04 Silverado 4x4 - Clicking/popping/grinding? Noise When Accelerating

[rockerZ71]

Several months ago I began to notice a clicking noise coming from under my truck. It was evident whenever moving slowly next to other cars or a concrete wall so that the sound would echo back up. I was advised to replace u-joints or maybe front wheel bearings. 2 weeks ago I ordered a bearing and replaced both of my rear U-joints. Have not yet messed with the bearing.

 

Either the clicking has gone away and I have a new problem, or it has gotten much worse. Now I notice this new sound only while accelerating. It is a louder clicking/popping sound that increases with spead. Sounds real bad, its embarassing to pull out of my driveway with neighbors around. It does not do it when I rev up the engine in park, and while I am just coasting the truck is quiet.

 

As I said, I replaced the 2 rear U joints 2 weeks ago with the heavy duty versions Advance sells, I forget the brand. To give some idea where the sound is coming from, I thought it sounded like maybe the front U joints, but those shouldnt be turning in 2wd, right? The transfer case has fluid.

 

Any advice?

 

Thanks

 

 

ETA: I am not a mechanic by any means so take my opinions about where the noise is originating from with a grain of salt

ETA again: A week or 2 before I replaced the U joints I started hearing a screeching noise when backing out of the driveway and occasionally at other times. It went away on its own after a couple days and I have not heard it since. Maybe related.

[rockerZ71]

I should add that the sound did not start happening just after changing out the U joints. The sound just started getting bad the last couple days. I went hunting over the weekend and drove over some rough roads, but I didn't notice it get bad until the following day

[mcmoon88]

I have a similar issue (see post from mcmoon88) in my 2007 Suburban. I stood on the running board while a friend accelerated the vehicle and I was able to tell that the noise is comming from the rear of the vehicle.

[rockerZ71]

I have a similar issue (see post from mcmoon88) in my 2007 Suburban. I stood on the running board while a friend accelerated the vehicle and I was able to tell that the noise is comming from the rear of the vehicle.

 

The guy at the service station near my office thinks its either the front drive shaft U joints or the bearing where it connects to the transfer case.

[rockerZ71]

Anyone know what part(s) I need to replace for where the front drive shaft connects to the transfer case?

 

Thanks

[txab]

Are you talking about the u-joint?

[rockerZ71]

Are you talking about the u-joint?

 

 

No I got those already, and assuming replacing them doesn't eliminate the noise the guy at the shop said it would be some kind of bearing or something like that where the shaft connects to the t-case. Inside that rubber boot or maybe just behind it, just inside the case)

[twavor]

Are you talking about the u-joint?

 

 

No I got those already, and assuming replacing them doesn't eliminate the noise the guy at the shop said it would be some kind of bearing or something like that where the shaft connects to the t-case. Inside that rubber boot or maybe just behind it, just inside the case)

 

I'd try saving myself some time and money and remove the front driveshaft, drive the truck and see if the noise is still there. If I remember correctly, there is a splined stub shaft sticking out of the t-case....there is a bearing and seal in the t-case, if the bearing was bad enough to be making a noise, I imagine the seal would be leaking or you'd have bigger problems with the t-case. Nevertheless, I'd still just remove the front shaft and drive it just to see if it makes a difference at all.

 

Travis

[gmtech4]

+1 ^^^^^^ what travis said,those bearings he is talikng about is not a 2 second job and they don't fail to often ,

 

take it to a garage that knows WTF they are doing ,that is a dealer,noise over the internet is no fun to diagnose and throwing parts at it would pay for a diag!

[rockerZ71]

Turned out to be the transfer case. I took out the front driveshaft and the noise was still there, so I took it to a phillips 66 service station near my office where they spent a while helping me diagnose it for free. No way was I going to pay the dealer $100 just to tell me whats wrong when there are people all over who will do it for free.

 

I got a used transfer case put in for significantly cheaper than getting mine rebuild. I would have preferred the rebuild but I have to pay for a wedding coming up so whatever is cheaper is best

[twavor]

No way was I going to pay the dealer $100 just to tell me whats wrong when there are people all over who will do it for free.

Good to hear that you got it figured out, but I hope that you will bless the Phillips 66 service station with your business in the future, or at the least you could have thrown the guy a $20. Their time costs them money.

 

Just my .02

 

Travis

[rockerZ71]

No way was I going to pay the dealer $100 just to tell me whats wrong when there are people all over who will do it for free.

Good to hear that you got it figured out, but I hope that you will bless the Phillips 66 service station with your business in the future, or at the least you could have thrown the guy a $20. Their time costs them money.

 

Just my .02

 

Travis

 

 

 

Yeah that's the way I saw it -- the manager was friendly and generous with his time, knowing that I planned to do repairs myself. He initially thought it was U joints until the noise worsened, and told me to try replacing them. When the problem got worse, I went straight to him to have him do the transfer case. Much more friendly way of doing business than working with the dealer who wants to nickle and dime me the whole way. Definitely a better way to build loyalty.