Trailblazer suspension too stiff

**Raf** · 2015/07/09, 10:17 PM

I recently was in the market for a bakkie based SUV and opted for the Chevrolet Trailblazer. I really like the vehicle but I'm not so happy with the suspension. The ride is very harsh due to the stiff suspension setup. Cruising on the highway at 120km/h most of the bumps are not absorbed at all by the suspension and are felt throughout the cabin. I spoke to the dealer and he advised to wait for the suspension to settle + lowering tyre pressure (currently pressure is according to specification). I had a soft-roader SUV before and this vehicle did not have any of these issues so I'm a bit disappointed as this a new vehicle.
What I would like to find out:
- is the suspension of a bakkie based SUV always very stiff?
- are there other Trailblazer owners experiencing the same problem? Or is there potentially a problem with my suspension?
- will the suspension soften enough for it to become more comfortable?
- Is there anything I can do to soften my ride without compromising handling?

Thanks to anyone contributing

**XJ Junkie** · 2015/07/09, 10:27 PM

I think the Trailblazer has rear leaf springs? If so then it will feel a little harsher than coils all round like on a softroader. New vehicles should settle down a bit once the coils soften up. I'd recommend you wait & see. If it doesn't then a set of good quality aftermarket shocks will easily make a chalk & cheese level of difference.

**Raf** · 2015/07/10, 06:48 AM

The Trailblazer has coil springs all around. I'm trying to avoid having to upgrade the suspension

**Brent Clark** · 2015/07/10, 08:18 AM

They are all similar. The dealer is talking nonsense about the suspension settling. It may soften after 100,000km due to age....

**Bogaards** · 2015/07/10, 08:22 AM

How does the ride of the trailblazer compare to the ride of a Fortuner out of interest sake?

**Andre** · 2015/07/10, 08:26 AM

At the end of last year I was a passenger in a 4X2 Trailblazer over some bad gravel roads and all I can tell is that it had a much more comfy ride than my Pajero.

BTW we were 6 passengers and no luggage.

**Brent Clark** · 2015/07/10, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Bogaards

How does the ride of the trailblazer compare to the ride of a Fortuner out of interest sake?

Softer

**Raf** · 2015/08/24, 09:54 AM

decided to go for an aftermarket suspension.
Four new shocks whilst keeping the original coil springs.
It's still early days to fully judge the new suspension but the harshness of the ride is gone now. It's definitely more comfortable on road.

**MichaelRP** · 2015/08/25, 10:44 PM

Raf, please let us know if the upgraded suspension is worth it.

Where did you have it done?

I drove the 2014 model. Its suspension is definitely softer than the 2015 model...

**Gav.S** · 2015/08/26, 07:34 PM

I find mine quite comfortable. I do have the tyres at 2.0bar though. Far softer suspension than a bakkie and coming from a Captiva the TB still feels better.

**MichaelRP** · 2015/08/28, 11:02 AM

Thanks for the tip Gav.S, Ill try 2.0bar.

Im still interested to find out what changed wrt to the suspension between the 2014 and 2015 model. It seems that it is not only limited to the internal trim updates.

GM should focus a tad on engine noise. Other than that - its a great car!

**AndriesVrey** · 2015/08/28, 11:53 AM

For interest's sake: what tyres do you gentlemen have on your Trailblazers?
I'm currently in the process of selling my 2013 model, getting the 2015 model (2.8 4x4) and is thinking of putting AT's on. Any suggestions?

**Raf** · 2015/09/01, 07:51 PM

I opted for Amadaxtreme shocks. Ordered it straight from them but installation was done by a tyre shop in Randburg. I do believe it's worth it as bumps in the road are absorbed far better. Softer coil springs might improve the ride comfort even further in my opinion

**Raf** · 2015/09/01, 08:44 PM

The stock tyre on the 2015 Trailblazer is the Bridgestone Dueller HT D840

**AndriesVrey** · 2015/09/02, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Raf

The stock tyre on the 2015 Trailblazer is the Bridgestone Dueller HT D840

Yes. We don't really do any hectic off roading but have an upcoming trip to Namibia (mostly gravel) and I wondered if it'll be better to fit AT's?
On my current Trailblazer I just had the stock tyres and had no issues (did the Baviaans with them), bit don't want any trouble once in Nam.

**Raf** · 2015/09/02, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Raf

The stock tyre on the 2015 Trailblazer is the Bridgestone Dueller HT D840

The stock tyre is actually the Dueler H/T D684, not the D840. Just to correct my wrong info. I can't comment whether it will be suitable for driving in Namibia

**AndriesVrey** · 2015/09/02, 12:08 PM

Some folks say I'd be fine, others recommend AT's. If I do it straight away I may be able to flog the unused stock tyres.

**globaljaco** · 2015/09/04, 04:38 PM

Andries, laat my weet as jy dit doen, ek is opsoek na 'n 18" wiel om my 16" spaarwiel te vervang.

**AndriesVrey** · 2015/09/04, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by globaljaco

Andries, laat my weet as jy dit doen, ek is opsoek na 'n 18" wiel om my 16" spaarwiel te vervang.

Sal jou laat weet - ek kry die nuwe volgende week en sal dit dadelik moet doen om iets vir die stocks te kry. Sit nog en tob of dit nodig is - nog by niemand n werklik beslissende antwoord gekry nie.

**TJWM** · 2015/09/08, 09:03 AM

Nou op my Trailblazer is Bridgestone Dueler 684 ii 265/60/18

Wanneer ek bande vervang sal ek heel moontlik vir die A/T Bridgestone Deuler D697 265/60/18 gaan.

Ek het bietjie gaan kyk watter ander bande beskikbaar is in SA in die standaard band grote wat mens kan oorweeg.

ander H/T opsie

COOPER DISCOVERER H/T PLUS

A/T opsies om te oorweeg
Bridgestone Deuler D697
YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR G012 A/TS

Of M/T
ACHILLES DESERT HAWK X-MT