Ask anyone and I’m pretty sure they’ve heard of the “Shakin Chevy” No I’m not referring to the spirit-shooter drink but rather your Chevy truck that starts shaking under light to moderate acceleration. This usually happens on the highway at speeds between 50-70 mpg. So what is the cause of the infamous Chevy Shake?
Certain Chev Colorado trucks are reported to shake at speeds between 50-70 mph. In most cases, the vibration has been resolved by flushing your transmission fluid as directed to dealerships by TSB# 18-NA-355.
This is known as the dreaded “Chevy Shudder” that affects Chev Colorado models 2017 and upward. Many report the vibration to feel similar to driving over highway rumble strips.
Let’s find out more about this Chev phenomenon and what solutions are in place.
Chevy Colorado vibration at high speed – EXPLAINED
Let’s now go into more detail about the vibration conundrum and what Chev owners can do to have it resolved.
SOLUTION #1 Transmission Fluid
It turns out there is actually a Technical Service Bulletin out for the vibration issue. For those of you who do not know, a TSB is a document that details the recommended procedures for repairing vehicles. The document is issued by the vehicle manufacturer when there are multiple occurrences of an unsuspected problem. This means General Motors (Chev) have recognized there to be a defective component and will rectify the issue at no cost to the client at your next service.
According to TSB (Technical Service Bulletin), the service calls for the transmission to be flushed three times. The job is usually covered under the drivetrain warranty.
The 8-speed transmissions are known to be susceptible to vibration or shudder.
TSB# 18-NA-355, directs the dealership to test with a Pico-Scope for proper diagnostic frequency and if found to flush and replace the Transmission Fluid with the newest Synth LV ATF HP (Blue Label) Fluid.
What is a Pico-Scope I hear you ask?
Well, it’s a PC Oscilloscope used to measure and test virtually all of the electronic components and circuitry found in most modern vehicles.
SOLUTION #1 Worn Tie-Rod
Another common cause for your truck to emit a vibration is a worn-out tie-rod. One way to tell is to lock your wheel to one side and inspect the rubber boots underneath. If they are torn or perished with traces of oil seeping out, then you most likely have a worn-out tie-rod end.
Another way to inspect is to jack up the vehicle and shake the wheel. If there is excessive play and movement in the wheel you have a bad tie-rod.
Also inspect your tires for uneven wear. If your tires have uneven wear on the inside and outside edges that is usually another tell-tale sign. Check the tie-rod by lifting the vehicle and shaking it and listening for knocks and metallic noises.
Make sure you get the wheels aligned again to get the maximum life out of the new tires.
Also don’t forget to rotate the tires with every oil change or every 6 months.
SOLUTION #3 Other Causes of Vibrations/Shudder
Below is a list of other potential causes of shudders and vibrations.
- Loose wheel nuts
- Wheels Not balanced
- Unbalanced or damaged Drive-shafts
- Damaged tire (Sidewall Lumps)
- Bad U-joints
WATCH – CHEV COLORADO SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (CAUSES & SOLUTIONS)
Chev Colorado User Experiences
Let’s have look at a few real-world experiences from Chev owners.
Chev Colorado User Experiences #1
I have a 2019 Colorado, 8 speed, V6,with under 2000 miles. Yesterday was my first chance to take a long trip and noticed that any time I would accelerate (50mph to 70mph) I would get a vibration .It felt like road rumble at first and I thought it was the road. After awhile I realized it was only when I would increase speed. As soon as I took my foot off the gas it stopped. I will be at the dealers first thing tomorrow. This is my first Chevy in years and I can say I am not pleased. I hope it’s not a transmission problem.
https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/highway-vibration-on-2019-colorado.410647/
Anyone else have this problem?
Chev Colorado User Experiences #2
I have a 2019 ZR2 and had the same tranny shutter as like most owners. This did happen very early in ownership, just under 5,000 miles. It felt like a little shaking right under my seat, it would come and go every 10 seconds or so I believe. Thought it could even be a loose lug nut or maybe the roads. Came to the conclusion it couldn’t be any of those two ideas because checked the lug nuts and they were fine. The roads here in Florida is like driving on glass so I just went to some smooth roads and it was still shuttering. Brought it to the dealership, they explained to me that the transmission fluid that is in there is “no good”. They took the truck for a full day to let the transmission cool down, drained it, and added in the proper fluid into it and it was fine after that. I have had no problems since than and that was about 10 months ago. Hope this helps some out there with the same problem.
https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/transmission-vibration.414746/
Chev Colorado User Experiences #3
I have a 2016 GMC Canyon slt with 72,000 miles on it. It used to shake/vibrate at 60 mph when I noticed a fist-sized dent in the driveshaft. Replaced it and it’s been vibrating at 75-80 and up now. Just got new Michelin defender tires, with balance and alignment and the vibration is still there. My chair vibrates from the bottom going up and looking in the rearview camera it looks like the bed is shaking as I go faster. It’s def coming from the rear or middle like the driveshaft. Any thoughts on what it is or what I should do? I read some of the other forums about road force balancing, but these are new tires that just got genetically balanced. Please help, it’s been like this going on for 3 years now.
https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/shake-vibration-at-75-80-and-up-mph.421818/
FYI it’s rebuilt title, but was totaled from dents and scratches all around and a right rear tire blew with curb rash on rim but balanced fine
Resources
https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/highway-vibration-on-2019-colorado.410647/
https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/transmission-vibration.414746/
https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/shake-vibration-at-75-80-and-up-mph.421818/
Conclusion
If you are experiencing the Tranny issue don’t hesitate and take it to the dealer immediately. Most dealerships are aware of the TSB and should change the fluid with no questions asked. Don’t delay the repair as prolonged driving like this could result in further damage to other drivetrain components and even damage to the torque converter.