Noise In Front End

Cullihall · March 15, 2011

Hi guys.

I just got a new 2011 Sierra 4X4 with a manual transfer case. This is the third Sierra I have owned but it's the first one with a manual transfer case.

There is a terrible scraping noise in the front end when I drive in four Hi even on a snowy road. I took it back to the dealer and the mechanic told me that it is a normal sound for trucks with a manual transfer case. I'm no mechanic but this definitely does not sound normal to me.

Has anyone heard of a brand new truck normally making a scraping noise in four wheel drive before?

Stevens03 · March 15, 2011

Well, congrats on the new truck... but no.. It shouldn't be doing that. I'm sure a quick trip to the dealership will take care of the issue.

ocbasbalburg · March 15, 2011

Let me know what you find out... I have a 2010 with the manual transfer case and the first time I put it in 4HI, it was ok. The second and third time, the front end was nosier than I had thought it should be. I previously had a 4wheel drive vehicle so it was a noise I wasn't use to.

pm26 · March 16, 2011

There should be no difference between noise levels between auto actuated and manually actuated transfer case once engaged.

Maybe it is the sound of "Made in China" or "Made in Mexico" quality you are hearing?

For all the bragging about how GM has improved the quality, this type of stuff should not be happening.

Cullihall · March 16, 2011

There should be no difference between noise levels between auto actuated and manually actuated transfer case once engaged.

Maybe it is the sound of "Made in China" or "Made in Mexico" quality you are hearing?

For all the bragging about how GM has improved the quality, this type of stuff should not be happening.

This baby was made in Fort Wayne Texas.

The noise is like a scraping that gets louder as you accelerate.

I thought it strange when the mechanic at the dealership told me that the noise was normal so I went to GM and some lady is looking into the complaint. I can only hope that she does something for me.

Cullihall · March 22, 2011

Still no luck on the noisy front end.

Does anyone know what is or isn't normal for noise when it comes to manual vs electronic transfer case?

ocbasbalburg · March 24, 2011

I'm going to be dropping off my truck next week for this same issue. I'll let you know if I find anything out. They will have my truck for an entire day and will be checking on another issue as well.

Cullihall · March 24, 2011

I'm going to be dropping off my truck next week for this same issue. I'll let you know if I find anything out. They will have my truck for an entire day and will be checking on another issue as well.

Thanks ocbasbalburg. Please keep me posted.

Cullihall · March 29, 2011

To anyone who has wondered if this is supposed to be normal.

I just took another 2011 GMC Sierra with a manual transfer case out for a test drive and it sounded just like the one I have. This atrocious noise must be normal on new 4X4 GM trucks with a manual transfer case. If I had known this I would never have bought it. In my opinion, while traveling on a straight road, you should not be able to tell if you are in 4 High just by sound.

This sucks. I am stuck in a brand new truck that makes a terrible "but normal" sound that is bad enough that I won't even use the 4X4! Thanks GM.

beave84 · March 29, 2011

To anyone who has wondered if this is supposed to be normal.

I just took another 2011 GMC Sierra with a manual transfer case out for a test drive and it sounded just like the one I have. This atrocious noise must be normal on new 4X4 GM trucks with a manual transfer case. If I had known this I would never have bought it. In my opinion, while traveling on a straight road, you should not be able to tell if you are in 4 High just by sound.

This sucks. I am stuck in a brand new truck that makes a terrible "but normal" sound that is bad enough that I won't even use the 4X4! Thanks GM.

Keep taking in...three times then lemon law it.

fraiolib · March 29, 2011

To anyone who has wondered if this is supposed to be normal.

I just took another 2011 GMC Sierra with a manual transfer case out for a test drive and it sounded just like the one I have. This atrocious noise must be normal on new 4X4 GM trucks with a manual transfer case. If I had known this I would never have bought it. In my opinion, while traveling on a straight road, you should not be able to tell if you are in 4 High just by sound.

This sucks. I am stuck in a brand new truck that makes a terrible "but normal" sound that is bad enough that I won't even use the 4X4! Thanks GM.

Keep taking in...three times then lemon law it.

but nothings broke,.... its normal so...... thatll never happen

cmh2001 · March 30, 2011

I have a '11 Silverado, manual transfer case. I didn't have the noise you are talking about. However, the last time I had it in four wheel drive I did notice such a sound. I just chalked it up to mud or something in my undercarriage. After reading this thread though, I will have to take a close look to see if my sound is still happening. I had about 10,000 miles on it when I heard it. I have 12k now, but I haven't been 4WD lately.

ocbasbalburg · March 30, 2011

I was told that the noise was normal. In all honesty I'm not even sure that they took it out and drove it since I had it in for another issue. I'm going to try and find some dirt/stone somewhere and put the vehicle in 4hi the "old school" way. Basically stop the vehilce, put it in N, shift down to 4hi on the manual transfer case, put it in D and then see if there is noise. Then try it again "on the fly" and see if there is a difference.

I'm going to be dropping off my truck next week for this same issue. I'll let you know if I find anything out. They will have my truck for an entire day and will be checking on another issue as well.

Thanks ocbasbalburg. Please keep me posted.

JB Z71 · March 30, 2011

MIne is the auto. No noise in a straight line(in 4hi). But I leave it in auto mode now, I love it.

I can forget if it is wet or whatever just punch it coming out of a corner and no spin. It kicks in silently, traction control hardly ever kicks in. It just switches to 4 and sticks like glue. I love it.

MD Chevy · March 30, 2011

I have an 09 that has a funny sound as well. I took it to my dealer and they said it wasn't normal. They checked all the fluids and the front differential fluid was 'milky'. The service manager said to take it out and try it see if that fixed it, well I went to do some coyote hunting on a mountain and the noise is still present. I am gonna take it back in have them fix it. I know one thing, if it is normal I am also very pissed off about it! The owners are nice and willing to work with customers. I let everyone knows what the fix is if there is a fix.