Chris Panke

Glad to hear you finally got it resolved with the dealership. Hopefully you never need to visit them again.

Quick update. After some back and forth with my dealership I was able to convince them to do the repair even though they insisted it wasn't possible because I had the GM suspension lift added to the truck and this TSB "was not authorized for Trail Boss models and models with GM suspension lift". Thanks to this forum I was able to show them that the stub shaft is the repair for the TSB and unrelated to the CV axle replacement for the GM suspension lift. They quickly understood, ordered the part, and one week later it came in for installation in same day of service. I then tested it out by making a 3,000 mile roundtrip visit to Colorado. Ambient temperatures over 60°. Can say that so far there isn't any noise. Hopefully it stays that way.

Thank you for the pics!! This makes sense from a materials perspective as the "jingle jingle" noise definitely sounds similar to a metal on metal contact. Change to a dissimilar material like polycarbonate and it eliminates the resonance. I just wonder why it is only the DRV side as I would think the PGR side stub shaft would have similar material and design. There must be a dimensional difference or an angle difference from side to side. Either way, I have shared these pics with my dealership as we wait for part arrival. Hopefully they can get me in soon so I can have a noise free summer.

Thank you for the confirmation. Dealer agreed to investigate it more deeply to insure the parts are compatible. Want me to bring the truck in to confirm so we'll see what they find out.

Any follow-up yet? Inquiring minds want to know I had the GM factory suspension lift installed and the noise went away completely but now after a few thousand miles it seems to have come back. Its not as loud as previous, but definitely the same noise and goes away shifting from 2WD to Auto AWD. I shared the new bulletin with my dealer and they said they can't do the repair because the bulletin is a CV axle swap which was already done with the GM factory suspension lift. I explained that the bulletin fix should be the stubshaft in the differential but they are saying that the work instruction and part number are for the CV shaft or "F Shaft" replacement, not the stubshaft, which I believe the stubshaft is the highlighted parts below:

I am familiar with TSB #PIP5653K but can't find anything newer than the July 14 2021 (attached) posting that states no repair at this time. I had found that earlier versions of the PIP recommended differential component replacements but that repair proved to be temporary as the noise would come back. Do you have a copy of the PIP that is newer than July-2021 GM PIP5653K_3 model year history of no resolution.pdf

10-4 on all of above. AJMBLAZER helped to clarify some items as the terms I was using weren't correlating. My bad. Also thank you for the differential diagram as it definitely helps to better understand the inner CV joint mating components. Regarding the difference in the Trail Boss axles, the only evidence I have of differences is from this forum. Like you I've seen that the axle length is different. On a separate forum that was specific to the GM Factory Suspension Lift it was mentioned by a member that the inner CV Joint housing (maybe outer ring?) was also a different diameter. I don't have evidence if that is accurate. Regarding the actual noise source then, has it been root-caused to the stub shaft mating to the cross-pin? Because if it is then some members commented that a differential swap didn't fix the issue. I imagine the stub shaft would be replaced with a differential swap, but maybe its possible that its reused in the swap. Also, it would be dang frustrating if a fix is out there and GM Engineering still isn't authorizing it. Do you have the jingle-jingle noise also and have resolved it with a stub shaft replacement? For now (the past 5 days) the issue seems to be gone with the cv axle swap. Hopefully it stays that way. By the way, I've attached a link to a video of the noise I have (don't have time to compress to post). The dealer had confirmed this as the jingle-jingle noise, but I would like to hear your thoughts on if it is similar to others experiences. https://photos.app.goo.gl/gZeLBcXCUWGS5rYw5

Understood now. Your meaning is the mating part of that joint by located within the differential assembly. That rockauto link has some interesting detail there and honestly, I hadn't thought to reference them as well for this issue. Based on the image, it looks like there is a different stub shaft based on the front supplier axle code. The SU5 supplied axle is okay to order just the stub shaft but the SU4 supplied axle requires you to order the half shafts along with the stub shaft. So it seems there is definitely a design difference between SU4 and SU5 axles. According the rockauto description, the SU4 has a larger lead in chamfer. I really hope the stub shaft repair on your truck is the fix and that GM Engineering can get off their ass to approve this repair at the dealerships. Good luck and thank you for the good explanation.

When you say stub shaft do you mean the outer ring axle (or roller housing) at the inner cv joint? The "short" or "stub" axle mating to the front differential in the attached image. If so then that makes sense because that is the component that fit loosely on my truck. My dealer won't attempt a repair though because of the GM bulletin.

Right, the axle shaft as a component of the inner CV joint of the front axle assembly. All I know is that on my truck the noise comes from the driver's side axle assembly. With truck on the ground the passenger side inner CV joint is tight (almost no movement). However, the driver side inner CV joint has movement and makes definite metal on metal sound. Again the passenger side doesn't have this at all. After the GM suspension lift with new front axle assemblies was installed the driver side is now tight without metal on metal contact noise. So, seemingly corrected so far. If I had to guess, I would say there is a tolerance stack up on certain axle assemblies married to certain front differentials that causes a poor fit. So the inner cv joint is "loose" and floats around in 2WD but is engaged in AWD so the noise goes away. Does that sound plausible?

Share your information sources. Per GM regional brand quality the SU4 axle is made by American Axle and the SU5 is made by GM (most likely subbed out to the former Delphi plant now run by Nexteer). Country of origin isn't known and to be quite honest doesn't matter as same manufacturing processes are used around the world. Haven't seen anyone share yet which axles go on the Trail Boss or if a Trail Boss has the same issue. It is relevant because the factory lift on the Trail Boss is same as GM factory lift that is sold as aftermarket accessory for non Trail Boss models. It comes with a different diameter cv axle to compensate for the increased angle at the differential. I had the dealer install the lift with the new cv axles and so far the noise is gone. GM Engineering won't authorize repairs of replacing SU4 axles nor differentials as that doesn't fix the issue. But it seems a different axle part number (oe- different axle design) may fix the issue. So in that perspective it is relevant to know if the Trail Boss axle is yet a different part number with corresponding RPO code.

Good to hear Philo! I cannot say that mine has corrected itself as the noise seemed to lessen or even go away with the winter temps. When it gets warm though (mid 40s and higher) the noise comes back. At this point I'm going to do the GM Suspension Lift Kit as it replaces the front CV axles. If the issue goes away completely then I know 100% it was the SU4 axle.

I've heard this issue described as a metal on metal "ringing", "jingling", and "chirping". Lots of good information in there and may be related to your comment that GM Engineering knows about the issue and "is working on a fix". My truck makes the noise and so does my dealership's Service Manager's truck. Latest news from him talking to the GM Regional service manager is that there was some discussion in meetings about it awhile back and now it is silent. Service is being told not to fix it as GM Engineering is working on a fix. They have produced three model years' worth of vehicles with this issue and it is believed to be still in production on the 2022s.

Good looking ride! What bumper is that? Its rare to see one that blends in so well with the front end geometrical shapes.

Good looking truck! What front bumper is that?

So far I've only heard of issues with the the SU4 axle which is made by American Axle Manufacturing. The SU5 axle is listed as GM Manufactured but I believe they sub that out to Delphi-Nexteer. What I'm not sure of is if the SU5 axle is only on the Trail Boss model which may be a longer axle like what GM provides with their 2" suspension lift or if certain powertrain packages require the SU5 axle. Now that it is getting colder out the noise seems to have lessened. It's a real challenge to understand what would be different between the axle types as well as the influence of ambient temperature to cause the noise. So for now I wait while BBB processes my claim and call the dealership once a month to find out if the regional brand quality manager has gotten any updates from GM Engineering. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any other options as GM is definitely not in any hurry to fix it... 3 model years of vehicles and counting.

This is the exact same setup I've been looking at except the Method 705 with +18 offset. I'm thinking it won't rub at all as it only kicks the tire outboard 3/4"

Nice looking truck! Really like the blacked out look for the wheels. What wheel & tire setup as I'm looking at something similar in 18" from Method. Also, what height suspension lift?

So after several back and forth phone calls with Chevrolet Customer Service this is the conclusion I am left with: - Dealership cannot repair the vehicle as GM Engineering is working on a fix which means no repair is available that dealership will receive payment for from GM - Dealership says GM needs to authorize buy back of vehicle - Dealership will help me get another truck but cannot give me same amount for my current truck as it has been driven 3k miles - Chevrolet Customer Service (supervisor level) cannot contact GM Engineering for timing to fix -- No ability to contact or allowed to contact to Engineering - Chevrolet Customer Service states that only dealership can learn timing of GM Engineering fix -- Dealership states no way to contact GM Engineering for timing to fix Conclusion: Dealership points finger to Customer Service and Customer Service points finger to dealership so no resolution. Customer Service only alternative is to write a letter to Chevrolet Customer Assistance. At this time I cannot fault the dealership as they are buying a defective product from GM and are not given a solution to fix the defective product. GM just continues to build without fixing or hearing customer concerns. For the life of me I cannot believe that this issue has gone on for 3 model years' worth of Silverado/Sierra, Tahoe/Yukon, and Suburban/Escalades without a fix. Next step is pursuing legal action either through Lemon Law attorney or BBB or both. Also file complaints to NHTSA.

I will look into BBB based on the dealership reply and GM reply to the filed incidences. GM hasn't said there isn't a fix, instead they are informing dealers to do the following: "Some customers may comment on a squeak or chirp noise in 2wd that goes away in 4wd. Some people may also describe it as a metallic jingle, ringing, click or tick. Condition is easiest to duplicate in warmer ambient temperatures, after approximately 30 miles of driving and is barely audible. Technician may notice that the noise seems to be from the front left axle seal area. This information only applies to the SU4 axle in pick up applications AND allutilities. This condition does not affect durability and or operation of the vehicle but may be annoying to some customers. Test drive the vehicle and confirm the noise is in fact as described above and inform the customer that as soon as a repair is validated this document will be updated communicating that repair to the dealer." So, in effect they are saying there isn't a repair but also, "trust us, nothing bad will happen". I'll attach the document I found on NHTSA website. MC-10201182-9999.pdf

I have a 2021 RST 5.3L with 11,000 miles and equipped with the SU4 axle. Purchased it certified pre-owned 4 days ago and had the issue confirmed at the dealer yesterday, but I am outside of their exchange window so they say I needed to work with GM. I went to GM and they said I need to work with the dealer. So I've filed complaints with both: The dealer for neglecting to identify a loose CV axle during its 172 point certified inspection and GM for buying back the vehicle which has a known defect. I'm not confident it will go anywhere as they've ignored this issue for 3 model years worth of Silverados, Tahoes, Suburbans, and Escalades with the American Axle Manufacturing supplied SU4 axle. The noise is disappointing enough, but I'm more concerned about the durability and safety of a CV axle bouncing around. What happens if the axle somehow locks up the differential at highway speed?

FWIW I took mine into the dealership yesterday and they confirmed PIP5653 and that they cannot repair it as there isn't an available repair due to GM Engineering still investigating a fix. One of the service advisors knew exactly what I was talking about as his 2019 Silverado makes the same noise. Two years for him experiencing the issue and waiting for a fix as well. I feel bad for the dealership as they are in a position to not fix it but know there is a problem. I also confirmed that PIP5653 is available on NHTSA website per obligated reporting of dealer notifications by OEMs to dealers, however there is no active TSB for this issue. When I contacted GM today to file a complaint, the customer service team couldn't identify any open issues related to "jingle/clink/squeak noise for front end". I also confirmed that the driver's side axle has "play" in it whereas the passenger side axle is tight as a drum with no movement. I am now negotiating with the dealership for buy back/exchange of the truck but it is a CPO (Certified Pre Owned) that is 4 days old for me. Means they can't exchange it per GM rules. So I filed a complaint with the dealer as the loose CV axle passed their certified inspection when it clearly shouldn't have. I also filed a complaint with GM who has opened a case number but I'm not confident it will go anywhere as they've ignored this issue for 3 model years worth of Silverados, Tahoes, Suburbans, and Escalades with the American Axle Manufacturing supplied SU4 axle. The noise is disappointing enough, but I'm more concerned about the durability and safety of a CV axle bouncing around.

Terry, any reply from the Exec Liaison? I just had my 2021 5.3L 4WD RST Z71 in to the dealer and they pulled up PIP5653 to explain the issue and there is nothing they can do. I understand that the dealership can't do anything if GM Engineering doesn't provide a fix but even they were shocked to learn that this has been under investigation for a solution since April-2019. After 2.5 years without a solution, I fear that GM won't ever fix this. If it is purely related to an AAM supplied axle then it would take less than a month to dimension out the AAM axle with comparison to "good" GM axle to find out the difference points. Then another 3-4 months to design a solution. Then another 6-8 weeks to make a prototype fix to test as resolving. Then make the durability testing which eats most of the time with a worst case scenario of 12 months to do. That puts us at a mass produced solution about a year ago... Anyone working on a class action suit for this issue? Seems to be a good candidate since there is a specific RPO code that designates 1 of 2 available axles without any resolution.

Any feedback on what the dealer found? I just bought a CPO 2021 Silverado RST and after 100 miles it started making the exact same noise as you recorded in your video.

Any feedback on what the dealer found? I just bought a CPO 2021 Silverado RST and after 100 miles it started making the exact same noise as you recorded in your video.