Consequences of adjusting caster?

[BNH4221]

Hey All,



The background: 2004. 5 QC SB Auto with the 70 MPH vibration.



Visit #1 to dealer, they adjusted caster to change driveline angle. Vibration still there.

Visit #2 to dealer, adjusted caster all the way (forward?). Vibration still there with no improvement. Dealer stated they cannot adjust any further because it is all the way forward.



Now, I know it is not a caster issue or (most likely) even a driveline angle issue. It is a shaft issue. But you can't tell the dealer this



So, the DC zone rep is supposed to call me tomorrow to discuss my unhappiness. Can you say Lemon Law??? And I am going to have the dealer change the caster back to factory settings.



Question time: What effect does this changing the caster have on the truck. My thoughts are increased wear on the steering components among other things. The steering is a little squirrelly if you ask me.

Anything else I should be worried about?



From your vibrationally challenged friend,



Steve

 

[SS]

As mentioned caster (too much or too little) has an effect on front driveline angle which can lead to vibrations and reduced u-joint life. Too little caster can mean poor on-center feel or poor return to center of the steering wheel. It can also contribute to shimmy (sometimes referred to as death wobble). Too much may mean heavy steering feel. Steering component wear is also a concern as you said if it is off from the factory settings.



Seems that completely removing the front shaft should be able to tell you if the vibration is related to the front shaft at all. Make sure the paint marks are lined up (or at least mark both ends when you remove it). That way you can reinstall it in a different orientation to take that out of the equation.



If you haven't already, do a search on this issue and see what others have found to fix it. Good luck.

 

[Yo Hoot]

After installing a 2" leveling kit and 35" tires I took it on myself to adjust away until it drove straight and eliminated the death wobble. Been great ever since. Never been on the rack.

 

[BNH4221]

completely removing the front shaft should be able to tell you if the vibration is related to the front shaft

DTW -



I forgot to mention that this was the first thing the dealer tech did. No vibration with the shaft removed.

Their latest position is that "all the trucks do it and it is normal"



Should hear from the zone rep today.



Am going to have dealer re-adjust caster to factory specs next week when it goes in for the weatherstrip TSB.



Thanks for all assistance



Steve

 

[Gypsyman]

If your happy with the truck other than the vibe take the driveline to a reputable shop and have it checked for "true" and balance.



Richard

 

[BNH4221]

Richard,



I love the truck other than the vibe (and the crappy stereo and the lousy seats).



I just think that DC needs to have their cage rattled by as many owners as possible. If I take care of the problem myself DC is off the hook.



I admit, it would be easier. But I just spent around $40k for this thing, never mind all the junk I added onto it on my own. I'll be darned if DC walks away from a known vehicle defect by saying "They all do it". I'll lemon law the thing before I spend a dime to fix it.



Hey DC, you listenin? I'm not going away. FIX MY TRUCK!



Steve