Front 4wd noise under acceleration

[Avalanchediver]

2015 Yukon XL Denali is making noise under load. This noise happens when the 4wd is in auto or 4 High. This noise only happens when the drivetrain is under load or accelerating. No noise is heard in 2WD. My dealers service manager heard the noise. Then had a tech go with him and was told it was normal. I drove my friends 2016 Suburban and it does not have the noise, so it can not be normal.

The noiseis notso severe I think its going to come apart, but I'd be nervous to tow a snowmobile trailer in 4WD for 300 miles. It might not survive that much...

Took truck to a non dealer service center and was advised by a service manager I fully trust.... "it's not an issue, my 2015 Silverado sounds exactly the same". I am willing to pay for repairs but don't know where to begin. Everything has been inspected and seems ok to my mechanic as well as myself.

Anyone have any similar issues and/or thoughts on eliminating the noise?

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[swathdiver]

I'd start by changing fluids and finding out exactly which part is making the noise, a hub, front differential, u-joints, transfer case, etc.

 

[Avalanchediver]

I'd start by changing fluids and finding out exactly which part is making the noise, a hub, front differential, u-joints, transfer case, etc.

All fluids are completely fresh. Just done by GM dealer that says the sound is "normal". I assumed it was the front diff so I figured an oil change on it would show issues. No luck...

I appreciate your thoughts, please keep them coming!

 

[olyelr]

My wifes rig now has about 40k miles on it, and hers has a bit of a growl when in 4 wheel. Not such a severe noise that I have persued it, but it is certainly audible. I just assumed it is how the system sounds when in use.

 

[swathdiver]

Well, I would put her up on a lift or jack stands and crawl underneath with a stethescope (long extension). Engage 4WD before lifting and only idle it in drive while you stick one end of the extension in your ear and the other on the transfer case, front differential, hubs, etc. Test several areas of differential and TC.

 

[Avalanchediver]

Well, I would put her up on a lift or jack stands and crawl underneath with a stethescope (long extension). Engage 4WD before lifting and only idle it in drive while you stick one end of the extension in your ear and the other on the transfer case, front differential, hubs, etc. Test several areas of differential and TC.

I think that makes sense. I have set her up on stands and couldn't hear the noise, but didnt try with a s stethascope. Very hard to get them all spinning as the traction control generally has other ideas...

I'll give it a try once I find a helper...

 

[swathdiver]

Press the button for 5 seconds or so until both stabilitrak and traction control are turned off.

 

[the highlander]

Any resolution to this?

 

[tooleyondeck]

I had a similar issue with my 2016 Silverado 4WD. Being that it is only occurring when in 4H, check your wheel hubs and CV axles, particularly the boots.

 

[the highlander]

Thanks for this info. Going to look into it.

if its the CV axles,why wouldn't they make noise in 2wd since they are probably spinning anyways?

 

[sealandsky]

I'm curious as to how often you are driving around in 4 auto mode? And for that matter - under what conditions are you driving in 4H?

 

[the highlander]

Changing the shaft worked...

 

[BlaineBug]

Mine makes a distinct deep noise under load as well when in Auto or 4-Part Time. I too changed fluids early just as preventative measure. I'm not sure if it's front differential or transfer case related, but I am not concerned.

 

[Timothy Sargent]

Changing the shaft worked...

Can you elaborate more? I'm pretty much having same issue you described 2018 Yukon Denali, 50k millage. Under acceleration less than 20 miles per hour there's a rubbing noise. Brand new tires and fresh fluids didn't solve.