Front End Chirp

DMurphy · December 16, 2010

Having trouble finding where this noise is coming from. It is an 2001 1500 Silverado. I have a high pitched chirping noise around the area of the left front tire. It speeds up the faster I go and only makes the noise under a load, when I let off the throttle the noise stops and comes right back as soon as I give it more throttle again. I had both front wheel bearings replaced a month ago and that didn't help. It has also started making a noise like something is binding up and popping when I make a turn with 4 wheel drive engaged and seems to be coming from the same area. Thanks for any help.

rebelman06 · December 16, 2010

What kind of surface were you on with the 4x4 engaged? An engaged 4x4 will bind on dry/hard surfaces that don't let the front wheels slip/spin as they turn. Have you considered the chirping noise being engine/transmission/exhuast related since it only occurs under load and when your on the throttle?

DMurphy · December 18, 2010

I was on ice. We had a hell of a batch of freezing rain here wed. night. I have considered the engine idler pulley, tensioner etc...but I am pretty sure it is coming from the front tire area. If I hadn't just put new brakes on a couple months ago I would suspect them it kinda sounds like a brake squeal only it chirps. I might have to break down and put it in the shop and let them take a look at it. It's got me baffled. I have jacked the truck up and checked for play and checked cv and u-joints, only thing I have not checked is bushings (sway bar maybe). Thanks