Replacement magnetic ride control rear shocks on 2015 Denali

[Trailer leader]

My 2015 Yukon Denali (84,000) with magnetic ride control is very stiff over small bumps. The compressor does not come on very often, indicating that the air bladder on the rear shocks is still intact and not leaking. The front struts were recently replaced with OEMs as one side was leaking.

Does the rear shock oil with the metal particles break down over time resulting in a stiff ride. Will replacing the rear shocks improve and soften the ride?

Has anybody had experience with an alternative shock brand to replace the OEM

 

[cardude2000]

My 2015 Yukon Denali (84,000) with magnetic ride control is very stiff over small bumps. The compressor does not come on very often, indicating that the air bladder on the rear shocks is still intact and not leaking. The front struts were recently replaced with OEMs as one side was leaking.

Does the rear shock oil with the metal particles break down over time resulting in a stiff ride. Will replacing the rear shocks improve and soften the ride?

Has anybody had experience with an alternative shock brand to replace the OEM

All MRC’s from this gen are brutally stiff but some have issues with the MRC locking up and needing to be replaced. Have you brought it to the dealer?

You could always just unplug MRC from the rear but I’m guessing that would throw a constant error message up front.

 

[PrimeTimeSTi]

I was recently told by my GMC dealer that the front shocks in my 16 XL Denali should be replaced too. I've only owned the vehicle for about 8 months, 2nd owner, and have about 65k miles on it. Is this a common issue for this vehicle and if they are not leaking, how do you know if they are bad and need replacement? Is it just a stiff ride feeling, or what? I have not looked into how the MRC works, what fails and how, etc. Does anyone have a site or other post string that discusses these more?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

@PrimeTimeSTi Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.

First, I suggest that you start a new thread for this question, so that you can always easily refer back to it in the future.

Folks knowledgeable in the 2015+ body/suspension design will chime in.

 

[Seamus]

The '15 and '16 Denali are about the worst riding trucks when they were new. I had a '15 and a '17. I believe only the front shocks are mag shocks. The rears are normal air shocks. They ride like an old truck. Part of my reason for getting out of that generation truck, and going back to a 2013. There was TSB on the 2015 as to terrible ride quality as it was a big complaint. The '17 was better but the 18 improved also. Many guys with the 15-16 delete the system change the coils and shocks. Repairing your system will still have a harsh ride.
Going to drive the 2021 tomorrow hear its a good ride. we shall see. I love the 2013 LTZ ride but would never consider a 2015-2020 again.