I have a 2005 Yukon Denali XL, 6.0L, all wheel drive. I have noticed a whirring sound coming from the engine when I accelerate between 40-70 mph. I have taken it to the dealer several times but they can't seem to find the problem. One on occasion they said it was the front differential, so I had that replaced, but I continue to hear the sound. Again, it happens under load or when accelerating. Once I take my foot off the gas the sound stops or going down hill. My SUV is all stock. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
05' Denali engine noise
- Thread starter JT824
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ebxgsxr
Full Access Member
i think i'm having the same problem on my 2001 denali. i had it at the shop today. they told me it was the bearings. so i replaced both hub assemblies. but the noise is still there. they said to bring it back, so we will see what they say next.
popo8
Full Access Member
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my 02 escaladr does it also... sounds like the diff or whatever the transfercase is called on an awd...
def not wheelbearing.... but a pinion bearing would act the same way under load...
Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com
def not wheelbearing.... but a pinion bearing would act the same way under load...
Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com
CEN2MENTAL95
Banned
I have a sound on my 05 denali when in motion but I think my noise is due to my goodyear LS2 tires (road noise) not engine related noise.
I do know either the efans or the compressor stay on even after the truck is turned off (for a few min)
I do know either the efans or the compressor stay on even after the truck is turned off (for a few min)
ebxgsxr
Full Access Member
what exactly did you replace?
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
I've got the same problem on my 2002 GMC Yukon Denali.
I've replaced both from wheel bearings, I had my front differential rebuilt because of the notorious "popping" sound over bumps at slow speeds, I had my rear differential rebuilt as well, so it can't be any of those things. The noise appears to be a rubbing or grinding sound only when I am on the throttle, the moment I let off, the noise goes away.
SUPER annoying.
Can anyone help?
I've replaced both from wheel bearings, I had my front differential rebuilt because of the notorious "popping" sound over bumps at slow speeds, I had my rear differential rebuilt as well, so it can't be any of those things. The noise appears to be a rubbing or grinding sound only when I am on the throttle, the moment I let off, the noise goes away.
SUPER annoying.
Can anyone help?
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
bump
01yukonslt
need more deebeeeez!
i know this is a long shot but could the noise be power steering pump whine? i have a weird noise similar to what you are saying and only under load conditions and im 99% sure that my pump is going out as you accelerate its spinning faster making more noise makes sense to me? 
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
i know this is a long shot but could the noise be power steering pump whine? i have a weird noise similar to what you are saying and only under load conditions and im 99% sure that my pump is going out as you accelerate its spinning faster making more noise makes sense to me?
You could be right.
The noise only occurs when on the throttle. It's super loud between 20-45mph and goes up as the speed goes up. After 70mph, you can't hear it anymore.
The noise is also there when braking. The only time it goes away while the truck is moving is when you're totally off the brake and throttle.
It could be the power steering gear box. I think I am going to order it and try it out. First I'll take it to a shop to see if that's the problem cause the gearbox is right around $400.
What I don't get is that this has been going on for a ton of miles; You'd think that it would have given out by now.
ebxgsxr
Full Access Member
but if the gear box is the problem wouldn't there be any other symptoms?
a local 4x4 shop is going to take a look at mine after they finish my Jeep. he seems to think it could be the carrier bearing.
a local 4x4 shop is going to take a look at mine after they finish my Jeep. he seems to think it could be the carrier bearing.
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
I did a ton of searching and found a few threads on other GM forums ranging from Diesel trucks to Arcadia SUV's. They all describe the same grinding/humming/whirring sound described in this thread and almost all of them came to the conclusion that it was the steering gearbox.
The only symptom you would notice is the annoying sound. If it were a steering pump issue, you would have trouble turning and would notice the powering steering fluid leaking.
I just ordered a power steering gearbox and will be installing next week. I'll let you guys know if this fixes the problem. The only other thing it could be is the actual steering column, which I highly doubt that is the problem.
ebxgsxr
Full Access Member
please update this thread with the results (subscribed) 
Wake
Full Access Member
The transfer case is kinda what i'm thinking too. My 05 Escalade does this as well. Seems to be a pretty common problem.
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
My transfer case has been replaced as well, didn't solve the issue for me.
Wake
Full Access Member
Wait a minute...
You've had both front and rear differentials rebuilt, new front wheel bearings, new transfer case and you still have the growling?
Well I guess the good news is there isn't much left to replace in the drivetrain before you've replaced everything attached to the engine. WOW!
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
Yes, I've replaced EVERYTHING, not just to solve the noise problem discussed in this thread, but because the parts needed replacing/restoring. I had the notorious "popping" sound when going over bumps slowly, which caused me to have to restore my front end. I really think when I had the 22's on, with all the weight, they just destroyed my axles; which is why I got rid of them. The HOPE that the sound would go away after those major maintenance repairs was in the back of my head, but nothing happened.
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coolchuck
maybe Escalade bound?
Im in for your results too. I've got that whine and thought it was bearings but it heard others changed them and still have have noise.
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
I got my steering gearbox in the other day. It will most likely be going on Tuesday.
If this does not fix the issue, I found a thread that may have answered our prayers. It appears to be the front driveshaft that makes a noise after a ton of miles are put on them. The part is roughly $236 that I found on drivewire.com; OE replacement Remanufactured or $436 for a brand new one.
http://www.realworldautomotive.com/...whine-or-humming-sound-at-certain-speeds.html
If this does not fix the issue, I found a thread that may have answered our prayers. It appears to be the front driveshaft that makes a noise after a ton of miles are put on them. The part is roughly $236 that I found on drivewire.com; OE replacement Remanufactured or $436 for a brand new one.
http://www.realworldautomotive.com/...whine-or-humming-sound-at-certain-speeds.html
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ebxgsxr
Full Access Member
you know i started to think something like this could be related. my Jeep had a similar noise, but no where near as loud as my Yukon. i just got my Jeep back from the shop. he was saying there was play in the front driveshaft. i never told him about the noise b/c i didn't think it was that bad. but i do not hear the noise that i heard before.
the same shop is checking out the Yukon. he is doing differential services on the truck. he said the rear fluid looked good, but the front had metal shavings. so he is going to replace the bearings & check the gears to see if there is any damage. i also asked him to check the driveshaft too.
the same shop is checking out the Yukon. he is doing differential services on the truck. he said the rear fluid looked good, but the front had metal shavings. so he is going to replace the bearings & check the gears to see if there is any damage. i also asked him to check the driveshaft too.
B0$$MAN
Boss of all Bosses
Definitely post back! I'll have to send back my steering gearbox if its the driveshaft. Something tells me its the driveshaft.
The noise also occurs when letting off the gas and coming to a stop with or without braking.
