Buffeting / Vibrations/ cabin ear pressure

[Avalanchediver]

Not sure this is the same thing but both my 15 Denali and 07 Burb would drive you crazy if you had both back seat windows down without having the front seat window down. Other than that I have never noticed any issues...

 

[cardude2000]

Not sure this is the same thing but both my 15 Denali and 07 Burb would drive you crazy if you had both back seat windows down without having the front seat window down. Other than that I have never noticed any issues...

It’s not that. It’s too bad there isn’t a sticky on this issue. It would save countless threads/posts lol.

1) vibration at speed (over 75mph) called the ‘chevy shake’. Sometimes resolved by RFB and alignments. Sometimes not.
2) a booming noise between 15-40mph but mostly over road joints etc. almost like you’re inside a subwoofer or drum. Pressure on the ears and some get sick from it.
3) buffeting 15-40mph. Feels/sounds like one of the windows is cracked but it’s not. Sometimes booming and buffering go together. There is a TSB for this but results are mixed.

 

[ajs800]

most vehicles create this issue with only rear windows down. THe buffeting issue with this truck and what people are referring to occurs with windows closed...similar feeling...ear pressure and slight buffeting sound as if only the rear windows are open.

 

[pwtr02ss]

I will only chime in, in response to OP in this thread. After reading about the buffeting on here, I have rented 4 16-18 yukons/tahoes, one being a yukon xl and I never heard a thing in any of them. When buying my 19, nerves were up, and would've sworn I felt the pressure and the swinging feeling in my head when we went for the test drive. I psyched myself up so much while signing the papers, I was sick. Even leaving the dealership, @goodinblack gave me a call and I still could feel something. After my nerves settled and I drove it more, the feeling went away and I haven't experienced it since. One thing I will note, the tires and terrible flat spots when I test drove and probably 20 miles after leaving the dealer.

 

[GTNator]

I will only chime in, in response to OP in this thread. After reading about the buffeting on here, I have rented 4 16-18 yukons/tahoes, one being a yukon xl and I never heard a thing in any of them. When buying my 19, nerves were up, and would've sworn I felt the pressure and the swinging feeling in my head when we went for the test drive. I psyched myself up so much while signing the papers, I was sick. Even leaving the dealership, @goodinblack gave me a call and I still could feel something. After my nerves settled and I drove it more, the feeling went away and I haven't experienced it since. One thing I will note, the tires and terrible flat spots when I test drove and probably 20 miles after leaving the dealer.

Which one did you end up buying?


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[pwtr02ss]

Which one did you end up buying?


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I think your question was for the original poster but I bought a 19 denali

 

[GTNator]

Well congrats to you too!


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[pwtr02ss]

Thanks @GTNator !

 

[Frank Fontana]

So I just bought a new-to-me 2018 Yukon XL and have been experiencing a lot of ear pressure (almost like being on a plane) while driving it. It seems to be related to the suspension noise resonating through the cabin. I’ve read where this has been an issue for a lot of folks but was hoping GM had figured it out by the 2018 model year, but haven’t seen where a fix has been found. Has anybody with same issue found/heard of any fixes?

 

[gat0r]

dealer has a list of things to try... unfortunately these items dont always resolve it.

-get rid of crap GM bridgestone tires (have dealer get you something of quality)
-road force balance your new tires
(rim size doesnt seem to matter)
-update roof reinforcements
-change out front &/or rear driveshaft
-replace entire rear end/differential
-disable AFM w/ either range device or a tune
-change body mounts (this is new update on 17's, *** still doesnt fix issue)


for now it seems most vehicles either have the issue or not. most have. there is no rhyme or reason.
i have a '15 ltz burb 4x4 (w/ 6ok)... no issues so far. <knock on wood>

 

[sealandsky]

A couple of weeks ago I drove a a 2018 leftover 6.2l RST and thought it was a qualified hit. A few days later I drove a Denali to see another take. I thought it was a more mild-mannered and chromed out RST in comparison. I preferred the more understated blacked out look the the Tahoe RST. My main concerns at that point was the expected mileage penalty for the 6.2l v8 on a heavy BOF truck versus a more fuel efficient crossover.

I took the family out today to drive the RST again thinking we had narrowed our new car search. I'm looking for an SUV with some performance that can haul the family and our gear on road trips / vacations. I had a much more keen eye and ear for today's drive and of course the wife would be looking for problems too.

While still in the dealer's lot rolling along at 10mph-15 mph we both experienced buffeting that only got worse as we took the truck up to 45mph-50mph on the road. Absolutely terrible. I cant believe I didn't notice this on my initial test drive (in the exact same truck), nor anything like it in the Yukon Denali. Today it was bad enough to make me feel nauseous. Of course, the sales guy sitting in the 3rd row claimed ignorance at first and then began to blame the air vents in the 3rd row - I wanted to punch him for that last one.

Of course I knew what it was immediately having been reading this forum for the last two weeks and having read the GM TSB; I had hoped this was an issue mostly with the 2015's....but I guess not.

So disappointed.

Just making sure that one of the windows was not open a bit?

 

[mikeb3408]

What is the new part number for the torque converter to help with the sound issues.

Also can anyone tell me more about disabling the AFM/ V4 mode? Is that something easy/recommended to do?

 

[Prospect62]

As you all can see I'm relatively new to these trucks but from what I've seen and read, this issue has been traced to roof bows not being properly sealed to the roof panel at the factory. Every GM SUV in this line from 2015-2020 *may* end up with the issue. Some do, some do not. Luck of the draw as some have said.

The "fix" for GM is to remove the headliner, re-seal the roof bows to the roof panel and cross your fingers. I don't think AFM, torque converters or tires are the cause of this - although vibrations caused by those factors may contribute to exposing it.

 

[gat0r]

As you all can see I'm relatively new to these trucks but from what I've seen and read, this issue has been traced to roof bows not being properly sealed to the roof panel at the factory. Every GM SUV in this line from 2015-2020 *may* end up with the issue. Some do, some do not. Luck of the draw as some have said.

The "fix" for GM is to remove the headliner, re-seal the roof bows to the roof panel and cross your fingers. I don't think AFM, torque converters or tires are the cause of this - although vibrations caused by those factors may contribute to exposing it.

restabilizing the roof bows is not the ultimate fix. plenty here & on other forums have verified that.

it seems to be more of a few things together...that may fix the issue.
however that is also not that case for some. GM does not a true fix for it still, for anyone that does have the issue.

it will be an experiment & a journey w/ GM & the dealer (as GM still tries to remove their head from their sphincter) using the list of items listed in this thread.

 

[Prospect62]

restabilizing the roof bows is not the ultimate fix.

That's why I said it was GM's fix, and not the "ultimate" fix.

It does seem logical - the roof panels on these things are enormous sheets of metal, and not put together like they have been in previous generations of trucks but rather employing a new method for assembly relying on glue essentially. Once they come loose and start harmonically vibrating, it's going to cause these symptoms.

 

[Jeramia]

I get the buffeting when the rear windows are down on my 15 Tahoe I also get it with my 05 Tahoe, And I get a slight vibration when it's in the V4 mode. Other than that, it's a great truck.

 

[JB11]

I'm thinking about buying a 2020 Custom, is this buffeting some I'll notice on this first test drive or does it develop over time?

 

[gat0r]

you'll notice on test drive, if its there.
make sure to try as many road types as possible & speeds btwn 25-75 (or so)

good idea to bring some other folks w/ you. as some have more sensitive ears than others.

 

[JB11]

Thanks, I was planning on buying a 2020 versus waiting for the next generation. I thought the 2020 would have all the issues resolved. I never buy a first year run of any make/model and nowadays with all the technology it may take 2-3 years to work out the bugs.

 

[Prospect62]

Thanks, I was planning on buying a 2020 versus waiting for the next generation. I thought the 2020 would have all the issues resolved. I never buy a first year run of any make/model and nowadays with all the technology it may take 2-3 years to work out the bugs.

The way I understand it, a 2020 model would be no less likely to have the issue than a 2015. The issue is in the particular way the roof is attached to the vehicle, which hasn't changed at all since the first truck on this platform was built. As suggested, you'd probably notice it right off the bat on a test drive - but I'd say it's certainly possible for the issue to "develop" as the truck ages.

I count myself lucky as my 2016 Suburban does not have the issue at all and I'm at 65,000 miles.