hitting any bump. I’m still not there yet as I think the next issue is worn our body mounts causing the harsh ride and now noticing door alignment issues.
I took out my old steering rack and noticed it was leaking, the inner tie rods had no life left, and bushings were cracked. Had it rebuilt locally and installed myself. Not a fun job but something anyone could do.
I finally got around to replacing and rebuilding my steering rack. WOW! What a difference in handling and it has less rattle up front when hitting any bump. I’m still not there yet as I think the next issue is worn our body mounts causing the harsh ride and now noticing door alignment issues.
I took out my old steering rack and noticed it was leaking, the inner tie rods had no life left, and bushings were cracked. Had it rebuilt locally and installed myself. Not a fun job but something anyone could do.
Also on a random note, finally got around to repainting my Tahoe. I did all the body work myself and removed all that could be painted before taking in. Made a better paint job and more affordable.
Even eliminated the holes where the spot lights came through. The magic of fiberglass.
Even eliminated the holes where the spot lights came through. The magic of fiberglass.
