2023 Chevy Tahoe chirping noise when starting — belts or brakes?

[ChristopherR]

Our 2023 Chevy Tahoe makes a chirping/squeaking noise whenever we turn it on. It’s gotten noticeably worse now that the weather has turned colder. It gets louder when I drive and turn the wheel.


I first took it to a local mechanic who said it was one of the belts and replaced it for about $120. The noise went away briefly but then came back.


We then took it to a second mechanic who said the new belt was cheap quality and recommended replacing both the serpentine belt and the A/C belt with higher-quality belts. That quote was around $750.


Finally, we took it to a Chevy dealer and paid for a full diagnostic. They told us it has nothing to do with the belts and instead it’s the brake sensor, and that the sensor and brakes need to be replaced — total cost around $1,700.


At this point, I honestly don’t know who to believe. The sound really seems like a belt noise to me, but I’m not a mechanic.


Has anyone dealt with a similar issue on a newer Tahoe? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Fless]

If the chirping starts before you even move the Tahoe, it's likely not the brakes. One of the pulleys along the serpentine belt path might be mis-aligned, squeaky, or fluid might be getting on the belt, something like that.

$750 for two new belts installed is a rip-off. It likely needs a new tensioner and/or idler pulley.

 

[ChristopherR]

If the chirping starts before you even move the Tahoe, it's likely not the brakes. One of the pulleys along the serpentine belt path might be mis-aligned, squeaky, or fluid might be getting on the belt, something like that.

$750 for two new belts installed is a rip-off. It likely needs a new tensioner and/or idler pulley.

Agreed, I told the Chevy dealer that the noise happens without the car moving, but they insisted that it was the breaks. I may have to get another opinion from a different mechanic.

 

[blanchard7684]

They are likely thinking it’s the brake booster. It is an accessory drive component that creates the vacuum for the brakes. They have been known to make chirping, buzzing, type noises.

 

[Fless]

They are likely thinking it’s the brake booster. It is an accessory drive component that creates the vacuum for the brakes. They have been known to make chirping, buzzing, type noises.

Which is wildly less work than doing the brakes.

OP: May we see the estimate details from the dealer?

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

Our 2023 Chevy Tahoe makes a chirping/squeaking noise whenever we turn it on. It’s gotten noticeably worse now that the weather has turned colder. It gets louder when I drive and turn the wheel.


I first took it to a local mechanic who said it was one of the belts and replaced it for about $120. The noise went away briefly but then came back.


We then took it to a second mechanic who said the new belt was cheap quality and recommended replacing both the serpentine belt and the A/C belt with higher-quality belts. That quote was around $750.


Finally, we took it to a Chevy dealer and paid for a full diagnostic. They told us it has nothing to do with the belts and instead it’s the brake sensor, and that the sensor and brakes need to be replaced — total cost around $1,700.


At this point, I honestly don’t know who to believe. The sound really seems like a belt noise to me, but I’m not a mechanic.


Has anyone dealt with a similar issue on a newer Tahoe? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Your vehicle is a 2023 model - is the new-vehicle warranty still in effect?

 

[ChristopherR]

Which is wildly less work than doing the brakes.

OP: May we see the estimate details from the dealer?

I just picked it up and this is what they gave me. I think they diagnosed the wrong thing. They drove it around and said the squeaking noise, when I told them to look for the chirping noise beneath the hood.

 

[ChristopherR]

Here is a video of the noise: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cy8pLfOtImloQhwUVID9hdrOdZSVWjLL/view?usp=sharing

 

[GMCnewbee]

My vote is for a belt tensioner. But the brake booster sounds like something that needs to be checked as well.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

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

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

Get a mechanics stethoscope from Harbor Freight, and with the hood open, start the motor and pinpoint the location of the noise.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Here is a video of the noise: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cy8pLfOtImloQhwUVID9hdrOdZSVWjLL/view?usp=sharing

Is your concern that little squeal right after hitting the starter, as it fires up? If so, sharing the video w/ your service advisor may be helpful

 

[blanchard7684]

Here is a video of the noise: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cy8pLfOtImloQhwUVID9hdrOdZSVWjLL/view?usp=sharing

good video thanks.

That sounds like a classic belt screech.

These things don't have a tensioner so that can be ruled out.

What is left is an accessory drive component or pulley with too much resistance. Likely an idler pulley with bearing going out.

 

[houstontaylor]

Mine was an AC belt tensioner that made noise when the weather was cold but it was more continuous. The new belt tensioner from Canada also made noise and I suspect they made the tensioner with bearings that were not suitable for cold weather. Possibly to save manufacturing expense? You could take off the AC belt and see if it's still makes the noise. Same with the serpentine belt temporarily.