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2007 Trailblazer Steering Wheel Shake at Random Times

19K views 27 replies 16 participants last post by  3whiterag 
#1 ·
Hey guys. I'm new to the forum, and I'm very glad I found it. Looks like there are some very knowledgeable people here!!! I have looked through a few of the forums, and found a few post that are similar to mine, but here is my issue:

The first time it happened was about a year and a half ago. I was driving long distance and while running down the interstate going about 65-75, a slow, very slow vibration started in the steering wheel. As time continued, the shaking became worse. When I would let go of the wheel, it looked like it was moving back and forth vibrating about an inch. I tried to apply brakes and get off the interstate, but it shook even worse then, causing the vehicle to shake REALLY bad. When I finally came to a stop, i rechecked all my lug nuts to make sure they were tight. I got back into the car, and it didn't happen again for a few months. Then it happened again. I did the same thing, stopped, and continued on. I took it to a shop, and they could not duplicate the problem. About a few weeks later, it did the same thing. I again stopped, took it to another dealer, and again, they could not find anything wrong with it. Then it hasn't happened for about 6 months, and it did it twice on my way back from a beach trip.

It seems to happen when I'm running highway speeds (60-70) and when I have been driving for a while.

Any Ideas?

Thanks
 
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#2 ·
I'd start by suspecting a front tire.

Tires heat up while driving, the air pressure increases, one tire may be going out of round.

Increase the tire pressure and give it a test drive.

If tires appear to be ok, the next area (that I would suspect) is the front brakes.
Perhaps a wheel cylinder not fully releasing, maybe a rotor out of spec.
 
#3 ·
I have the same problem as you, and I say "have" because I've gone through everything you have and still haven't found the problem. 2 different dealers, 2 different tire shops, and a brake & suspension specialist, and no one can find/duplicate the problem either.

We've had our 07 TB for over a year now and it has occurred about 4 times. I don't know what else to do either. Sorry, I guess I'm not helping much, but just thought I'd let you know, you're not alone

Your not crazy, like the dealer thinks you are. Trust me mine does. :rolleyes:
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
The only other thing someone has told me was to go and check the tie rod. I jacked up the front end, and I didn't notice any play in the tires. So I'm not sure.

Thanks RayVoy. I just got new tires 2 months ago and its happened both before and after the new tires. And when its not happening, it doesn't seem like the rotors are bad or anything is going on with the brakes. When its not occurring and I brake, it feels nice and smooth.
 
#5 ·
i think this is a problem with TB's in general because the same thing happened in my SS... traveling highway speeds the steering wheel would vibrate and shake... took it to the dealership and they were able to duplicate what was going on.. but it was an easy fix for mine... rotated/re-mounted/and re-balanced all 4 tires and hasnt shaken since.. that was about a year ago for me... hope you figure it out.. hate for something that minor to detour your mind off of a great SUV...
 
#6 ·
Have you used any kind of fix-a-flat at all? Had that happen recently at work. Customer added "some" for good measure. Well, we found enough in all 4 tires for 2 big bottles.

She would be driving along and hit a bump and it would shake like crazy till she slowed down. That bump would slosh the fix-a-flat stuff around and throw the balance off. It happened to her often enough that she noticed the pattern and brought it in to us for warranty.
 
#8 ·
Boricua - Thanks a lot. I hope I get it fixed some how or another too.

LMMJ - I haven't used any fix-a-flat on these tires. They are new Michelin LTXs, and so far, I love these tires! Thanks for the thought.

Envoy4Life - I haven't thought about the wheel bearing. I guess with it being an 07 model it never crossed my mind. I guess I will take it to the shop and just ask the guy to look at both of them. Thanks!
 
#9 ·
Envoy4Life - I haven't thought about the wheel bearing. I guess with it being an 07 model it never crossed my mind. I guess I will take it to the shop and just ask the guy to look at both of them. Thanks!
No problem :) Anyways, try making some slow turns in a quiet area. Also, is there a humming noise during initial acceleration? And is the car louder than normal? Does it quiet down on left or right turns? All of these can indicate wheel bearing issues.
 
#10 ·
I had similar problem with another vehicle(Grand Marquis), It showed up the same way only on long trips(more than 100 miles). It would start shaking the steering wheel & progressively get worse, when you applied the brakes it was 10 times worse. I found that stopping the vehicle & then stomping on the brake pedal several times would immediately correct it. It would not show any problem for weeks to months after that. I solved it permanently by replacing the Master Cylinder. It was not completely releasing pressure to the front calipers, keeping pads slightly applied, causing the rotors to overheat & warp.
 
#13 ·
steering wheel vibration

I had the same problem with my 07' Envoy at about 55,000 miles.the problem would come and go.Had wheels re-balanced which did not seem to fix problem.Then awhile back when i took truck in to dealership for a oil chance and tire rotation they found a tie rod that was worn when they had it up on the hoist.After they replaced the tie rod i have had not had the vibration problem come back.
 
#15 ·
I have an 06 TB and have had the same problem since the car had 500 miles on it. ( has 76000 on it now)
the dealer could not duplicate the problem as it was very intermittent.
When it was happening, I used my "raytech" to check the temp of the rotors.
The right front rotor was 800 degrees and the LF was about 300.
nothing was sticking as per caliper, sliders etc.
I drove to Fla. from NJ and when hit Maryland, The shaking started after no touching the brakes for hours. Attempting to stop was a wild ride with the shaking getting much worse when applying brakes. Shut car off, restarted and went rest of the way to Fla. without happening again.
Dealer replaced the master then at another visit the booster. Then at another visit they changed the master and booster as an assembly. The pedal was softer after that and the problem didnt occur as often. I took video of the car shaking during the trip and showed to the rep. He phoned me and said "We cannot fix your car" He offered me 3000.00 off an new TB.
Big deal right?
I heard of a re-programing to control the stabilatrack but cant find any info on it. Just my 2 cents.
 
#16 ·
2007 TB Steering Wheel Shake

I have had the exact same problem. My recomendation is to go see your dealer. There is a recently revised GM Technical Service Bulletin (#PIT4540B) on this condition.

If the repair is not successful, the bulletin requests the dealer to document ANY stored code and contact GM Technical Assistance for further direction.

This condition applies ONLY to 2007 - 2008 GMT360s.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I have had the exact same problem. My recomendation is to go see your dealer. There is a recently revised GM Technical Service Bulletin (#PIT4540B) on this condition.

If the repair is not successful, the bulletin requests the dealer to document ANY stored code and contact GM Technical Assistance for further direction.

This condition applies ONLY to 2007 - 2008 GMT360s.
Hello,

Sorry, I quoted the wrong person. Not sure how to delete it!
 
#18 ·
Same Problem-Need Help

I have been having the same problem with the 08 TBLT I just bought. Only 28,000 but it occasionally (Once every few weeks) shakes violently when on the highway. Brand new tires, breaks and rotors and completely in balance. I took it to the dealership and they spent 8 hours inspecting it and said it's fine. After having the shaking again a few weeks later and reading this forum I took it back and suggested the MC and Break Boost. They said they will look at it again but unless they can get it to have the problem while they are driving it they wont replace anything. Is there something visual they can look for in the MC and Break Boost to convince them that they need to be replaced? I nearly lost control on a bridge in Missouri while on vacation last weekend. :eek:
 
#21 ·
I have been having the same problem with the 08 TBLT I just bought. Only 28,000 but it occasionally (Once every few weeks) shakes violently when on the highway. Brand new tires, breaks and rotors and completely in balance. I took it to the dealership and they spent 8 hours inspecting it and said it's fine. After having the shaking again a few weeks later and reading this forum I took it back and suggested the MC and Break Boost. They said they will look at it again but unless they can get it to have the problem while they are driving it they wont replace anything. Is there something visual they can look for in the MC and Break Boost to convince them that they need to be replaced? I nearly lost control on a bridge in Missouri while on vacation last weekend. :eek:
Hello,

I do apologize for the problem you are having. The forum has given you the correct information; there is a bulletin that describes these symptoms. I would take it back to the dealership to have it serviced. If you need help setting an appointment, or if you have trouble getting this fixed, please let me know. I will be happy to contact them and look further into the situation.

Geoff Allen
GM Customer Service
 
#19 ·
Vehicle Shakes Or Vibrates At Highway Speeds

Ask them to reference GM Technical Service Bulletin #PIT4540B. See below.
I have now driven 7,000 miles since the repair was performed. The problem is gone.

If the dealer is still unwilling to help, call Chevrolet Customer Assistance. The phone number is in the back of your owners manual.


Service Information
Document ID: 2367376
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#PIT4540B: Vehicle Shakes Or Vibrates At Highway Speeds - keywords brake drag front grab intermittent pad pads rotor shake spot spots vibrates - (Nov 9, 2009)

Subject: Vehicle Shakes or Vibrates at Highway Speeds

Models: 2007 Buick Rainier

2007-2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer models

2007-2008 GMC Envoy models

2007-2008 Saab 97x models

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This PI was superseded to change Admin Details and Technical Direction. Please discard PIT4540A.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers may comment of an intermittent vibration felt in the vehicle at highway speeds. This vibration may be intermittent and typically will start gradually, increase while driving , then may fade away as the vehicle maintains highway speeds. This vibration may be more severe one time versus the next time. Inspection of the front rotors may reveal blue or black spots, better known as "hot spots".

Recommendation/Instructions:
Replace both the brake booster and master cylinder to correct this concern. If this vehicle has had both the master cylinder and brake booster replaced for this concern once before, please document ANY code stored then contact Technical Assistance with this information for further direction.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© 2010 General Motors. All rights reserved.
 
#22 ·
I have an 03 TB EXT and have kind of the same problem, but mine doesn't do it at high way speeds, as a matter of fact it does not do it when I'm on the road, it does it while i'm parking, when i turn my wheels all the way to the right(reverse or drive), i have not noticed it turning to the left and again it doesn't do it all the time, only once in a while!!:worried:
 
#23 ·
Steering Shake



I would guess that your problem is related to low fluid level in power steering pump, air in power steering system, or a bad power steering pump. Perhaps someone else here could advise on the service procedures or you could google the symptom. I don't have a shop manual for your TB.
 
#25 ·
Steering



Standing still in park slowly turn the steering wheel all the way to the left until it hits the stops and then turn all the way to the right. Repeat this cycle three times. Turn off the engine and check the fluid level adding if necessary. That should bleed any air out.
 
#28 ·
03 Envoy

I recently sold my 03 Envoy with 135,000Km. on it to a friend and they had this issue while heading up north on their holidays. Very High heat on Calipers, wheels and tires. They took it to a garage and were told the callipers were seized and they replaced the callipers and pads and they were on the way again. An hour later the same thing happened and the shaking started. This issue has persisted but is intermittent. I covered the cost of the new clappers and pads and any future repairs to correct the shaking but I do not want to pay for endless diagnosis. Is it possible to have the same issue that 07 to 09 TB have on an 03 Envoy. Never had this issue when I owned the vehicle until a few months ago.
 
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