Vegas1500

Guys, I am in the market for a ZR1 and have been looking at a few. I realize there is a "sticky" on this issue but can someone give me the Coles notes versions of what to look for? Sorry, I don't want to read 28 pages of posts. Does it feel like a tire balance issue and is there a fix for it?

Thx and please no bashing.

ufaj26

My 2012 had this issue. Yes, it does feel like a tire out of balance on the front end. Usually happens anywhere from 65 MPH and up. You will definitely feel it in the steering wheel.The fix is having GM replace the rotors. You can sometimes drive thru it after 75 or 80 MPH but not always. If you happen to be looking at a very low mileage ZR1 that has spent most of its life sitting there is the possibility of a "flat spot" issue rather than the actual rotor vibration. If you have difficulty with GM you can have a top end tire store rebalance the tire/wheel assembly on the car. They can sometimes get all of the vibration out completely. That's the band aid though not the cure.

Vegas1500

Thanks very much for the reply. I knew someone would enlighten me...

blackvetterzo6

Just purchased a 2010 with 640 miles. It sat for 2 years, on the ride home, the vibration was ridiculous. After being Road force balanced, it turned out the front left tire was shot.
Have never had this happen before with any of my cars, it was not the rotors.

Victory07

Well you got lucky, good sir. Others have not been as fortunate as you.

mirage2991

sometime I really think that those RF michelin are just a PITA to balance properly or even defective from the factory…my R888 balanced fine and no sign of vibration, unlikes my PS2 that always seem to have it here and there at random...

kuyarog

My 2012 ZR1 does not have a steering wheel vibration at any speed, but the 2010 ZR1 I test drove several years ago did at around 70 MPH or so. I believe the fix is balanced front rotors $$$.

GOLD72

In nearly 28k miles, no such issues with my 2011 ZR1 rotors or tires. Replaced the front tires about 3k ago with PSS ZPs with Road Force balancing. Ride now smoother than the OEM factory balanced PS2 ZPs.

blackvetterzo6

Driving last nt, I thought I felt the vibration again. The highways are so $hitty here it's ridiculous. Just drove for another hour just now on a good strech of road, I think my mind is playing tricks on me....lol the car was smooth as I think it can be. Drove at all speeds and thought vibration had moved into another range 82-85 but again, it was my mistake.
I might swap these tires out next year, 5 years old and only 1000 miles, we will see.

DebRedZR1

DEF time for new tires if they are 5 yrs old, they get hard and more subjective to vibration. Once you have that "vibration" thing in your head you are always prone to "looking" for it If you have a constant wheel shake at certain speeds I would be concerned. If its a slight come and go wheel vibration they all do it ...................

blackvetterzo6

Im beginning to believe that, new tires next year, and i should be good.

vtknight

General question; this vibration issue was caught years ago - is it fair to say that the amount of vibration issue cars is reducing (due to the fact that many have already been dealt with over time)?

I am close to pulling the trigger on one and although I will do my best to test the car at 70+ MPH - I'm just wondering if the community is seeing this issue less and less?

ufaj26

Being one of the people that experienced this issue, I would agree that the number of cars with the issue should be less since a certain number of them should have been repaired. That being said, I would still be cautious about buying one without a test drive. I can also tell you that it may not show up in a test drive if by chance a prior owner had the wheel/tire combo balanced on the car to offset the imbalance in the rotor. It would not show up until you replaced a tire or wheel for any reason. Fortunately, this vibration issue did not affect a large number of ZR1's.

vtknight

Thanks for the comment - I agree and I will keep my eyes open and try to ask the right questions regarding wheels and alignment...

GMJim

Since hearing about this vibration issue shortly after I bought my 2011 I immediately headed for the highway to check mine and it was smooth as glass. BUT from time to time I will get a vibration in the steering that usually goes away fairly quickly. I would swear my wheel weights just flew off but very smooth 99% of the time. I'm blaming this on the road and the wide tires. Find your self a few miles of smooth asphalt to do your test drive. If it's smooth there I'd ignore the odd vibration you will get from time to time. Hope this makes sense. A friend of mine with a 2010 reports the same thing happens to him.

vtknight

Thanks GMJim - I will do just that...

DebRedZR1

Happy to report after replacing my tires the vibration did not return. The only thing I get is the occasional vibration that is less than what I feel in the GS at times. SSs vs GYruncraps vs roads.......................

Most have been fixed and someit's so intermittent and random not worth worrying about. Must make sure the wheel is not shaking constantly and have a blast in the BEAST!