Popping,clunking,snapping Noise In Front End

Flashy2003 · August 25, 2009

I've read numerous threads with similar issues but know one has seemed to fix anything. I have a 07' GMT900 Silverado 4x4 Ex-cab with about 16k on it. When turning right or left, going forward or backward i get a loud noise in the front end.??? Its louder on the left side. But its on the right side to. Ive brought it to the dealer three times and looked at it myself and can seem to find anything wrong. I checked the body mounts, ball joints, shocks, you name it I looked. Do any of you have any similar problems in the new trucks. Im running out of ideas.???

asilverblazer · August 25, 2009

Yes, and I'm out of ideas too, as well as warranty.

Matt_ · August 25, 2009

Just posted this in another thread, applies here too. Oh and don't always assume the dealer tech, or any tech for that matter did everything possible to find the noise. I had a knack for locating root causes for noises that even 30+ year master techs couldn't identify.

How did you determine everything is tight? It often takes some strategically placed pry bars to determine which parts are giving in. Unless parts like the balljoints are completely worn, you often can't tell just by wiggling the tire.

Jack the front end up from as far out on the lca as you can so that the suspension does not droop. Then try using a pry bar inbetween the knuckle and control arms to see if the pop side-to-side. Do a similar check at the control arm bushings and check to make sure all the bolts are torqued.

Edit, jacking the truck up from the crossmember allows the suspension to sag which puts pressure on all of the joints thereby making it difficult to identify worn components

blackbay2005 · August 25, 2009

Had problem. Was in for oil change yesterday and told service guy that i had a creaking noise while turning sharp at slow speeds.

The tech took the front tires off and supposedly put a special grease on the caliper pistons.

Creaking noise is now gone.

johnp3 · August 25, 2009

If you have aluminum wheels, they will creak and snap, Take them off and look if there is a scalloped pattern between the studs What I do is, take off the brake calipers and disc, clean the disc mounting surfaces, both sides, put a thin coat of Neverzise, between the hub and the disc assemble and put another coat between the disc and the wheel. torque the wheels drive for one day re torque then again in a week or so. It worked for me and on other vehicles. Not only that, you get better heat transfer on none corroded parts and the wheels will come off.

Flashy2003 · August 25, 2009

So, I went to the dealer today and figured if I took one of the techs for a ride they will have a better understanding for the noise. Well after about 20min of making this painful noise in my truck neither of us had any answers. He told me just wait till it gets worse or breaks. What kind of advice is that? Im gonna try every thing you guys suggested and ill report back with hopefully a fix. Oh yeah, and he took notice to my Black Bear tune and was quizzing me on it. Made me a little nervous to say anything but he was young and seemed to be more interested in the tune and performance than any of the warranty issues.

blackout07 · August 25, 2009

He told me just wait till it gets worse or breaks.

Take that guy for another ride and record him saying that. Then when your truck does break and it causes a major accident, you can go back and just purchase the entire dealership with your settlement money.