2017Tahoe 4x4 making weird low hum - front left

[TahoeFL2017]

Getting a weird low hum, not loud but annoying, seems to be from the Driver's side front wheel, nothing looks amiss though

No pulling or shaking, and the caliper doesn't appear to be dragging, so shouldn't alignment or brakes, truck just feels "heavy" , checked tire pressure, put in premium gas, etc

Recently put about 10k miles on newer tires, is this maybe a big nothing?

Tires breaking in weird maybe?

Feels like a slight drag, almost like the 4x4 is on, but not quite that much - just enough to be noticed

Any ideas?

 

[B-train]

Does the noise change when turning left or right? A slight turn when rolling about 30 mph side to side and transfer the weight

Try moving the front tires to the back and inspect for abnormal wear. Check tire pressure.

Jack up that wheel and spin by hand and see if you hear a grumbling noise.

It sounds like a wheel bearing to me, but there maybe more to it. Make sure it's in 2 HI and not AUTO 4wd

 

[OR VietVet]

@B-train said, he beat me to it. Does sound like maybe a wheel bearing. If the noise maybe gets a little louder with that slight turn to right and puts more load on the left front, that is your culprit. The load is opposite for the other side with a slight turn left. But very well could be tires. Do as suggested and report back.

 

[BlaineBug]

The noise should change when steering which puts stress on the bearings in different ways.

 

[wjburken]

Might also check the CV Axles as well.

 

[TahoeFL2017]

Appreciate all the replies, I'll try jacking it up and spinning the wheel

Drove 150 miles last night , all highway @ 80mph, barely noticeable but definitely there, feels kinda like when you put it in "tow" mode but it's not in tow mode, just a slight odd drag feeling.

Tires look good, pressure is good, calipers are not sticking.

Are the wheel bearings a strong possibility, on a 70k mile truck?

I know it depends on use, I don't really tow or go off road, just city and highway.

 

[BlaineBug]

Appreciate all the replies, I'll try jacking it up and spinning the wheel

Drove 150 miles last night , all highway @ 80mph, barely noticeable but definitely there, feels kinda like when you put it in "tow" mode but it's not in tow mode, just a slight odd drag feeling.

Tires look good, pressure is good, calipers are not sticking.

Are the wheel bearings a strong possibility, on a 70k mile truck?

I know it depends on use, I don't really tow or go off road, just city and highway.

I replaced both front hubs at 43,000 due to passenger front making noise. I thought the mileage was low too but then remembered how shit brand new crap is. I could have warrantied it but didn't want to bother with that process of waiting for potentially days.

 

[B-train]

I've never replaced one wheel bearing on all the yukons I've owned. Many up to and above 200k. I guess it depends on the luck of the draw???? Again, there are others that have had issues, so it is a possibility.

One last thing to check. Does the truck pull to the left when going down a flat road. Can you check the toe-in with a helper and see where that sitz as well. Looking for about 1/16" difference front to back with the rear of the tire being slightly wider than the front of the tire. Measure at the same height front and back of tire and from a repeatable location to get (center rib, etc)

 

[OR VietVet]

In my build thread you will see I did the hub bearings and axles at same time because I wanted it all new at the same time. I sold the old used ones and got some money back. They were not causing problems but knew I had a big trip coming up and wanted to head everything off.

 

[TahoeFL2017]

Jacking it up an spinning the front wheel in a few minutes, we'll see if it wobbles or sounds like it's dragging.

Just got back from driving it, doesn't pull either direction, and when you shift the weight around at 30mph by swerving, no difference in the sound.

Sounds worse with the windows closed, low humming.

Tire also possible cause?

This started after multiple 2 hour trips to see a relative in Florida - been driving 70 miles each way helping them get settled after moving here, 80 mph each way, all highway.

Every week, round trip once at a minimum.

 

[OR VietVet]

Did you check front diff and rear diff fluid levels and for cleanliness? Noises travel around in these rigs. But now I am leaning toward a tire noise but you can rotate and see if noise follows.

 

[swathdiver]

Probably a hub.

 

[TahoeFL2017]

Put it on jacks and both front wheels spin normally with no weird noises

Tires maybe?

I’m guessing bearings/hubs are ok because no noises up on jacks, correct me if I’m wrong on this still trying to figure it out

 

[wjburken]

Put it on jacks and both front wheels spin normally with no weird noises

Tires maybe?

I’m guessing bearings/hubs are ok because no noises up on jacks, correct me if I’m wrong on this still trying to figure it out

What did the Cv axles look like? We’re the boots intact?

The challenge is wheel bearings can be in the initial stages of failure and with out the load of the vehicle on them, they won’t exhibit any issues.

 

[B-train]

I agree with OR VietVet about checking the condition of the front diff fluid. If you've never changed it, it's a cheap thing to do and then you'll get a look at what comes out. The older generation of yukons with all wheel drive used to develop a rhythmic moaning sound and it was usually front diff bearings that were wearing.

I know you jacked it up and spun the tires,but I would advise getting all 4 tires off the ground SAFELY. At that point you can let the truck idle in drive in 2wd and 4wd and see if you notice any noise. A mechanics stethoscope comes in handy as well to listen to the hubs with wheels spinning from the back side. Again do all of the SAFELY. I've done this numerous time to diagnose wheel bearing and it works good most of the time.

 

[OR VietVet]

I agree with OR VietVet about checking the condition of the front diff fluid. If you've never changed it, it's a cheap thing to do and then you'll get a look at what comes out. The older generation of yukons with all wheel drive used to develop a rhythmic moaning sound and it was usually front diff bearings that were wearing.

I know you jacked it up and spun the tires,but I would advise getting all 4 tires off the ground SAFELY. At that point you can let the truck idle in drive in 2wd and 4wd and see if you notice any noise. A mechanics stethoscope comes in handy as well to listen to the hubs with wheels spinning from the back side. Again do all of the SAFELY. I've done this numerous time to diagnose wheel bearing and it works good most of the time.

Mechanic's stethoscope, 12 volt test light and DVOM are my most used tools, besides my eyes.

 

[B-train]

I forgot to mention that you'll probably need to turn off traction control in order to let the wheels spin freely

 

[TahoeFL2017]

Sounds like it needs to go up on a lift, local shop will do it for me. I’ll reply back after, appreciate all the replies!

 

[tungsten]

If noise changes when turning its wheel bearing,tire would make noise if its feathered a little.I have some Goodyear Wranglers that are worn.The noise they make youd swear the front diff is falling apart.

 

[TahoeFL2017]

Drove it again today, there is some drag on the power, slight, but there, and the noise is more of a moan if you listen closely.

Louder with the windows UP, so I'm thinking hub/differential, it kinda sounds like all wheel drive in engaged but it's not.