This is a weird one. Hoping someone here has experienced this. 2009 Avalanche, about 120K miles, basically stock aside from an 18" wheel and tire package and a 1" leveling kit in the front.

Wife was driving the other day and she told me how the truck was feeling. Drives to drop kids off at school, short drive, not really enough time to heat soak anything...no issues. Drives to doctor from the school, now we are getting some heat in the rotors, and she is describing a slight vibration that steadily got more intense over this leg of the drive. Now I am thinking a sticking caliper that is dragging on one of the rotors overheating it causing it to warp. But here is what threw me. She said as she turned into the parking lot, the vibration went away. Completely. WTF?!?!? I was thinking warped rotor from a dragging caliper (all 4 rotors are new, AC Delco parts), but that vibration wouldn't just disappear, would it? I am starting to think this is lower ball joint related.

Edit...sometimes the vibration can feel pretty intense, hence the "violent" in the title. Sometimes its a smooth lead in to the vibration, like it gets worse over time. Other times it just appears. But can go away quickly. Driving me crazy!

 

It could also be a tie rod going bad. Check The Hubs too.

 

I had the dealer check it about a month ago for a "CLUNK" and they pointed out the drivers side Ball joint needed replaced. After they quoted me $1100 to replace them, I made that repair in the driveway. Clunk gone, and hasn't returned. But I didn't do the passenger side becuase it didn't have the play. I should check that stuff now. How do you check to see if the hub is good?

 

With the vehicle in the air, wigle up and down on the tire. Tf there is a clunk the bearing is bad. If its solid they are good. Do not go side to side as you will not get an accurate reading.

 

isnt' the up down motion a ball joint diagnosis? maybe im not thinking the right up down?

red or green path?

 

Yes and no. Your looking for both. 12 and 6 is the best way. you can get a false positive at 3 and 9 as there will likely be a small amount of play in the steering.

 

gotcha. Thanks man. I'll see what I can see.

 

well...ball joint is shot. definitely play in that...1/8th inch up down...guessing thats a big part if not the whole issue.

 

so is the half shaft for that matter...super!

 

At least you know what it is now.