Steering/Suspension Issues - Newbie

[rayenet]

Hi all! I just got my new H3 and absolutely love it, but I've got an issue with the steering or suspension. My H3 came with the off-road package and when I drive on the highway and go over larger bumps and uneven surfaces, the steering wheel jerks abruptly and the vehicle swerves and wobbles. It's worse when it happens while I'm changing lanes or in the middle of a turn. It feels as if I'm going to lose control of the vehicle while going anywhere from 60 to 80 mph. I'm really concerned about how it will handle on twisty snow covered mountain roads, even with the Stabilitrak.

Is anybody else experiencing this and does anyone have an idea why this is happening?

Thanks!

[rayenet]

Hi all! I just got my new H3 and absolutely love it, but I've got an issue with the steering or suspension. My H3 came with the off-road package and when I drive on the highway and go over larger bumps and uneven surfaces, the steering wheel jerks abruptly and the vehicle swerves and wobbles. It's worse when it happens while I'm changing lanes or in the middle of a turn. It feels as if I'm going to lose control of the vehicle while going anywhere from 60 to 80 mph. I'm really concerned about how it will handle on twisty snow covered mountain roads, even with the Stabilitrak.

Is anybody else experiencing this and does anyone have an idea why this is happening?

Thanks!

[FormerJeeper]

This sounds like bad camber/caster to me.
We call this "Death Wobble" on lifted jeeps.
It can be caused by all manner of things but an allignment should fix it.

My H3 was finally over 500 miles today so I took her up to 80mph on the freeway.
I hit as many potholes as I could and it ate it up without any problem, so something is up.

Get the dealer to test drive it and sit with them and tell them how to create the problem.

HTH

-C

[wannabeH3]

i had mine up to 80 leaving the dealer parking lot... gotta break em in hard... maybe that explains the suspension issues im having

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rayenet:
Hi all! I just got my new H3 and absolutely love it, but I've got an issue with the steering or suspension. My H3 came with the off-road package and when I drive on the highway and go over larger bumps and uneven surfaces, the steering wheel jerks abruptly and the vehicle swerves and wobbles. It's worse when it happens while I'm changing lanes or in the middle of a turn. It feels as if I'm going to lose control of the vehicle while going anywhere from 60 to 80 mph. I'm really concerned about how it will handle on twisty snow covered mountain roads, even with the Stabilitrak.

Is anybody else experiencing this and does anyone have an idea why this is happening?

Thanks! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have had the same thing happen , to me it feels like the rear end wants to slide.Happens on highway speeds when going around a bend in the road and hitting uneven surface.

[GrimReaper]

Well it is an offroad truck... :-)

[bparker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GrimReaper:
Well it is an offroad truck... :-) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

/agree

While I like the way mine handles it does shuffle over some bumps but thats due to a stiff suspension with large tires..

[PARAGON]

Time for some upgraded shocks like the Edelbrocks or the Ranchos.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bparker:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GrimReaper:
Well it is an offroad truck... :-) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

/agree

While I like the way mine handles it does shuffle over some bumps but thats due to a stiff suspension with large tires.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Shuffle is the rite word,good to hear its not me.

[Desert Dan]

Check your air pressure in you tires and have the dealer check the alignment

No need for the max tire pressure, sometimes the tires are overinflated for the shipping process.

[angelus]

Whenver I go over manhol covers or bumps on a curve she kindof jumps to the side feeling as though she might flip. Probably just me getting use to driving a Hummer.

[rayenet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by angelus:
Whenver I go over manhol covers or bumps on a curve she kindof jumps to the side feeling as though she might flip. Probably just me getting use to driving a Hummer. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's exactly how it feels! I've been trying to get used to this but it's really bugging me. I know it's an off-road vehicle, but it should also be compliant on the highway. I'm going to have the dealer check this out before I take my 3 month old son for longer road trips.

Thanks for the input guys!

[bparker]

in my opinion this is simply due to the solid axel in the rear. All trucks I have driven with solid axels have acted like this (to me).

[PARAGON]

Simply upgrade the shocks and it will stop.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
Simply upgrade the shocks and it will stop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You really think just by changing shocks this will stop.

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
Simply upgrade the shocks and it will stop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You really think just by changing shocks this will stop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That is the number one item that controls the issue. Stock shocks generally are not going to be top of the line items. I have replaced the shocks on every 4x4 I've owned. I replaced the ones on my H2 with Rancho 9000s a little while back and the little choppy bumps disappeared. The response time for the "better" shocks is so much that it is like night and day and a shock replacement is the one thing that is going to take that chatter turn away.

[Waiting on my Black H3]

Has anyone had this happen with the standard suspension??

[timgco]

I agree with Paragon. But also I think the stock tires are aired up way too much from the factory. We aired our down a little and this helped. Ranchos are next though.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
Simply upgrade the shocks and it will stop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You really think just by changing shocks this will stop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That is the number one item that controls the issue. Stock shocks generally are not going to be top of the line items. I have replaced the shocks on every 4x4 I've owned. I replaced the ones on my H2 with Rancho 9000s a little while back and the little choppy bumps disappeared. The response time for the "better" shocks is so much that it is like night and day and a shock replacement is the one thing that is going to take that chatter turn away. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Money is kinda tight,you think the rancho 5,000 would be ok or is it to small.

[PARAGON]

I like the 5000. But I have put the RSXs on my F250 4x4. I put the 9000 on the H2 because I wanted to "dial in" the ride. But the RSX have the similar technology, just not adjustable. I have the 5000 as a steering dampener on my H2 but other than that, I don't know. You can get the RSXs for less than $50ea, so they are not terrible.

One of you guys needs to take the chance and get the shocks for the rest, that's how we learned with the H2s. I really think you will be "shocked", sorry for the pun, about the difference better designed shocks will have. Just remember to drive over some spot that causes your truck to get unsettled right before you switch 'em out and then go drive right back over after so you can see how big of a difference it makes and tell the masses so they'll know if it's worth it also.

You can get the RSXs for $47.25ea here http://my4by.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=38 (http://my4by.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&amp;products_id=38) or you a few dollars more here http://hotrodoffroad.com/detail.aspx?ID=2154

FWIW I ordered my shocks from the first place and had no problems and they got here within a couple of days. Several other H2 guys ordered theirs from the second place with no problems and the shocks showed up the next day for some, so these should be decent places to order from but also had the cheapest shocks.

[firm]

I notice the same shuffling on my H3. I also noticed that over time the truck will not sit up as high. Will I need to get a lift, or will the shocks allow it to sit high again.

[First Hummer]

OK guys I am stepping up to the plate for all of you in H3 land.I have ordered a set of Rancho RSX shocks for my H3.If this in any way helps ,and someone else follows a donation to my H3 fund would be appreciated I think its only fair.J/K.

[FormerJeeper]

I would have got Old Man Emu myself or Bilsteins, but no matter.

Let us know how they ride.

-C

[FELNTPSY]

SHocks do NOT provide lift. They are designed to control the up/down movement of the axle at high or low speeds. This is why adjustable shocks have benefits for most vehicles that see some offroad and onroad action.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
I like the 5000. But I have put the RSXs on my F250 4x4. I put the 9000 on the H2 because I wanted to "dial in" the ride. But the RSX have the similar technology, just not adjustable. I have the 5000 as a steering dampener on my H2 but other than that, I don't know. You can get the RSXs for less than $50ea, so they are not terrible.

One of you guys needs to take the chance and get the shocks for the rest, that's how we learned with the H2s. I really think you will be "shocked", sorry for the pun, about the difference better designed shocks will have. Just remember to drive over some spot that causes your truck to get unsettled right before you switch 'em out and then go drive right back over after so you can see how big of a difference it makes and tell the masses so they'll know if it's worth it also.

You can get the RSXs for $47.25ea here http://my4by.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=38 (http://my4by.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&amp;products_id=38) or you a few dollars more here http://hotrodoffroad.com/detail.aspx?ID=2154

FWIW I ordered my shocks from the first place and had no problems and they got here within a couple of days. Several other H2 guys ordered theirs from the second place with no problems and the shocks showed up the next day for some, so these should be decent places to order from but also had the cheapest shocks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I guess I should ask, if by changing the shocks will it affect my warranty.

[tonka61]

YA REPLACE YOUR SHOCKS.... ALSO ITS A TRUCK SO GET USE TO IT...... A LITTLE HAS TO DO WITH THE SPARE TIRE ON THE BACK

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
I guess I should ask, if by changing the shocks will it affect my warranty. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>No, shocks are not something that will affect a vehicle's warranty by the mere fact of replacing them. It would be akin to replacing your tires affecting your warranty.

[rayenet]

Bottom line, this is a safety issue. I don't care if it is a truck or not, most of us will be driving our H3s on the road everyday and pounding the trails on weekends. So, balancing on-road safety with off-road capability is crucial.

This issue needs to be addressed and corrected by the manufacturer.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
I guess I should ask, if by changing the shocks will it affect my warranty. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>No, shocks are not something that will affect a vehicle's warranty by the mere fact of replacing them. It would be akin to replacing your tires affecting your warranty. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am going with the Rancho rsx instead.

[tonka61]

YA SO GO BANG ON THE MANUFACTURER

[MxHonda]

QUOTE: "when I drive on the highway and go over larger bumps and uneven surfaces" "while going anywhere from 60 to 80 mph"

What kind/where are the roads are you driving on with those hazards at those speeds? What did you drive before the H3? Get it checked out if you think there is a problem. Hummer service is top notch!

[rayenet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MxHonda:
QUOTE: "when I drive on the highway and go over larger bumps and uneven surfaces" "while going anywhere from 60 to 80 mph"

What kind/where are the roads are you driving on with those hazards at those speeds? What did you drive before the H3? Get it checked out if you think there is a problem. Hummer service is top notch! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Highways 280 and 101 between San Francisco and San Jose. I previously owned a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited. I've got an appointment set for tomorrow with Putnam Hummer.

[f5fstop]

Had the same problem with my Vette, replaced the RunFlats with non-runflats, and the problem went away. Sidewalls on the Goodyear runflats are stiff as a 2x4, and caused the front and rear of the vehicle to bounce when going over expansion strips on a curve.
Same problem with my Jeep when I air up the Yokohamas to 35 psi or greater. Problem goes away with air pressure at 30 or lower.
Shocks could be a problem, but the stiffness of the sidewall, due to manufacturing or due to high air pressure can also cause the same symptoms.
Most vehicles are shipped from the plant with high air pressure; dealer is supposed to check and adjust pressure to the pressure noted on the tire pressure label during the pre-delivery inspection procedure (they are paid to do this by GM).

[MxHonda]

Please let us know how it turns out.

[Hummertech]

Listen to Paragon, he always gives good advice.
One other thing to check is the tire pressure.
They come overinflated big time from the factory, and you'll probably notice a much nicer ride with the tire pressure set correctly.

[rayenet]

I just got the word back from the dealer and they say nothing is wrong with the suspension or the tire pressure.

Well, I guess I'll have to upgrade my shocks to the Ranchos to correct this issue.

First Hummer, let us know how the new shocks work out.

[Desert Dan]

Rayenet

Check your tire presure yourself and let us know what it is.

I would start with the air pressure around 32 PSI for starters and see how it rides.

Figure the H3 weighs 4700 lbs that is approximately 1200 lbs pound on each tire.

You only need the max pressure on your tires when fully loaded and the tire in near it's weight limit.
No need for 40 - 60 psi in your tires.

[PARAGON]

I would think 40lbs would be too much but going down to 32 might sacrifice quite a bit of gas mileage. What does it say on the door that the tires should be set at?

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
I would think 40lbs would be too much but going down to 32 might sacrifice quite a bit of gas mileage. What does it say on the door that the tires should be set at? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It said 35psi. But I'm not sure if that is the same between the 32's and 33's. We took ours down to taht and it helped a little, but that damn LOW PREASURE light keeps coming on.

[PARAGON]

Oh, I forgot about those. Supposed to be in all cars by sometime in the near future.

[wannabeH3]

i would like the 9000's which size do u get tho? the h3 is too new and they dont list it

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wannabeH3:
i would like the 9000's which size do u get tho? the h3 is too new and they dont list it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was just told from the place I ordered from, that they dont have Rancho shocks for H3 yet.I will just have to wait sorry for the tease.

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wannabeH3:
i would like the 9000's which size do u get tho? the h3 is too new and they dont list it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was just told from the place I ordered from, that they dont have Rancho shocks for H3 yet.I will just have to wait sorry for the tease. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

...and they won't for a while. You have to go into a 4wheel parts center or 4X store and have them pop your shocks off to see how they mount and get their extended and compressed lengths. after this, it should be easy. that's what the first H2 guys had to do I believe. Man, it's been so long now, i cannot remember.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by timgco:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wannabeH3:
i would like the 9000's which size do u get tho? the h3 is too new and they dont list it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was just told from the place I ordered from, that they dont have Rancho shocks for H3 yet.I will just have to wait sorry for the tease. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

...and they won't for a while. You have to go into a 4wheel parts center or 4X store and have them pop your shocks off to see how they mount and get their extended and compressed lengths. after this, it should be easy. that's what the first H2 guys had to do I believe. Man, it's been so long now, i cannot remember. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for info.

[PARAGON]

Since the H3 shares so much with the Colorado/Canyon, contact Rancho ( http://www.gorancho.com ) and find out if the shocks cross-apply. I would thing the mounting and everything would be the same. Travel might be the biggest problem.

[rayenet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Desert Dan:
Rayenet

Check your tire presure yourself and let us know what it is.

I would start with the air pressure around 32 PSI for starters and see how it rides.

Figure the H3 weighs 4700 lbs that is approximately 1200 lbs pound on each tire.

You only need the max pressure on your tires when fully loaded and the tire in near it's weight limit.
No need for 40 - 60 psi in your tires. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I checked and they're about 35 PSI all the way around.

[Desert Dan]

I would experiment with lower air pressure say 30-32psi.

You want the tires to take up some of the bumps etc. on the hwy
With the live axle and leaf springs, the rear will bounce and take bumps rougher than the front with independent suspension. And on a turn the rear may bounce sideway a bit over bumps.

Each car is different and the wheel base etc will effect how the car/truck takes the bumps.

Out here in CA on the freeways there are expansion joints, on some of my vehicles the difference form 35 psi to 28psi would make all the difference.


35 psi would be great if you are fully loaded and going on a long high speed trip. This will reduce heat buildup and provide better handling

[rayenet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Desert Dan:
I would experiment with lower air pressure say 30-32psi.

You want the tires to take up some of the bumps etc. on the hwy
With the live axle and leaf springs, the rear will bounce and take bumps rougher than the front with independent suspension. And on a turn the rear may bounce sideway a bit over bumps.

Each car is different and the wheel base etc will effect how the car/truck takes the bumps.

Out here in CA on the freeways there are expansion joints, on some of my vehicles the difference form 35 psi to 28psi would make all the difference.


35 psi would be great if you are fully loaded and going on a long high speed trip. This will reduce heat buildup and provide better handling </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the tips!

[FormerJeeper]

Rayenent,

I drive between SF and SJ on I280 and I101 everyday and don't have any issues.

BTW, Rancho shocks are not the best in the world.
Bilstein or Old Man Emu Remote Resevoirs are the best I've put on a vehicle (and yes I've had RX9000s with and without the air supply several times and they are an 'average' shock at best).

-C

[PARAGON]

Well, I can speak from experience here except for the ARB shocks. I have had Bilsteins and they IMO they will not help with choppy bumps. They do not have the same type valving as the Rancho 9000 or RSX and the Edelbrocks (as well as other expensive shocks) have. The 9000s are adjustable, other than that the Rancho RSX are the next best Rancho shock.

A few H2 owners have put on and taken of the Bilsteins because they are softer than even the stock shocks. To my knowledge the ARBs are designed the same way and do not have the active valving either and that is the key that takes out the chattery bumps.

To suggest that the Rancho shocks are "average at best" is ignorant.

[rayenet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FormerJeeper:
Rayenent,

I drive between SF and SJ on I280 and I101 everyday and don't have any issues.

BTW, Rancho shocks are not the best in the world.
Bilstein or Old Man Emu Remote Resevoirs are the best I've put on a vehicle (and yes I've had RX9000s with and without the air supply several times and they are an 'average' shock at best).

-C </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I experienced those bumps going south on 280 in the middle lane around the Serramonte exit and on the 280 to 101 transition in San Jose.

Another time was in the slow lane going north on 280 exiting the Sneath Lane and San Bruno Ave exits.

I haven't had those jolts lately because I don't travel the same routes everyday, but I'm going to keep better tabs on exactly where they happen and go around and attempt them again.