Hood Noise and Leakage Near Front Left Tire

[NT1978]

Hey guys-I have a 2024 Tahoe and previously had the 5.3 engine completely fail and get replaced and just got the Tahoe back a month or so ago with the new engine. Today when I pulled the vehicle into the garage and turned the car off there was a loud noise under the hood like something was still running. I had to turn the car back on and then off to get it to stop. This then happened a couple more times and I also noticed a puddle of liquid under the front left tire which is a pinkish brown color.

I did some research and it appears there may be an issue with the power steering fluid. With that said, I have a few questions.

1. What in the heck could cause such a leak? Could it be tied to the reinstallation of my engine and other components from a month ago?

2. Since this is under warranty can I only take my vehicle to a Chevy dealer as tomorrow is Sunday and all dealers will be closed.

3. How complicated is this to fix? Can it be done in one day?

 

[djnice]

There is no power steering flluid in this gen Tahoe. It has electric power steering.

Pink is coolant. Red is trans. Coolant or trans hoses could have been left loose during the engine install.

Maybe the noise is electric cooling fans running because it's getting too hot without enough engine coolant in the system. Check your coolant level in the reservoir.

Warranty work has to be done at a GM dealer. You could pay a shop to get hoses tightened and coolant added.

 

[NT1978]

Thanks. I am not super handy so will want to take it somewhere. Do you think it's safe to drive today and wait until Monday or this week to get it taken care of?

 

[blanchard7684]

Hey guys-I have a 2024 Tahoe and previously had the 5.3 engine completely fail and get replaced and just got the Tahoe back a month or so ago with the new engine. Today when I pulled the vehicle into the garage and turned the car off there was a loud noise under the hood like something was still running. I had to turn the car back on and then off to get it to stop. This then happened a couple more times and I also noticed a puddle of liquid under the front left tire which is a pinkish brown color.

I did some research and it appears there may be an issue with the power steering fluid. With that said, I have a few questions.

1. What in the heck could cause such a leak? Could it be tied to the reinstallation of my engine and other components from a month ago?

2. Since this is under warranty can I only take my vehicle to a Chevy dealer as tomorrow is Sunday and all dealers will be closed.

3. How complicated is this to fix? Can it be done in one day?

What was the cause of the 5.3 failing?

 

[NT1978]

What was the cause of the 5.3 failing?

The fuel supply component was failing and starved the engine of fuel. They put the new engine in first and it was still making some vibrating noises which made them confident it was the fuel supply component (not sure the proper term). Thus they replaced that component too. Now before the engine went out and we got stalled on the road, we never had any forewarning like the engine cool down system kicking on or seeing any sort of fuel leakage, so this current issue appears to be different.

 

[djnice]

I am not 100% sure its coolant or how fast its leaking. I suggest checking the coolant level and adding coolant. See if that stops the noise. Then monitor how fast its leaking. I would of thought low coolant would show up as a message on the center display. You can also monitor coolant temp. If its above half way between C and H then its getting hot. Its probably ok to drive if its coolant, and not leaking too fast. It could get worse though, and a hose come off completely. Then you are stranded. You can get premixed GM coolant and keep a jug in the rig.

Also when you hear the noise, pop the hood and see if its the electric fans at the radiator running. You will know by the air blowing. They may shutoff when the hood release is pulled so you could just walk in front of the rig and hear them.

 

[djnice]

Adding coolant.

 

[djnice]

Another video.

 

[djnice]

If you're lucky it could just be that drain petcock not closed tight.

 

[NT1978]

I wanted to provide an update on what the diagnosis was with my Tahoe. I took it into the dealership yesterday and they said there was a hole in the radiator. I asked what could have caused it and they said if debris in the road hits it just right it could cause a hole and leak. Has anyone ever experienced this before? I have never had any such issues like this.

 

[djnice]

It can happen but not common.

 

[jfoj]

Hard for a hole to be in the radiator due to the AC condenser being in front of it.

My guess is the radiator was damaged during the engine replacement either when removal and installation or laying around the shop if they took it out.

If it was damaged due to road debris, the dealer should have been able to prove this to you and you would have been charged for replacement, the dealer should only warranty a defect or factory workmanship issue, not something damaged at the dealer by a tech (but they warranty this stuff all the time) or something that was damage while driving.

 

[NT1978]

Thanks for the update. They said the repair was under warranty so I am not going to complain about that...just seems odd. I do take my SUV through an automatic car wash often...perhaps something in there could have hit the radiator?

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Thanks for the update. They said the repair was under warranty so I am not going to complain about that...just seems odd. I do take my SUV through an automatic car wash often...perhaps something in there could have hit the radiator?

Not very likely, as said before. The radiator is offset from the front of the vehicle by probaby 12", and the Air Conditioner Condenser (looks like a radiator too) is between the radiator and the front of the vehicle.
Guessing, like stated above, it was damaged in the process of replacing your engine. The daeler fixed at no charge to you...so they either ate it, or sent it to GM. Either way...you are back in business.