ss leaning to the side

[JamesBlazinSS]

Got 7000 miles my SS is was sitting lower on the right side. Dearer said there is a retaining nut that holds the air on the air bag. They did whatever and now its lower on the left side. Anyone have this problem.:(

[snakeavellie]

I didnt ever have a problem with my SS(RIP)...But just take it back to the dealer and they should fix it!!!!!:D

[ghoster]

This is actually a very common complaint. Lots of people have had problems with it. You can search for the past threads, but I am pretty sure nobody has ever had a real fix. Trying to get it level by adjusting the rear suspension doesn't really fix the lean in the front suspension. Anyway, its not really hurting anything.:cool:


Try this thread to start with.
http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthread.php?t=14148&highlight=lean

[Envoy Fan]

As ghoster mentioned, you can individually adjust the rear air suspension levelers. It is trial and error, and a small adjustment is sometimes all that is needed. Dealerships don't like to fool with the adjustment too much because of the time involved, as the job pays the tech too little.

The front of the TB SS, now that is different and sometimes not fixable.

[ltz03]

make adjustments to the levelers on the airbag system. this will take a few to do, make very small adjustments at a time. what is sitting lower the whole side or just the rear, just the front do some measurements and let us know we will help you!!!!!

[Liquiddi]

It's a very tough adjustment because you can adjust it go drive it around for a couple days and it will be off the other way. You just have to keep messing with it. Took me over a week to get mine right on. It's been good for months now.

[slonomo]

I noticed that on the back of mine as well, seems that the air pump always comes on at start. If it maintained a level ride height between shut-off and start, then the air pump would probably operate very little.

By the way, where is the adjustment and how do you do it?

[occomsrazor]

Got 7000 miles my SS is was sitting lower on the right side. Dearer said there is a retaining nut that holds the air on the air bag. They did whatever and now its lower on the left side. Anyone have this problem.:(

I noticed it on the drivers side. Then I realized it was because I was a FAT BA$TARD...:D

[ZO6_Bryan]

I fixed the leaning to the pass. side problem just this past weekend. Very easy. I just used a floor jack to lift the rear so the bags would deflate then drop it back down to let them pump back up. Did this after each adjustment untill both sides came up to 33 inches and the fronts are both even now also at 32.5 inches. Took about 20 minutes.

I fixed the leaning to the pass. side problem just this past weekend. Very easy. I just used a floor jack to lift the rear so the bags would deflate then drop it back down to let them pump back up. Did this after each adjustment untill both sides came up to 33 inches and the fronts are both even now also at 32.5 inches. Took about 20 minutes.


Also about the front. It was lower on the pass. side also. But raising the right rear pushes the left front down.

[Fishhunter911]

I noticed that on the back of mine as well, seems that the air pump always comes on at start. If it maintained a level ride height between shut-off and start, then the air pump would probably operate very little.

By the way, where is the adjustment and how do you do it?


After time the bags will lose some air... it settles down while sitting. They all run like that at start up.

[vetruck]

Mine does it too whether it's been sitting for 10 hours or I just got out of it. I guess i'll try to fix it some day :D

[TheEricHarris]

Hey guys,

Just picked up our used 2006 SS with 13,500 miles. It also is leaning, with the passenger side over a 1" lower.

I've done quite a bit of searching and there are a lot of different answers. Some say the springs have to be replaced, some say the air bag system is defected and has to be replaced, and some say you just have to adjust it with the two screws. What's the official word?

I'm going to play with it today and see if I can get any results.

Love the truck, but she has some typical GM quality issues that hopefully the dealer can address:

1. Leaning issue
2. Lots of wind noise
3. Headliner around sunroof is loose
4. Rubber gromet around license plate in back needs to be replaced

[dbosz]

I know I'm late on this issue; but I've only had my SS for 1 month. Mine is in the shop at this very moment with the same lean problem. Was an inch lower on the right side, the dealership adjusted it and now it's lower on the left. I'd adjust it myself; but quite frankly the don't have the time. ...and the damn car is brand new; it's the dealerhip and or GM that should remedy the problem

Here's what I found out. According to the dealership and Chevrolet Customer Care a sag of 1 inch in the rear is acceptable and they do not consider it a problem. Therefore will not replace any parts and/or continue to adjust the suspension. I found this after filing a complaint with Cheverolet Customer Care. That answer was not acceptable and I have now escalated my case to the District Area Service Manager. The matter is pending and I'll post updates to let all know how i make out.

Should you care to register your own complaint... and I strongly recommend everyone do so.... the name of the customer service specialist that has my case is Jason McFadden, phone # 866-790-5700 ext. 21861. My case # is 71-502845458. The more people that complain the better.

[Jebfrank]

There has been two TSBs on this problem. The first one didn't have a solution, the second TSB which came out on the 14th of last month states that if a customer came in with this problem, the dealer is to replace both rear height sensors! I tool mine in because there was greater than an inch diffrence side to side. They replaced both rear height sensors and adjusted the new ones. Not my truck sits perfect side to side and front to rear. There is less than a 1/4 of an inch diffrence side to side.

[jaylind]

This past saturday I seen one leaning on the way off base...

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/jaylind/1111.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/jaylind/2222.jpg
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/jaylind/3333.jpg

JAy

[dbosz]

only 2 bulletins?? ..then the service manager at my dealership must've been BS'ing me a little as he said there were several. In any case the 1" threshold is my problem; because it's at exactly 1" off. ...which is still unexceptable to me. there's no reason it shouldn't be level...this thing ain't a greyhound bus...

[Envoy Fan]

only 2 bulletins?? ..then the service manager at my dealership must've been BS'ing me a little as he said there were several. In any case the 1" threshold is my problem; because it's at exactly 1" off. ...which is still unexceptable to me. there's no reason it shouldn't be level...this thing ain't a greyhound bus...

As easy as it is to adjust the individual sensors I can't understand why the dealers don't fix the problem and get the customer happy. :duh:

But, the only TrailBlazers that have the air suspension are the TB SSs, and most dealers have had limited experience with their special needs. If DIY is not an option, take it to a large GMC dealership that has sold a lot of the Envoys. I'm thinking they will know how to fix your problem, but you may have to pay out of pocket for the repair. :ugh:

[dbosz]

Thanks for the advice. I just may take it to a larger dealer as there is one fairly close to where i live. You are right though; in speaking with the service manager and shop foreman it didn't sound like this was a problem they'd had before. Although they did say they adjusted it numerous times; got the car level only for it to sag hours later. To me that means put new shocks and sensors on and try it again. We'll see what comes out of the meeting I have tomorrow with the Area District Manager

[Envoy Fan]

Thanks for the advice. I just may take it to a larger dealer as there is one fairly close to where i live. You are right though; in speaking with the service manager and shop foreman it didn't sound like this was a problem they'd had before. Although they did say they adjusted it numerous times; got the car level only for it to sag hours later. To me that means put new shocks and sensors on and try it again. We'll see what comes out of the meeting I have tomorrow with the Area District Manager

Well, if the truck is level and then sags hours later, maybe there is a leak in one of the air bags. :undecided

[06BBBSS]

Mine sits low on the Passenger side FRONT. I took measurements measuring from the bottom of the rim lip, through the center of the rim to the bottom of the fender well lip. (this eliminates variances in tread depth and tire pressure) and I did it in a relatively level garage after having just shut the truck off
and got

LF: 29 1/8 RF: 28 3/4

LR: 29 3/4 RR: 29 1/2

Truck looks funny from the front but ok in the rear.

[Liquiddi]

It is fixable. Mine has been even for months now. This is the only way I have found to fix it. Loosen both sides of the air bag system through the rims. Move them both so that all the air comes out of each side of the air bags. Then do the best you can of putting both sides back to where you think they are exactly the same. After doing this 4 or five times you will finally get both sides the same. It doesn't work if you just do one side or the other. You may get it straight for a day or two but it will lean again. They way I did it mine doesn't lean anymore. Also, to let the air out of the bags it is best to have the car running. After it is all the way down turn the car off and then adjust the sensors to where you think they are perfect and lock them down and test. Good Luck. Took me weeks to get mine right.

[dbosz]

The saga for my TB continues......
-3 visits and 4 days at the dealer for this problem
- told "it's within normal operating parameters to lean up to 1 inch" and they will not replace the sensors or bags
- escalate to Chevy customer care then to the Area district manager (who is still on vacation)
- get fed up and pick up my TB up on Thurs. night (after the shop was closed). Immediately measured the back height and find 37" on one side and 36.25" on the other.. WHAT THE HE!! DID THEY DO :confused:
- drive home fuming mad :hissy:
- use the advice of couple members and started adjusting myself.... "Z06 Bryan" with his floor jack method and another member who had pictures of the ride sensors (on a different string) and adjustment screws (sorry, I can't remember your screen name; But the pictures were a tremedous help!!!!) (Thank you both!!! :thumbsup:
- 1.5 hours later and I had the rear end at 33 1/2 on one side and 33 3/8 on the other... close enough
- came out Frid morning; made one more adjustment and it's been level for the past 2 days
- However I'm still going to press GM to replace both sensors.... as one sensor is completely bottomed out so if I'll never be able to lower that side should it need it.

Just wanted to thank everyone on this web site for all the great help and advice. From now on I'll check here before I take anything to the dealer to fix

[junehhan]

Okay, it appears that my 06 TBSS has now started leaning into the passenger side of the car. I'm not sure if this just happened, or whether I just noticed it. I probably wouldn't have even noticed it leaning if I had not been parked next to a black TBSS at Costco last week, and noticed that my passenger side was slightly lower. The passenger side is 1 cm to 1.5 cm's lower than the driver side which is less than an inch. I'm reading that dealers really arn't doing anything unless its sagging more than an inch to one side. Should I just leave it alone, or should I let the dealership give it a try? If I left it as it is right now, would there be any harm being done? I'm skeptical of going to a dealership for something like this because its not only hit and miss sometimes, but things could end up being worse.

[junehhan]

Well, just got back from the dealership and they told me that GM's tech line that they call for advice told them that its within operating specifications, so they wern't able to do anything. I'll just forget about it and just drive since this is far minor when compared to what i'm seeing on some of your TBSS's. They did reset my ECM and it has greatly enhanced how the transmission was shifting. Shifts seem to be a lot more crisp now, with the slip bang shift no longer occuring on the 1-2 upshift during very light throttle conditions. They also gave me a free carwash and have done a quick wax of the exterior. I'm impressed that they also cleaned the rims as they had so much break dust that they looked like they were powdercoated black.

[Envoy Fan]

Well, just got back from the dealership and they told me that GM's tech line that they call for advice told them that its within operating specifications, so they wern't able to do anything.


:hissy: :hissy: :hissy: GM needs to tighten up their operating specs. Not adjusting the rear air suspension to get it level is just plain lazy on GM's part. Especially when there is adjustment on each sensor.

You don't see a lean on the Toyota or Honda vehicles. I don't think they have the air suspension, but it is a quality problem for GM.

What ever happened to customer specs? Person buys a 30K vehicle expects it to be level.

[dbosz]

:hissy: :hissy: :hissy: GM needs to tighten up their operating specs. Not adjusting the rear air suspension to get it level is just plain lazy on GM's part. Especially when there is adjustment on each sensor.

You don't see a lean on the Toyota or Honda vehicles. I don't think they have the air suspension, but it is a quality problem for GM.

What ever happened to customer specs? Person buys a 30K vehicle expects it to be level.


That's what I told them!!! ...Some bean counter sits down and says "well it's going to take us and average of 6 hours of labor to fix this problem; because it's such a tedious trial and error process. The problem doesn't really hurt anything..... so let's say...hmmm.. a 1 inch lean is acceptable; therefore we won't fix it". It's their own damn rule!!! what a bunch of BS.

...and my TB is leaning once again. :sadcry: :mad:

[SSinTn]

Mine sits low on the Passenger side FRONT. I took measurements measuring from the bottom of the rim lip, through the center of the rim to the bottom of the fender well lip. (this eliminates variances in tread depth and tire pressure) and I did it in a relatively level garage after having just shut the truck off
and got

LF: 29 1/8 RF: 28 3/4

LR: 29 3/4 RR: 29 1/2

Truck looks funny from the front but ok in the rear.

The LR being higher will actually make the RF lower. The front is probably just more noticeable to you. Adjust the LR sensor to lower it a little and the front should be OK. TIP: Before you start, scribe a line along side the sensor to use as a reference and that way you'll know where the original setting is. Hope this helps.:)

[cscss]

I drive a truck for a living and they are air ride. These trucks have an adjustable rod to raise and lower the suspension and a while back I started to make one for our SS, but at the time I didn't think that it was much of a problem and was going to be more expenssive than I though and that no one would pay that much for the fix. About $20 parts and its really hard to get the leveling rod apart to add the threaded stud in, but I'm going to go ahead and do this. It will take me some time. I'll have to get the parts and then I'll let everyone know how it turns out. This will be a lot better way to get our SS's level in that we will be able to just turn the bolt a little at a time until we get the job done!

God Bless!

Scott

[Envoy Fan]

I drive a truck for a living and they are air ride. These trucks have an adjustable rod to raise and lower the suspension and a while back I started to make one for our SS, but at the time I didn't think that it was much of a problem and was going to be more expenssive than I though and that no one would pay that much for the fix. About $20 parts and its really hard to get the leveling rod apart to add the threaded stud in, but I'm going to go ahead and do this. It will take me some time. I'll have to get the parts and then I'll let everyone know how it turns out. This will be a lot better way to get our SS's level in that we will be able to just turn the bolt a little at a time until we get the job done!

God Bless!

Scott

You might have a pretty good market for this. There are a lot of Envoy and Rainiers that have this air suspension. It is the same as the TB SS. They need your help also :hail:

[steined]

JuneHan. I took mine to Tom Gill Chevy in Florence for the leaning issue and they fixed mine. I don't know what they did but it worked.

[cscss]

You might have a pretty good market for this. There are a lot of Envoy and Rainiers that have this air suspension. It is the same as the TB SS. They need your help also :hail:

Well, I thought of this and when I checked into buying the rods the sellsman in the parts department told me that I would have to buy the sensor to get the rod and that ended that, but when I get this worked out I might find some of the guys that could let loose of thiers long enough to do a few sets, an exchange program. I'll see how it goes. It will work, I just need to figure out what will be the best way and cost efficient too!

God Bless!

Scott

[junehhan]

:hissy: :hissy: :hissy: GM needs to tighten up their operating specs. Not adjusting the rear air suspension to get it level is just plain lazy on GM's part. Especially when there is adjustment on each sensor.

You don't see a lean on the Toyota or Honda vehicles. I don't think they have the air suspension, but it is a quality problem for GM.

What ever happened to customer specs? Person buys a 30K vehicle expects it to be level.

That's partially why i've been and still am a hardcore blu-oval fan. I'm just not going to worry about it since its about half to a cm off at most. If I keep worrying about things like this, i'll just end up driving myself crazy since I love the rest of the suv. My father bought my old 2000 Crown Vic a while ago and the air suspension on that thing is just as level as and even as it was day one. Its little things like these that makes it hard for you to feel sorry for GM everytime news comes out about how the Japanese are creaming GM in the market.

[dbosz]

Well I just got off the phone with the Service Manager from my dealership..... I've been haggling back n forth with the Service Mgr., the District Service Mgr and GM Customer Care for a month now. The service manager told me they have a solution to my problem (he sounded all happy when telling me). Apparently they worked with the Chevy engineers who told them "You can adjust each sensor individually". NO $H!T!!! I said "Ronnnn (mgrs name).... tell me something I didn't already know... you mean to tell me that I waited 2 weeks for your District manager to find something out that took me 15 minutes on the internet".

Apparently their given guidance that the normal fix for the problem is to raise the car, let the rear suspension fully extend, then drop the car and let it level.

This just goes to show that the ole' addage "If you want it done right, do it yourself" holds true.

[Trailblazer1]

there is nothing worse than having a friend in a ford following you and then busting your butt for having a truck that is not level, about 1-1/2" low on the passenger side...did the adjustment myself through the wheels...just put both of them in the lowest setting and now there is only about 3/16" difference between the sides...you can measure it but you can't see it. GM lack of quality control or caring strikes again.