Posted 2011-02-03 2:33 PM (#5170) Subject: Problem Front End on 2011 GMC 3500 Denali?
Posts: 3
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.
Posted 2011-02-04 11:18 AM (#5171 - in reply to #5170) Subject: RE: Problem Front End on 2011 GMC 3500 Denali?
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.
Posted 2011-02-07 12:22 AM (#5176 - in reply to #5170) Subject: RE: Problem Front End on 2011 GMC 3500 Denali?
Posts: 3
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.
Posted 2011-02-09 3:51 PM (#5178 - in reply to #5176) Subject: RE: Problem Front End on 2011 GMC 3500 Denali?
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.....
Posted 2011-02-09 10:51 PM (#5179 - in reply to #5170) Subject: RE: Problem Front End on 2011 GMC 3500 Denali?
Posts: 3
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.
Posted 2011-02-14 10:52 AM (#5182 - in reply to #5170) Subject: RE: Problem Front End on 2011 GMC 3500 Denali?
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.
Problem Front End on 2011 GMC 3500 Denali?
