jeffm333
TYF Newbie
Hello Everyone -
2013 Suburban 1500 Z71 - Friction/Grind/Whine from front end between 45mph-60mph... Hub/Bearings? Front Diff? CV/Axle??? Diagnosis Help Needed!
Would like a little input from you guys on diagnosing this one...
On a lengthy road trip last month got some front end noise that when it started reminded me of front end wheel bearing / hub noise, but it was not happening consistenyl at all speeds... it was happening primarily between 45-60mph. Over 60 it would not be noticeable. Having the vehicle under acceleration or coasting down could affect the noise; it was more prevalent costing-down as opposed to when accelerating, but the noise does occur for both acceleration and deceleration. Occasionally it will be lighter or less noticeable, but it is generally pretty consistent. I can't be 100% from inside the vehicle, but it definitely sounds front and to the left. 2013 Suburban Z71 4WD; have only driven at this speed in 2WD so all my symptom description is only for 2WD.
Things I've looked at or tested:
- I put the transmission in neutral at that speed and coasted to see if the noise changed or stopped to try to identify or eliminate the transmission as the source. Putting the transmission in neutral did not stop or affect the noise.
- While on the trip as it got more noticeable, I put the truck up and gave the wheel yanks from various angles expecting to get some play indicating bearing wear and time for new hub, but it was solid and had no play at all that I could tell. (Is this truly a tell-tale sign the hubs/bearings are OK? This is how I was taught decades ago and it's always been an effective indicator of it being time to replace bearings)
- The wheel spun freely and I didn't notice any grinding or resistance, not that I was expecting much at such a low RPM rotation
- Brake components, steering, and axles all looked alright visually and did not seem to have any abnormal play
- I checked the fluid in the front diff (changed maybe 30k ago), was still at-level and looked in good shape.
- Switched the truck into and out of 4WD, things seemed to engage and disengage as expected; I was not in an area where I could drive the car up at that speed in 4WD though to see if/how the symptoms changed.
Truck is home now so I can put it up and do more analysis. Any suggestions on potential causes? Any suggestions on things to test/check to further identify the issue?
When researching I read on some other forums a few similar but not quite exact situations, and one person suggested just swapping the front axles for new since they are relatively cheap and easy, and that they had done this in a similar circumstance and it cured the noise. Anyone agree with this? Anyone have recommendations on axles/brands to seek out (or avoid)?
I have a few ideas of things to test in more detail in the garage but the post is long so I'll get some input before tossing up my potentially mediocre ideas... Thanks for getting this far in a lengthy post. Saying prayers I don't need to replace the front diff!
2013 Suburban 1500 Z71 - Friction/Grind/Whine from front end between 45mph-60mph... Hub/Bearings? Front Diff? CV/Axle??? Diagnosis Help Needed!
Would like a little input from you guys on diagnosing this one...
On a lengthy road trip last month got some front end noise that when it started reminded me of front end wheel bearing / hub noise, but it was not happening consistenyl at all speeds... it was happening primarily between 45-60mph. Over 60 it would not be noticeable. Having the vehicle under acceleration or coasting down could affect the noise; it was more prevalent costing-down as opposed to when accelerating, but the noise does occur for both acceleration and deceleration. Occasionally it will be lighter or less noticeable, but it is generally pretty consistent. I can't be 100% from inside the vehicle, but it definitely sounds front and to the left. 2013 Suburban Z71 4WD; have only driven at this speed in 2WD so all my symptom description is only for 2WD.
Things I've looked at or tested:
- I put the transmission in neutral at that speed and coasted to see if the noise changed or stopped to try to identify or eliminate the transmission as the source. Putting the transmission in neutral did not stop or affect the noise.
- While on the trip as it got more noticeable, I put the truck up and gave the wheel yanks from various angles expecting to get some play indicating bearing wear and time for new hub, but it was solid and had no play at all that I could tell. (Is this truly a tell-tale sign the hubs/bearings are OK? This is how I was taught decades ago and it's always been an effective indicator of it being time to replace bearings)
- The wheel spun freely and I didn't notice any grinding or resistance, not that I was expecting much at such a low RPM rotation
- Brake components, steering, and axles all looked alright visually and did not seem to have any abnormal play
- I checked the fluid in the front diff (changed maybe 30k ago), was still at-level and looked in good shape.
- Switched the truck into and out of 4WD, things seemed to engage and disengage as expected; I was not in an area where I could drive the car up at that speed in 4WD though to see if/how the symptoms changed.
Truck is home now so I can put it up and do more analysis. Any suggestions on potential causes? Any suggestions on things to test/check to further identify the issue?
When researching I read on some other forums a few similar but not quite exact situations, and one person suggested just swapping the front axles for new since they are relatively cheap and easy, and that they had done this in a similar circumstance and it cured the noise. Anyone agree with this? Anyone have recommendations on axles/brands to seek out (or avoid)?
I have a few ideas of things to test in more detail in the garage but the post is long so I'll get some input before tossing up my potentially mediocre ideas... Thanks for getting this far in a lengthy post. Saying prayers I don't need to replace the front diff!
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