2003 Chev Tahoe-front end rough when hitting bumps/holes

afishinado- Yea I had steering shaft replaced last year as that rattling noise drove me nuts, so I have ruled the int. steering shaft out as that's quiet as can be now

md2lgyk wrote:
Have you checked to see if there are any recalls on your Tahoe? There was one for my 2005 GMC pickup (and several other model years) because of some steering shaft that was prematurely wearing out.

This is where I'd put my money! My 02 Tahoe had the same symptoms, had mechanics (and myself) check everything in the front end numerous times and found nothing loose. Finally found a lot of posts on the steering shaft in the Chevy forums. Got a new one and put it in (about a 30 minute job) problem solved! BTW, plenty of the shaft joints on ebay for under $100, the dealers get over $200 if memory serves.

Why not find someone you know with another 1/2 ton GM truck WITHOUT the 10 ply tires and switch over long enough to road test it and see if it goes away?
That way you rule out tires without spending a pile of money.
If you were nearby we could do it in my driveway and within 30 minutes know if that was the issue, maybe someone near you will help you out.

thanks for the replies. My Tahoe is the "LS" model, and yes I had int. steering shaft replaced last year as the knocking drove me nuts!
My Tahoe has never had much off road use at all. Lots of highway towing, pulling my boat to Lake Cumberland KY!
I want to think my 10ply tires are the problem, but they costed me $800 last year and don't want to dump money into new tires and that not be the cause of the problem!

I am betting the problem is the 10 ply tires.
Have a good front end shop go over it and see what they reveal.

The 1/2 ton models were designed with ride comfort first, towing second. Mine came equipped with some pretty soft Firestone's that rode great but were completely used up by 35000 miles. I replaced those with Michelin P-rated that lasted a bit longer but the ride was a little harsher with the thicker sidewalls. I can only imagine the difference had I went 10 ply. I never went any heavier as we upgraded to 5th wheel and bought the F250.

You have already ruled out the shock issue, I am betting the rear if it is the LT model was the worst culprit on the rough ride, that was the result with my Suburban, the optional soft ride shocks had lost the first stage and they were harsh, replaced with new Monroe's and it got better.

The intermediate steering shaft recall on mine felt like something loose at the floor level, it did not make the ride harsh but did produce a clunking sound that was annoying and took a couple of grease repacks without success until GM designed a replacement shaft that cured it.

I would think that your tie-rods and ball joints should not be at the replacment stage yet with those miles unless the truck got a lot of hard use on rough roads, but a good front end shop can verify that.

jbres wrote:
...Any tips on where I should start next? From looking at the front end, everything looks in place and tight.
Thanks!

Take the truck to a shop that repairs front suspensions, and have the pros check it out.

Have you checked to see if there are any recalls on your Tahoe? There was one for my 2005 GMC pickup (and several other model years) because of some steering shaft that was prematurely wearing out.

any clue on how much a tie rod and ball joint job will cost?

If you have never replaced the tie-rods and ball joints it is apparently time to do so. Go to an independent front end shop and have them check your Tahoe out sooner rather than later. If these part fail it could be the end of the road for the Tahoe and for you.

Down-flatting tires is never a good idea. That is what Ford did with the tires on its Explorer's with deadly results. Tread wear increases and the tires do not have full contact with the road and with more sidewall flexing the tires run hotter and there will be less control with the car and greater braking distances and your gas mileage will be reduced. Other than that it is all good.