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| Just bought a new GMC 3500 Denali. In the first 75 miles it snapped an arm off in the front end where the torsion bar connects. Happened at speed bump in a rural subdivision ( yes, was going slow). It literally dropped the metal in the road and canted the truck over at an angle. Were talking a huge piece of cast iron snapped in 2 places, roughly 2"x 2" breaks. Truck is back at the dealer for repairs. Have heard from the dealer this happened to another one and it rebroke in under 100 miles. Anyone else had or heard of this problem? It's early in the game for this newly redesigned front end ( 2011) and trying to figure out whether we are looking at a future problem. Ironically, the front suspension was redone in 2011 to beef them up.
Edited by seahorsekeeper 2011-02-03 3:03 PM
 (2011 GMC part.jpg)
 (2011 GMC part 2.jpg)
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 2011 GMC part.jpg (93KB - 0 downloads)
2011 GMC part 2.jpg (91KB - 1 downloads)
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Posts: 176
| That is the torsion bar keyway. A MAJOR PART! I think I would be finding another truck if this happened within 75 miles over a speed bump!
Have not seen any issues on the 11's untill now, but looks like the same problems that the early D-max trucks models had. TOO much weight not enough under carriage to carry it. |
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| Thanks hogtownboss for the reply. Were having a metalurgist (? sp) analyze the part to see if it can be determined whether the failure was due to poor casting. Interesting to hear overloading was a problem early on with the D Max trucks. Though not the earliest, we also own a 2006 2500 HD Duramax. Been a very tough truck. Everyone I know that pulls big horse trailers and other heavy loads love these trucks for the way they tow. A bit of dilemna in decision for us, whether the problem lies with this particular truck or a whole bunch of them. Hence, the post. I will get back with the results of the metal analyses. |
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Posts: 176
| Would love to know when you find out. I do not know many around here that use GM trucks for heavy towing, just because they squat in the rear when loaded. Sister in law has a 2001 or 02 she bought new and now has 45-k miles, truck drives like a dream empty or pulling a small trailer but any LQ she tried to pull set the truck down and just felt like you was driving on ice. Sure can't beat the fuel mileage. Hers is getting close to 20 empty, my Dodge gets close to 17 empty if I drive like I'm an ol'fart..... |
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| The metal analysis report revealed basically this... ( bear with me I am NOT versed in metalurgy, engineering etc.) The key discovery is the failure was NOT due to poor casting. To me this is a bad thing to discover. The failure of the part resulted from improper loading of the proportional weight bearing surface. So too much force in limited areas . Another way of looking at it... for all the show of metal in the keyhole (single cast piece), most of it, is not being utilized to support the actual force of the load. Some of the lingo from the test results made sense to me from the old college days. On my own, after hearing these results have to say the words, "Improper loading".
Now the dilemna of what to do . I am wondering how many 2011 3500's at this point are virtually being put to use.?? Hate to be caught in a bubble.
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Location: Colorado | One place to do some checking would be a dealer that specializes or focuses on selling trucks for commercial use. Then talk to some of the techs- see if they have had to deal with this much. |
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Location: Vermont | Did the metallurgist report discuss the heat treatment of the metal?
My guess is there was a batch of arms that were NOT properly hardened...
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Location: Danaburgh | It sounds like you had a frustrating experience with your new GMC 3500 Denali, especially considering the type of damage and the low mileage on the vehicle. While I can't provide real-time updates or specific individual cases after my last training cut-off, I can share some general insights.
Issues like this can sometimes occur in new vehicle designs, especially when major components, like the front suspension, have been redesigned. Early production models can occasionally face quality control issues or manufacturing defects. If the dealer mentioned that they have seen similar problems with another vehicle, it could be indicative of a potential flaw in that specific part or design.
Here are a few steps you can take:
1. **Documentation**: Ensure all repairs and incidents are well documented. Keep records of all communications with the dealer and any repairs performed.
2. **Manufacturer's Warranty**: If your truck is still under warranty, make sure you're taking full advantage of it. Document any issues to support any claims for continued problems.
3. **Research Forums**: Check online forums or communities dedicated to GMC trucks. Owners often share their experiences, and you might find others who have encountered similar issues.
4. **Follow-up with the Dealer**: Stay in touch with your dealer about the repairs and express your concerns about the potential for recurring issues. Ask if they can provide updates on any similar cases they encounter.
5. **Contact GMC Customer Service**: If you feel particularly concerned or if the issue persists, consider reaching out to GMC customer service for additional support or information regarding known issues.
Your experience is valuable feedback for the manufacturer, and they may be more inclined to address concerns if multiple customers report similar issues. Good luck, and I hope your truck gets repaired swiftly and that you have a trouble-free experience moving forward! |
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