How do I make my Silverado ride smoother?

Keep tires inflated to specification, balance and align the wheels, and replace worn shocks or struts; if needed, upgrade dampers and choose comfort-oriented tires for a smoother ride.

In this guide, we’ll break down practical steps you can take—from quick checks you can do at home to more involved suspension updates—that improve ride quality on a Chevy Silverado, regardless of trim or model year. The recommendations reflect current industry practices for trucks and are suitable for most drivers who want a more composed driving experience.

Foundational checks: tires, balance, and alignment

The biggest impact on ride comfort usually comes from the tires and how the wheels are set up. Start here before replacing hardware.

• Check tire pressure and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended cold tire pressure for your Silverado. Over- or under-inflated tires can make the ride feel harsh or floaty.


• Inspect tires for uneven wear, cupping, or flat spots. Worn tires can amplify road imperfections and create vibration.


• Have the wheels balanced if you notice vibration at highway speeds or an irregular braking or acceleration feel.


• Get a professional wheel alignment if the steering pulls, your vehicle tracks to one side, or toe-in/toe-out wear is evident.


• Rotate tires as needed to ensure even wear and extend tire life.

When tires are properly inflated, balanced, and aligned, ride quality and steering stability improve immediately with minimal cost.

Suspension components and dampers

If basics don’t resolve the rough ride, inspect and consider upgrading the vehicle’s suspension parts to improve damping and body control.

Shocks and struts

Worn or inadequate shocks and struts are a common source of a harsh or floaty ride. Replacing them with quality units tailored to your truck’s payload and usage can transform comfort and control.

• Inspect for leaks, damaged bushings, or poor damping; replace worn shocks or struts with parts rated for your Silverado’s payload and towing needs; many drivers opt for gas-charged or monotube designs from brands like Bilstein, Monroe, KYB, or Rancho for improved control and a smoother feel.


• When replacing, match the shocks to whether the truck is usually unloaded, lightly loaded, or carrying heavy loads/towing; incorrect choices can make the ride feel stiff or unsettled.

New shocks can dramatically reduce bounce, wallow, and body roll, especially on rough pavement or when the vehicle is loaded.

Springs and load management

Springs support the vehicle’s weight and determine how the suspension settles under load. Upgrading or supplementing springs helps maintain a comfortable ride across varying loads.

• Check coil or leaf springs for sag or uneven ride height; sagging springs can cause bottoming and a harsher ride on rough pavement.


• If you regularly carry heavy loads or tow, consider progressive-rate springs or helper springs (such as add-a-leaf kits or air helper springs) to restore a smoother baseline ride while maintaining load-carrying capability.

Properly matched springs and dampers balance ride quality with capability, ensuring comfort whether the Silverado is empty or loaded.

Bushings, links, and mounting hardware

Worn or degraded components can transmit road harshness and contribute to noises or misalignment. Inspect and replace as needed.

• Check control-arm bushings, end links, sway-bar bushings, tie-rod ends, and other suspension joints for wear, cracking, or looseness; replace as needed to restore proper isolation and alignment.

Replacing worn bushings or joints helps restore smoothness and reduces vibrations that travel through the chassis.

Tires, wheels, and chassis tuning for comfort

Beyond basic tire upkeep, the choice of tires and wheel setup has a big effect on ride smoothness and noise levels.

• Choose tires designed for comfort and quiet operation, such as touring or grand-touring all-season tires with softer sidewalls and optimized tread patterns.


• Ensure tires have an appropriate load index and speed rating for your Silverado’s weight and usage; mismatched tires can affect ride and handling.


• Avoid oversized or aggressive off-road tire packages that reduce ride comfort; stick to tire sizes recommended by GM for your exact model year and configuration.


• Keep tires balanced and properly inflated after any tire replacement to maintain a smooth ride.

Selecting the right tires and maintaining them properly can yield a noticeably smoother ride, with less road noise and better cushioning over rough pavement.

Maintenance habits and driving technique

Riding comfort also depends on regular maintenance and how you drive the truck day to day.

• Perform regular maintenance: oil changes, air filters, differential and transmission fluids, and fuel system maintenance as recommended by GM; a well-maintained driveline operates more smoothly.


• Practice smooth driving: gentle acceleration and braking, and using cruise control on long highway trips can reduce jarring inputs that amplify roughness.


• Schedule periodic suspension inspections, especially if you notice new noises, clunking, excessive bouncing, or changes in ride height.


• Distribute weight evenly and avoid carrying heavy loads in the bed when not needed; excessive weight can alter ride quality and handling.


• Keep alignment and tire wear in check with regular tire rotation and alignment checks; address steering or handling changes promptly.

Consistent maintenance and refined driving habits help preserve ride quality and prevent minor issues from becoming bigger sources of discomfort.

Takeaways and next steps

For many Silverado owners, a smoother ride is achievable without major work. Start with tires, balance, and alignment; then address worn suspension parts and consider comfort-focused shocks and springs if you regularly drive on rough roads or carry loads.

If you’re unsure about any component, consult a certified mechanic or dealership service department for a diagnosis and recommendations tailored to your specific Silverado model year and trim level.

Summary

Key steps to smooth your Silverado’s ride: ensure correct tire pressure, balance, and alignment; inspect and replace worn shocks/struts and, if needed, upgrade springs or add load-support devices for better stability; choose comfort-oriented tires and keep up with regular maintenance; drive smoothly and monitor for changes that may indicate wear. With a thoughtful combination of basic upkeep and targeted upgrades, you can noticeably improve comfort without sacrificing capability.

Why does my truck ride so rough?

A truck can ride roughly due to issues with its tires, such as incorrect pressure or uneven wear, and problems with the suspension system, like worn-out shocks, struts, or bushings. Other causes can include a misaligned or unbalanced wheel, a bent axle, or even a misfiring engine.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to diagnose and fix a bumpy ride on a truck: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jun 24, 2023
Tire problems

• Incorrect pressure: Both under- and over-inflated tires can cause a rough ride. 
• Uneven wear: Tires that have worn unevenly can make the truck bounce or pull to one side. 
• Tire balance: If your tires are out of balance, it can lead to vibration and a rough ride, especially at higher speeds. 
• Tire type: Aggressive off-road tires, like mud-terrain tires, can naturally provide a rougher ride compared to all-terrain or highway tires. 

Suspension issues

• Worn shocks and struts: These components are designed to absorb bumps. When they wear out, the ride becomes harsh and the vehicle may bounce excessively after going over a bump. 
• Worn-out bushings: Body mount bushings and other suspension bushings can wear out, leading to a metal-on-metal clunking or knocking sound and a rougher feel over bumps. 
• Loose or damaged components: Any loose or bent parts in the suspension system, such as ball joints, can negatively affect the ride quality. 

Other potential causes

• Wheel alignment: If your wheels are not properly aligned, it can lead to a rough ride. 
• Axle damage: A bent or damaged axle can cause uneven wheel spin, resulting in a bumpy ride. 
• Engine issues: A misfiring engine can also cause vibrations and a rough-feeling ride. 

This video demonstrates how to check for worn-out suspension parts: 11sTruck Master Garage YouTube · Aug 22, 2024

What year of Silverado to stay away from?

You should be wary of certain years, particularly the 2014, 2015, and 2017 models, which are frequently cited for numerous issues, including transmission, fuel system, and airbag problems. Other years to approach with caution include 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012–2013, and 2019, due to engine, transmission, or electrical system problems. 
Years to be cautious of

• 2005: Engine and electrical system issues, including excessive oil consumption. 
• 2007: Fuel system malfunctions, leading to erratic fuel gauge readings and poor fuel efficiency. 
• 2008: Mechanical problems and issues with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. 
• 2012–2013: Transmission and engine problems, with owners reporting excessive oil consumption and vibrations. 
• 2014: A high number of recalls and reported issues, particularly with airbags, transmission, and the air conditioning system. 
• 2015: Continued issues with the fuel sensor, leading to inaccurate fuel gauge readings. 
• 2017: Transmission problems, as reported by owners. 
• 2019: The first year of a new generation that experienced numerous early problems. 

Why these years are problematic

• Recalls: Years like 2014 and 2015 had a high volume of recalls and owner complaints across various systems. 
• Transmission Issues: The introduction of an 8-speed gearbox in some models, particularly the 2014, led to clunking sounds and premature failure. 
• Engine and Fuel System: Some models experienced engine problems like oil consumption or issues with the fuel delivery system. 
• Electrical and Sensor Problems: Inaccurate fuel gauge readings were common in models like 2015, and other electrical issues were reported in various years. 
• Safety Concerns: Problems with airbags not deploying correctly were reported in some models, posing a safety risk. 

How do I upgrade my suspension for smoother ride?

You can make the ride smoother a few ways. You can put softer springs on it. You can put on tires with a thicker sidewall on them. You can put softer bushings on the suspension.

How can I make my Silverado ride smoother?

Replace worn suspension parts. Replace shock absorbers with those designed for a smooth ride. Use tires designed for a smooth ride. If you have 20'' or 22'' rims, trade them for 17'' or 18'' rims and then mount higher sidewall car tires (aspect ratio 75 to 85) with highway tread designed to ride well.