A recent post on the GM Techlink service website provides a solution to the front-end rattle or clunking sound that some 2019 to 2023 model-year Chevy Blazer owners have reported.
According to the post, a “rattle or clunk sound may be heard at the front of the vehicle on some” 2019-2023 model-year Chevy Blazer models. The post indicates this problem may be related to a more common problem, such as a loose strut or sway bar, however the sound may also be the result of “a loose, mispositioned or improperly torqued cradle brace,” the automaker says. The cradle brace is a flat bar that is bolted across the center of the engine cradle (labeled #1 in the diagram below).
GM says certified technicians will be able determine if the rattle or clunk sound is coming from the cradle brace, as opposed to a loose suspension component, by removing the cradle brace and driving the vehicle for a short period while driving over small bumps or executing turning maneuvers. If the sound is no longer heard, it’s likely it was related to a loose or misaligned cradle brace.
To fix this problem, GM technicians will be instructed to re-install the cradle brace and ensure the bolts are torqued to spec. GM also notes the fasteners used on the cradle brace at single-use torque-to-yield fasteners, so employees must use new fasteners when tightening the brace back down to ensure it does not come loose again.
As we noted previously, this problem also affects certain other C1XX-platform GM crossovers in addition to the Chevy Blazer, such as the Chevy Traverse, Chevy Blazer and Cadillac XT5.
Production of the 2023 Chevy began on August 1st after GM was forced to push back the start of production from July 11th. The crossover is produced exclusively at the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
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Comments
Does the Buick Enclave have a similar fix offered by GM?
GM then determined the only solution was to drive it to the nearest scrap yard to be repaired permanently.
We own a 20 Premier Blazer and so far no clunks or rattles, just an awesome vehicle…..there’s hope.
Are you going to do a separate story on each model on this platform? You already did the Acadia.
Are you paid by the stories?
Just do everyone a favor and combine info like this into one story and make it much simpler for all. Too often we end up with 4 and 5 stories on the same thing just with each model be it color drop or option change or tech.
This is a rare thing and is not a common complaint We have had two GMC’s and neither had this issue.
Thanks Scott! Yeah, this repetition of stories can get to be annoying, especially the ones with new and old colors. We all know that if GMC gets a new color, the Chevy sibling will also, and if it’s exclusive to one particular model, I’m sure that GMA will jump at the chance to tell us. Most of us who are seriously interested in a vehicle can easily find out if a particular color is available of your mention on a configurator.
Old news but my 2008 HHR had an annoying bang in the front end and drove me crazy. New struts and sway bar bushings and end links didn’t help.
This seems to be a long recurring problem with GMs, all the way back to a 97 Malibu and an 09 G-6. Both had front suspension noises, creaks, groans, and rattles when rolling over bumps and turning.
No problem with my 2022 yet that my husband bought for me for my 10th anniversary
No problem with my 2022 yet that my husband bought for me for my 10th anniversary love it feel a lot safer than my Ford Escape
Ah, the old clunking and rattles. As long as I’ve been in the auto business, this has been an issue for any/all brands. Yes, that includes the Honda’s that we often had to diagnose. Even though I was in sales, it was common to have the techs page me back to help them find a rattle or clunk, as I somehow became known for an ability to locate and isolate them. There’s nothing that annoys me more than those pesky things.
Just last month I was back in Illinois on vacation with my kids. When we go back, one of my brothers always picks us up at the airport in their “family” all purpose use 2013 Chrysler T & C van. That van is a work horse and has about 100K on it now, with about 10K of those just from me I think. Anyhow, I immediately noticed a rattling noise this time and knew it was coming from the rear. On a visit to one of my nephews who used to be an auto tech, I had him drive it since he has a near twin to it. He thought it was the rear shock. As I drove it for the next week, I was able to narrow it down better when I noticed that the noise went away if I gently applied the brakes.
Anyhow, when I took the van back to my brother, I pointed it out and told him to get it in for a check. Sure enough, it was a simple fix where the rear pads needed a new hardware package because the old ones finally broke and allowed the pads to clunk around some.
Liz Chaney lost I’m glad you supported her.
Sometimes the fix can be simple but hard to find. I had a 97 Jimmy with
a front end rattle. I replaced the shocks and ball joints only to find out
eventually it was a loose hood hinge, a ten cent repair.
We own a 2019 Buick Enclave with no rattles or clunks… Then again a suspension no matter how well built will eventually make noise it’s always moving it never stops unless the car stops it’s not a living room couch lol… But this at least GM is willing to fix this issue I have drien many vehicles with rattles and clunks I just turned the radio up until I can fix it. Oh and BTW Crystal the Ford escape is junk I have ridden in one compared to my 2010 Chevy Equinox LTZ which is now 12 years old the ride, handling, power delivery are all superior I have the V6 engine… Even my father’s 2011 RAV4 was better then an escape…. Remember F. O. R. D.=Found on road dead! 😉😉
Scotty Kilmer… Lmao… That guy is a YouTube JOKE! He constantly talks more then he never shows you him actually fixing anything and his cars are out dated Toyotas I would never trust this guy with my car any brand. Case and point “cold air intakes are bad for your car” that’s BS the best upgrade I ever made to my car was installing a K&N cold air intake. Retire already Scotty your a dinosaur and you make your generation look bad… Damm driveway mechanics at least get all the outdated crap out of your garage so you can work on the cars instead of just talk and rant for an half hour waste of my time! I will buy GM again.