JonnyTahoe
Full Access Member
I'm keeping it. I meant his Moog front bearing should last plenty long.
Clicking / Rotational Noise from Front End
- Thread starter AggieZig
- Start date
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As someone else mentioned, double check the wiring harness going to the Tranny and T case. Years ago, when I had to do a rear main seal on my Tahoe I left one clip out of its dedicated attachment point and the Wire loom rubbed the front driveshaft. Drove me damn nuts. Like yourself, my mind went to a hundred different places. I noticed where it was rubbing when I pulled the shaft out again to eliminate it as possibility. Hopefully your issue is something similar.
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
Well, the mystery noise is less mysterious now. I replaced the P F wheel bearing hub assembly and crossed my fingers. Went out for a drive and the noise was still there.
Jacked her back up, took both wheels off and spun them again. I think I found the culprit, video below.
It sounds like it's coming from the front differential. I am clinging on to hope that it could be this CV axle but I think it sounds like a diff bearing noise.
Thoughts? I know this isn't the tranny guy's fault. Just super freaking coincidental that the noise started once it left his shop.
Jacked her back up, took both wheels off and spun them again. I think I found the culprit, video below.
It sounds like it's coming from the front differential. I am clinging on to hope that it could be this CV axle but I think it sounds like a diff bearing noise.
Thoughts? I know this isn't the tranny guy's fault. Just super freaking coincidental that the noise started once it left his shop.
That’s definitely a clicking sound. I’d take the Half shaft off and then spin the axle hub and see if the sound is still there.
How many miles on the vehicle? EDIT: Never mind, just reread original post 172K.
Change the diff fluid and put "non clicking sound" fluid in it.
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
Thanks for all the help and feedback.
I pulled the half shaft this morning and confirmed the noise is coming from the diff itself. Went ahead and did a fluid change but no dice. Oh well.
I got a quote from a local shop from $500 - $850 depending on how bad it is, plus $250 for R/R.
Anyone know of a trusty diff rebuilder in the Greater LA area?
I pulled the half shaft this morning and confirmed the noise is coming from the diff itself. Went ahead and did a fluid change but no dice. Oh well.
I got a quote from a local shop from $500 - $850 depending on how bad it is, plus $250 for R/R.
Anyone know of a trusty diff rebuilder in the Greater LA area?
Did you happen to remove the front diff actuator to see if that was causing the noise?
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
No, I will try that now and report back
Look for discolored fluid, grey tint from metal mix in with the fluid.
How did you change the fluid you just said you did?
How did you change the fluid you just said you did?
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
The fluid had a grey tint to it, otherwise, it was pretty clean. No metal chunks but there was a fine powder on the drain plug magnet. I've read this is somewhat normal?
I tried the diff actuator suggestion but unfortunately, the noise is still there. Sounds like it's the diff. Just super coincidental timing with the transmission work.
I tried the diff actuator suggestion but unfortunately, the noise is still there. Sounds like it's the diff. Just super coincidental timing with the transmission work.
The first time the diff fluid is ever changed can show some silver because of the sharp edges being worn down from driving. After that the fluid should remain pretty clean except for darkening from normal use. Once that silver reappears, that means something is letting go. You do need front diff work.
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
So small update... I drove the Tahoe a few miles over the weekend and noticed a pretty strong burning rubber odor. After that, I decided it probably wasn't safe to drive to the diff shop as it's about 30 minutes away and I'd have to get on the freeway. I decided to take the front half shafts out so that the diff was not spinning (yes, new Timkin gen 3 roll formed bearings that do not need an axle shaft).
Here's the thing... I still have that freaking noise even with the half shafts disconnected. I'm beside myself here. As I understand it, in 2HI with the front CV's disconnected, nothing should be spinning the front diff?
Here's the thing... I still have that freaking noise even with the half shafts disconnected. I'm beside myself here. As I understand it, in 2HI with the front CV's disconnected, nothing should be spinning the front diff?
I think at this point it is something that a trained qualified differential guy needs to diagnose and then get back on here and let us know what is what.
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
I don't disagree with you but don't really want to drive the truck to the shop with the noise and smell. I was hoping I could get temporarily solve that by taking the diff out of the equation.
clandr1
Full Access Member
Going back to the transmission replacement here... If he removed the transmission, he would've had to remove the transfer case. Is it possible he reinstalled the TC in such a way that caused undue pressure on the front differential?
Makes me wonder if taking it back to the transmission shop is the next step here, since it's too coincidental that this noise started right after you received the truck back from the shop who replaced your transmission.
edited to add: If you take it back to the transmission shop, I would play dumb and tell them you're assuming it's something related to the transmission job. I wouldn't volunteer that you've done everything with the half shaft removal, bearings, etc.
Makes me wonder if taking it back to the transmission shop is the next step here, since it's too coincidental that this noise started right after you received the truck back from the shop who replaced your transmission.
edited to add: If you take it back to the transmission shop, I would play dumb and tell them you're assuming it's something related to the transmission job. I wouldn't volunteer that you've done everything with the half shaft removal, bearings, etc.
If you have the AUTO 4x4 then the transfer case is always spinning the front propshaft, I think, even though the diff actuator is not engaging the diff. Pull the front propshaft and see if the issue persists. And I'm not sure if the transfer case will leak with the propshaft out.
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
This is 100% accurate. I did not realize that but I went ahead and pulled the front driveshaft out and the noise is gone. So, it's definitely the front diff and now I feel comfortable driving it to the shop knowing I'm not tearing it up further!
Curious if the T/C leaks any fluid with the propshaft out?
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AggieZig
TYF Newbie
I read that it should be fine. When I pulled the driveshaft out, I did not see anything that would indicate I was compromising a seal by having it removed.
Thanks; I've had mine out but didn't drive it like that. If you have the NP246 TC be sure to use Auto Trak II fluid in it; it's blue.
