Wheel bearing sound but definitely not wheel bearing

[cutsheal5]

So I have recently developed a noise on my 01 denali I thought It was the tires at first or a wheel bearing, but the noise is only active when I thouch the throttle if I am coasting or breaking there is zero noise as soon as I touch the throttle I get the noise sounds like a wo wo wo wo not grinding just humming I have heard carrier bearings are common. I am new to working on these trucks as I have always had cars but I am very mechanically apt what's the best way to check this situation out its really annoying, mind you It's snowing here and I have no access to a hoist. Just floor jacks and stands

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

What part of the vehicle does it sound like its coming from?

Denali AWD yes? maybe a transfer case whine , a buddys C1 denali truck did that before his broke, but it also had a slight "clanking" noise to it as well

 

[cutsheal5]

Yes it's awd honestly sounds like its the left front wheel if I listen closely

 

[txsmainevent]

Had something similar. End up being the wear bar on the brake pads. Just throwing it out there before you assume worse. It wouldn't make any sounds sitting still.

 

[cutsheal5]

thanks but I am pretty sure its not the brakes as it only happens under light acceleration or cruising, I'm 70-80% sure its the front diff. I have also read that the front driveshafts are known for making noise and there is a replacement driveshaft available. How would i Find out if it has been replaced with the new updated one, Also does anyone know any good sites to buy a front diff rebuild kit (bearings and seals) I would prefer timken, The front diff is leaking a little oil now anyways so I might as well just get it all done rather just have the parts so the tranny shop can just do it.

 

[Parthery]

Differential....and if it sounds like left front it's likely the front one.

 

[livingez_123]

I would say the front diff. Pull your drain plug and see if you have any metal stuck on the magnet. there good to about 100k depending on how you use your truck. It is a common problem and if you catch it soon enough you can get away with new bearings. I just had mine done and it was $465, that was me pulling it out and bringing it in.

 

[chacho44]

thanks but I am pretty sure its not the brakes as it only happens under light acceleration or cruising, I'm 70-80% sure its the front diff. I have also read that the front driveshafts are known for making noise and there is a replacement driveshaft available. How would i Find out if it has been replaced with the new updated one, Also does anyone know any good sites to buy a front diff rebuild kit (bearings and seals) I would prefer timken, The front diff is leaking a little oil now anyways so I might as well just get it all done rather just have the parts so the tranny shop can just do it.

Lmao, I got the same thing goin on with my 03esv smh. Tackling the front differential soon, post where u got your bearing kit from. Gl

 

[cutsheal5]

thanks for all the replys guys, being as I no longer have a shop to work in I was thinking about having someone else rebuild the diff for me but then I found this

http://gmgearheads.com/Buy-Now/

Anyone have experience with these guys seems legit 1 year unlimited mile warrenty and free shipping! Pop the old one out pop this one in everythings new with warrenty for about the same price it would cost to have rebuilt

Is there any difference in gearing for the denalis or are they all the same from 01-06>?

 

[livingez_123]

Lmao, I got the same thing goin on with my 03esv smh. Tackling the front differential soon, post where u got your bearing kit from. Gl

I'm in Portland and I took my front diff to Six States Dist, they did it for $460 give or take a few $$

 

[chacho44]

I'm in Portland and I took my front diff to Six States Dist, they did it for $460 give or take a few $$

What was the problem in the first place, bearings? What was replaced, and did you take the differential to them or...

 

[2004rst]

What was the problem in the first place, bearings? What was replaced, and did you take the differential to them or...

X2 What was the issue? My Yuk just started making the same noises the other day...

 

[EastTXYukon]

Wifes 04 tahoe is making a similar noise. It sounds like humming tires, and its coming from the left front wheel area, but only really when accelerating or decelerating in between 35 and 45 mph.
Its not the front diff because this is on a 2wd

 

[Yukon04]

Differential....and if it sounds like left front it's likely the front one.

Same on mine this was the issue the bearings were shot

 

[cutsheal5]

well got the diff apart and it was definetly the carrier bearings, its extremely bad so bad infact that the carrier bearings came right off the carrier by hand...... heres a little pic for everyone.

 

[chacho44]

Damn! My tear down will begin the end of this month

 

[livingez_123]

What was the problem in the first place, bearings? What was replaced, and did you take the differential to them or...

It started out as just a slight noise when you would go into the throttle or back out of it. you could tell in was a gear whine. Pulled the drain plug and it was a metal shower coming out. Pulled the front diff and and I got lucky that is was the carrier brgs. They say it's very common. some fail as early as 75k and others seem to make it 150k but in the end it's the weak aluminium case and design.
I hope to swap in my 2wd trans and rear driveline before I ever have to do it again.

 

[chacho44]

It started out as just a slight noise when you would go into the throttle or back out of it. you could tell in was a gear whine. Pulled the drain plug and it was a metal shower coming out. Pulled the front diff and and I got lucky that is was the carrier brgs. They say it's very common. some fail as early as 75k and others seem to make it 150k but in the end it's the weak aluminium case and design.
I hope to swap in my 2wd trans and rear driveline before I ever have to do it again.

For this carrier bearing does the whole differential have to be removed? Or can the bearings be changed with the unit still bolted up? I never repaired a rear end or anything so this will be my first time. Tear down and removal ain't a problem its just what's inside I never messedwith.

 

[bigbird189]

I just replaced the front differential bearings. My 05 denali was making a whinning sound from acceleration to deceleration. found out that my seal was leaking and leaked out almost all the oil. I replaced the bearings and seals and took it for a test drive, and problem went away. The race was still good so I didn't have to replace that. My bearings had some major pitting going on.

 

[livingez_123]

If you didnt replace your race's with your bearings you will be replacing them sooner. It is always best to replace the bearing and race together. most all re-builders replaces in pairs.

once the bearing starts to wear there is a pattern worn into the race, you shorted the life of your bearings by many miles.