2013 Chevy Tahoe Whining Noise?

[tstar2028]

Hi, I drive a 2013 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3 (no 4x4). I have 216k miles, no problems. When I accelerate, I hear a loud droning/whining noise and when I let off or coast, it goes away. Even if I repeatedly tap it, it makes that noise. I have shared a link to the video for reference.

IMG_3112.MOV

drive.google.com

 

[rdezs]

Well, being a two-wheel drive makes it easier to make a diagnostic guess. Usually in response to light throttle, it means the pinion bearing in the rear differential. (But they're usually more subtle than yours.... Has it recently gotten louder? Like did it originally start as a higher pitch whine?)

If the rear differential gear oil hasn't been changed in who knows how long... I would start there and see what it looks like. And if the sound changes with new gear oil, you know you're at the right component.

Never heard a sound like that from an automatic transmission, but maybe one of the transmission gurus can weigh in? Which raises the question, how old is the transmission fluid and what's it look like?

 

[tstar2028]

Well, being a two-wheel drive makes it easier to make a diagnostic guess. Usually in response to light throttle, it means the pinion bearing in the rear differential. (But they're usually more subtle than yours.... Has it recently gotten louder? Like did it originally start as a higher pitch whine?)

If the rear differential gear oil hasn't been changed in who knows how long... I would start there and see what it looks like. And if the sound changes with new gear oil, you know you're at the right component.

Never heard a sound like that from an automatic transmission, but maybe one of the transmission gurus can weigh in? Which raises the question, how old is the transmission fluid and what's it look like?

Thanks for the response; that helps a lot. Just to clarify what I’m hearing: the noise only happens when I’m accelerating, even under light throttle. Once I let off the gas and coast, it completely stops. It sounds more like a whirring or whining noise.
I don’t think the transmission has ever been serviced, but I’ve never had shifting problems or anything weird with it, just that noise while driving and giving it gas.
Does that still sound like it could be the rear differential?

 

[swathdiver]

Hi, I drive a 2013 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3 (no 4x4). I have 216k miles, no problems. When I accelerate, I hear a loud droning/whining noise and when I let off or coast, it goes away. Even if I repeatedly tap it, it makes that noise. I have shared a link to the video for reference.

IMG_3112.MOV

drive.google.com

I've had a hub and wore out tires do that too.

Get her up in the air and check the rear axle first.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

As @swathdiver recommended, get the truck on a lift with a person inside it, and replicate the action with the gas pedal. A mechanic standing under the truck can pinpoint the source of the noise, and then you can plan repairs from there.

I had a similar experience, but with a much softer noise, and it ended up being my front differential, using this diagnostic method.

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

Thanks for the response; that helps a lot. Just to clarify what I’m hearing: the noise only happens when I’m accelerating, even under light throttle. Once I let off the gas and coast, it completely stops. It sounds more like a whirring or whining noise.
I don’t think the transmission has ever been serviced, but I’ve never had shifting problems or anything weird with it, just that noise while driving and giving it gas.
Does that still sound like it could be the rear differential?

To me it would be weird if it was the tranny with the noise going away on coast and no other symptoms, but it could be. However, I bet it's a bearing somewhere. Finding it is the trick like the others suggested. I'd personally start with the rear diff like rdzes suggested.
Whining is the bearingese for "Change me, l before I explode!"

 

[Dustin Jackson]

I had a 96 Tahoe that would do that, I inspected the rear diff multiple times and put fresh fluid in it and I could never get to the bottom of it. Didn’t seem to affect anything in my case

 

[Doubeleive]

Hi, I drive a 2013 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3 (no 4x4). I have 216k miles, no problems. When I accelerate, I hear a loud droning/whining noise and when I let off or coast, it goes away. Even if I repeatedly tap it, it makes that noise. I have shared a link to the video for reference.

IMG_3112.MOV

drive.google.com

does sound like the pinion, but a rear-end shop could verify
small chance of it being other things, rule the pinion in/out first though.
if it is the pinion the good news is it maybe only around $650 or so, setting one up properly takes some practice. even after replacement it could still make some noise.
load setting has to be pretty much perfect for it not to whine upon accel/decell