Sonic Potential Highway Turbulence

[photoman475]

Turbulence from following a truck is expected-but, the Sonic rides much better behind a truck than the unmentionable vehicle it replaced!

I try and avoid spending too much time behind trucks, but it's unavoidable at times.

 

[sx sonic]

I'm always behind semis, I love seeing my ultraguage reporting 60 MPG on the interstate

Just alil bit of turbulence following the big rigs but I don't think its bad

 

[Ubryaj]

I would not follow semis close. Too much chance of stone chips/tire treads being thrown at me. If I can, I keep my distance or try to pass them as quickly as possible.

 

[SSpeckerwood]

The closer you follow, the less turbulence is generated

 

[ChrisJ]

Something that no one has mentioned is the fact many trucks are not maintained very well.

I used to work at a trucking company and we had many incidences where a truck blew a tire and threw chunks all over. Airbags falling off, exhaust peices falling off. You also don't want to be right behind one if it throws an alligator (retread).

You will think its save to ride close to one until something happens and nearly kills you.

 

[SSpeckerwood]

Something that no one has mentioned is the fact many trucks are not maintained very well.

I used to work at a trucking company and we had many incidences where a truck blew a tire and threw chunks all over. Airbags falling off, exhaust peices falling off. You also don't want to be right behind one if it throws an alligator (retread).

You will think its save to ride close to one until something happens and nearly kills you.

It's not safe at all.

 

[sx sonic]

I'm aware of the risk, did semi tires for a few years. So when I follow I stay far enough back were there is an extreamely low probability of getting hit by anything

 

[jchasp59]

Part number: 95016301

I noticed my Sonic feels quite darty on the freeway, especially if there is any wind, nature or man made. This could be a function of tires. In the past, upgrading tires always made my cars drive, track, and ride better.

My 2012 Sonic LTZ hatchback was plagued by the same issues with turbulence and wind noise, until I bought and installed part number: 95016301. Now, it's solid as a rock, even in severe weather.
GM discontinued this part on all Sonics built after 01/01/2012 because technicians weren't cleaning up spilled fluids (oil, brake fluid, etc.) after maintanence, causing customers to return, complain of leaks, and a couple of fires in the Cruze.

 

[mooking2]

300 miles on my sonic drives like crap. On the highway I can't drive in a straight line without turning the steering wheel a half inch to the right and left constantly to keep it in a straight line. Feels like sloppy steering box. Now if its windy I'm rely in trouble. No wind at all and I'm constantly adjusting the steering wheel to keep it straight. Took it off the road and now driving my 1996 Nissan maxima that has 400 thousand on it and drives straight with no constant turning of the steering wheel. Sonic is going in the shop and I bet they tell me there is nothing wrong with it. I bought 2 of them one for wife and me . Hers drivers fine. Mine is all over the highway. So I'm not taking that for a answer.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

300 miles on my sonic drives like crap. On the highway I can't drive in a straight line without turning the steering wheel a half inch to the right and left constantly to keep it in a straight line. Feels like sloppy steering box. Now if its windy I'm rely in trouble. No wind at all and I'm constantly adjusting the steering wheel to keep it straight. Took it off the road and now driving my 1996 Nissan maxima that has 400 thousand on it and drives straight with no constant turning of the steering wheel. Sonic is going in the shop and I bet they tell me there is nothing wrong with it. I bought 2 of them one for wife and me . Hers drivers fine. Mine is all over the highway. So I'm not taking that for a answer.

Mooking2,

Sorry to hear this, hopefully the dealership will be able to shed some light on what the issue is here. Please post and update after your service visit on what the dealership finds.

Vanessa
GM Customer Service

 

[dvn]

Sounds like an alignment issue. Mine is rock solid.

 

[Papasonic]

300 miles on my sonic drives like crap. On the highway I can't drive in a straight line without turning the steering wheel a half inch to the right and left constantly to keep it in a straight line. Feels like sloppy steering box. Now if its windy I'm rely in trouble. No wind at all and I'm constantly adjusting the steering wheel to keep it straight. Took it off the road and now driving my 1996 Nissan maxima that has 400 thousand on it and drives straight with no constant turning of the steering wheel. Sonic is going in the shop and I bet they tell me there is nothing wrong with it. I bought 2 of them one for wife and me . Hers drivers fine. Mine is all over the highway. So I'm not taking that for a answer.

A trip to your dealer is a good idea: It appears that your Sonic with the steering issue may have some defective steering components, or more than likely an alignment problem.

My hatchback tracks straight, and feels tight and secure; my wifes sedan doesn't feel quite as secure, and has a slightly twitchy feel at higher speed. I suspect either the toe-in or caster angle may not be perfect.



Papasonic

 

[RS Turbo]

I think its the loose nut behind the wheel!

 

[$ub$onic]

Hit 105 real quick last night and even witch studded tires it felt fine

 

[SuperFudd]

I drafted a truck only once in my many years.
I was south bound US 101 from Cloverdale (North of San Francisco) bucking a strong turbulent headwind in my nearly new '75 Vega. It was all I could do keep it straight at 65mph. I aproached a 60mph big rig so I called him on my CB and got permission to draft. We were the only traffic around. I pulled into perhaps 4 car lengths and all was smooth and peaceful. I kept my eyes glued to his brake lights.
Yes I realized it was dangerous so when the wind calmed a bit after 15 minutes I bid that driver a thank you and farewell.