Smoothest Ride

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NickyD

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Just picked up a pristine 2012 Tahoe LTZ had to order from across the country so no test drive. Been driving it for a month now and it’s still under dealer certified warrantee so any repairs needed I want to make ASAP. I’ve noticed the ride is rough, can feel every little bump and twig on the road and when on the highway everyone’s heads are bobbing around like crazy on uneven roads. I’m assuming I need new struts but I could be wrong. What I thought was a digital beep I heard every time I go over a speed bump turns out to actually be a rusty squeak. If I have truck in park and stand on my running boards and jump up and down it sounds like a 1930’s spring bed squeezing at my front left wheel well. I’m between seeing if dealership will look in to it and replace the struts or whatever the problem is…. Or spending the extra bucks, going to aftermarket shop, putting a leveling kit on it and some upgraded shocks all the way around. What setup has given you guys the smoothest ride possible? My pregnant wife can’t even ride on it right now.
 

TollKeeper

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Dealer Certified Warranty? Good luck on getting it fixed at another dealer..

That being said, it sounds like it might have the Z55/Z95 suspension, and might be in need of replacement. Its a very expensive system, and you would want to try to get the warranty to fix it!

My Z55 suspension on my Esky is in need of replacement, they quoted me nearly 3000 to do it. I am going to tackle it myself (eventually), and it will cost about 800.
 

Geotrash

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Chances are you have the Z55 autoride suspension system. If so, those shocks will get stiff when they wear out. I have the same system in both of my Denali's and they're magical. The ride is butter smooth when they're in good shape. Are you getting any service suspension warnings on the dash?

Check the sticker in the glove box for the Z55 RPO code. Then check the front shocks to see if there is any evidence of leaking. They're easy to replace in the driveway, and Rock Auto has OEM replacements for the cheapest price around.
 

petethepug

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Post up the portion of your CPO on suspension and who the CPO is administered through. We’ll get you through the initial hurdle.
 

TollKeeper

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Being its a 2012, I can almost guarantee its not a CPO. Just a dealer certified.

My Envoy came with one of those, and it was only good at the dealer it was purchased thru. I bought an aftermarket warranty because of that.
 
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NickyD

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Chances are you have the Z55 autoride suspension system. If so, those shocks will get stiff when they wear out. I have the same system in both of my Denali's and they're magical. The ride is butter smooth when they're in good shape. Are you getting any service suspension warnings on the dash?

Check the sticker in the glove box for the Z55 RPO code. Then check the front shocks to see if there is any evidence of leaking. They're easy to replace in the driveway, and Rock Auto has OEM replacements for the cheapest price around.
I have Z55 code…. I don’t feel as much on the rear tires so what front struts would you guys recommend? Should I replace coils too? I’ve always had tricked out wranglers with Fox coil overs but I was doing more off-roading and just want a smooth luxury ride on the Tahoe.

Not sure if the dealer certified warrantee would cover this as it may just be considered normal wear and tear. But if anyone has had luck with getting it covered would love to know the loopholes, I bought from AutoNation in TX and considering bringing it to the Orlando Chevy AutoNation to have them take a look. Just not sure if that’s even worth the time and hassle if there’s something better I can upgrade it to and have a buddy at local shop toss them on.
 
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NickyD

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Chances are you have the Z55 autoride suspension system. If so, those shocks will get stiff when they wear out. I have the same system in both of my Denali's and they're magical. The ride is butter smooth when they're in good shape. Are you getting any service suspension warnings on the dash?

Check the sticker in the glove box for the Z55 RPO code. Then check the front shocks to see if there is any evidence of leaking. They're easy to replace in the driveway, and Rock Auto has OEM replacements for the cheapest price around.
I do have the Z55, not getting any readings on the dash. Is OEM the best replacement option? How can I tell if there's leaking?
 

TollKeeper

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I have Z55 code…. I don’t feel as much on the rear tires so what front struts would you guys recommend? Should I replace coils too? I’ve always had tricked out wranglers with Fox coil overs but I was doing more off-roading and just want a smooth luxury ride on the Tahoe.

Not sure if the dealer certified warrantee would cover this as it may just be considered normal wear and tear. But if anyone has had luck with getting it covered would love to know the loopholes, I bought from AutoNation in TX and considering bringing it to the Orlando Chevy AutoNation to have them take a look. Just not sure if that’s even worth the time and hassle if there’s something better I can upgrade it to and have a buddy at local shop toss them on.
For the front, if you are AWD/4x4, you dont have coils. You have Torsion Springs. So I would leave them as is!

EDIT: Correction, you have a NNBS. You could do the springs if wanted.

Autonation is Autonation. If its dealer certified, that means in there network. Its worth a try.

You never mentioned if you have a "service suspension" message on your DIC.

Rockauto is not exactly the cheapest. You can get the setup for a bit cheaper on Amazon. But there has been a rash of "chinese" knockoffs as of late on Amazon.

For my Z55 suspension..
Front shocks
Rear shocks
Air Compressor
Rock Auto - $1292 with discount
Amazon - $1191 no discount
 
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TollKeeper

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Was typing when you responded.. No messages on the DIC? It may just be old and worn out then. Valving may be stuck, or something to that effect.

If you want to keep the Z55 suspension, then you only want ACDelco, or Arnott rebuilds.

You can remove the Z55, and put simulators in, quite a bit cheaper.
@Joseph Garcia can tell you more about that.
 

Geotrash

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For the front, if you are AWD/4x4, you dont have coils. You have Torsion Springs. So I would leave them as is!
Not true. The NNBS trucks have front coils.

But unless the OP is replacing the whole front suspension, including ball joints, control arms, the works, I don't think I'd bother. Mine ore originals on my '07 with 215K on them and they're solid.
 
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