Chevy Silverado Suspension Problems [5 Common Issues]

If you’re wondering whether Chevrolet Silverado has suspension issues, the quick answer is yes.

In this post, we’ll look at the common problems with Chevy Silverado Suspension and how to go about the issues.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s head right into it.

Chevy Silverado Suspension Problems

1. Screeching Rear Suspension

The screeching of your Chevy Silverado’s suspension could result from the friction between the interleaf springs. The most probable cause of this issue is that the rubber spacer pads on the interleaf springs may have worn out.

The rubber spacer pads help to prevent friction between the interleaf springs when they come in contact. So, when the rubber spacer pads are exhausted, friction may likely occur, which causes screeching in the rear suspension.

However, you can stop or prevent the screeching noises of the rear suspension by regularly applying some grease to the interleaf springs. First, check to see if the rubber spacer pads are in order. If they are worn out, replace them immediately.

2. Rattling from the Front End

When driving your Chevy Silverado, you may notice the rattling of its front end. Two things can cause the front end of your truck to rattle; the skid plate or sway bar end links may be loose.

Any other causes of rattling other than the skid plate and sway bar end links will bring about more problems than just the rattling sound.

Make sure to go through those areas mentioned and tighten up anything that appears to have loosened.

Contact your mechanic to help you if you’re not sure how to go about that.

3. Bumpy and Noisy Rides

If your rides in your Chevy Silverado are bumpy and noisy, it could result from a faulty or broken suspension, or a failed shock absorber.

Fixing this issue is relatively easy. First, check and clean your shock absorbers extensively using a rag and clean water. You should also check the condition of your strut to see if it is broken. If so, replace it.

4. Dangling Rear End

Your Chevy Silverado’s suspension has gone bad when the rear end starts dangling.

However, in most cases, when the rear ends of a Chevy Silverado dangles, it could be due to a broken leaf on the affected corner or side. If not, the problem could be traceable to the damaged leaf pack.

You can stop the rear end of your Chevy Silverado from dangling by replacing the single broken leaf spring. However, if you can’t find any broken leaf spring, you may need to change the entire leaf pack.

5. Excessive Body Roll

A couple of things can bring about the body roll of a Chevy Silverado. One of the causes of excessive body roll is the tire with too little pressure.

Tires with too little pressure can cause body roll. However, a tire with too much pressure also causes body roll since there will be a minor contact patch on the ground.

Therefore, ensure your tire pressure is perfect by keeping it in check to enhance tire lifespan and safety.

Worn out shocks can also cause body roll since they no longer dampen appropriately when cornering and have too slow a return.

Shocks generally last for approximately 60,000 to 80,000 miles of street driving, and approximately half of these values are for off-road driving. So, if your shocks are worn out, you may have to replace them as soon as possible.

Lastly, worn out bushings and body mounts can also generate body roll problems. The bushings are primarily responsible for cushioning the body on top of the frame. When they become dry and crack, they will no longer provide the same support required whenever you take sharp corners.

Therefore, check out the bushings to see their overall conditions. If they are dry and cracked, replace them with a new set immediately.

Should You Drive a Chevy Silverado with a Defective Suspension?

The emphatic answer is No! You should never drive a Chevy Silverado with a bad suspension.

However, driving your Chevy Silverado with a defective suspension is possible. But doing so will bring about several adverse effects you may want to avoid.

For instance, driving a Chevy Silverado with a faulty suspension can damage the steering linkage and cause a flat tire and broken wheels. The power steering may also fail, and your braking becomes faulty.

In other words, you will incur severe damages and may have to replace the entire suspension of your Chevrolet Silverado. This will cost you a lot money, so avoid driving your truck with a bad suspension.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Chevy Silverado Suspension?

According to RepairPal, the average cost of replacing a Chevy Silverado suspension ranges from $1,300 to $1,500. Estimated labor costs range from $226 to $285, while components are priced from $809 to $1,055. These price ranges do not include fees and taxes. Other related repairs may also be required.

You should factor in the mileage of your heavy-duty truck, your location, the model year of the Chevy Silverado, as well as the particular mechanic shop you’re using when estimating the overall cost of fixing your bad Chevy Silverado’s suspension.

Which Chevy Silverado Model Year Has the Highest Suspension Problems?

In-depth research has revealed that the Chevy Silverado for the 2018 model year has the highest suspension problems.

How Long Does the Front or Rear Suspension of the Chevy Silverado Last?

The front suspension of your Chevy Silverado will last longer than the rear suspension, and the reason for this is quite simple.

The rear suspension of the heavy-duty truck is designed to bear more weight, i.e., passengers and luggage. However, bearing such weight consistently and over time generally weakens the rear suspension and shortens its lifespan.

Since the front suspension does not bear such weight, it tends to last longer than its rear counterpart.

Has General Motors Recalled Any Silverado Model Years for Suspension Problems?

A few Chevy Silverado models have been recalled over the years due to suspension problems. In 2016, General Motors had no choice but to recall specific 2016-2017 Chevy Silverado heavy-duty trucks to change the upper control arms in the pick-ups.

How Long Do a Chevy Silverado’s Shocks and Struts Last Before Replacement?

Most Chevy Silverado’s shocks and struts are so sturdy that you can replace them after covering from 50,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, the shocks and struts will start wearing and tearing out after such extensive usage.

If you’re an aggressive driver or tend to apply your Chevy Silverado to off-road driving, your shocks and struts will definitely wear out faster.

How Safe Is It to Drive Your Chevy Silverado with Leaky Struts?

Driving a Chevy Silverado with leaky struts is quite unsafe. It may result in a severe road accident that will endanger you, your loved ones, passengers, and other road users.

Bear in mind that nothing is wrong if your heavy-duty truck’s strut springs leak a little. However, you should worry if your Chevy Silverado’s strut looks wet or oily.

How Can a Bad Chevy Silverado’s Suspension Affect Handling and Steering?

Taking the suspension of any vehicle for granted is a huge mistake. The suspension of any vehicle practically supports its entire weight. So if something goes wrong with the suspension, you may lose handling and control of the Chevy Silverado while turning.

The suspension of any vehicle also affects the overall performance of its engine. Remember that the steering is linked to the vehicle’s suspension. The latter and steering rely heavily on one another for appropriate and maximum function.

Therefore, if your Chevy Silverado’s suspension is bad, you will definitely feel it while driving, especially in the steering. One notable way to pinpoint that your heavy-duty truck’s suspension is gone is the squeaking you hear when turning its wheels. Using the steering may also prove to be very difficult.

Tips for Enhancing the Lifespan of Your Chevy Silverado Suspension

The following tips will help prolong the lifespan of your Chevy Silverado’s suspension:

• Always drive carefully around speed bumps and avoid potholes as much as possible.
• Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are correctly aligned. You can get tire alignment done at least twice a year.
• Check your Chevy Silverado’s tire pressure not less than once per month. In fact, make it a monthly habit.
• Do not overload your truck with passengers or luggage
• Check your Chevy Silverado’s power steering oil from time to time. If there is a leak in the power steering system, it will negatively impact your vehicle’s suspension.
• Take your Chevy Silverado for inspection regularly at a reputable auto repair shop.
• Always measure your tire threads every 3,000 miles. If the tire threads are shallow, inflate them.

Follow these tips strictly, and your Chevy Silverado’s suspension will last a long while before requiring a replacement.

Conclusion

The Chevy Silverado remains one of the best heavy-duty trucks that deliver quality service. However, it’s not without problems. The most common suspension problems plaguing the Chevy Silverado have been highlighted above, including the causes and possible solutions.