Few issues

SarahsGMC · May 6, 2013

As most of you know i went through some water and mud recently since then ive had some awful sounds up front.

It sounds like a wheel bearing issue but Ive also heard it could be U joints. The sound im hearing is similar to if you took a metal coffee can put rocks in it and turn it this is when the truck moves at any speed. But if i do wheel bearing checks (moving the tire etc) theres no play. Its hard to tell if theres a hum due to the tires humming but mostly i just hear that awful sound.. any ideas?

also i have what i believe is a slow drip in power steering fluid.. i havent lost power steering but its leaving some good size puddles in the driveway and all over the differential/cross members etc. could this most likely be a seal or something worse? theres no spraying when i turn the wheel it just looks like a slow leak I did have to add some.

and lastly i have an exhaust manifold leak, how serious is this? is it something i can put off for a couple months to do headers or should i get a gasket asap? also how easy of a job is it to do? i hear its not fun..

MikeNH · May 6, 2013

Have you taken the wheels and rotors off by any chance? There may just be sand and crap all worked into everything. I wouldn't think it'd be u-joints as the d-shaft should only spin in 4WD on these trucks and usually when they go it's a high pitched, repetitive squeak. You can check them easily enough by grasping the output yoke on the t-case or the pinion yoke on the diff and trying to twist the driveshaft. The t-case *might* have to be in neutral for that, I can't recall. If you do, BLOCK THE BACK WHEELS. Park doesn't work with the t-case in neutral. The trick I always used to use in the shop is to put a long screwdriver/ratchet extension up against the back of the bearing on the knuckle and spin (or have someone spin) the tire with your ear to the other end of the tool. If you hear grinding, chances are the bearing is toast (if you have access to a stethoscope obviously that is better).

On my 2003 the seal on the pump behind the pulley (shaft seal) leaked for a couple years. I never wanted to change it. Best thing to do is clean up the mess and drive for a bit and check it to try and get a better idea where it comes from. If they make a dye for P/S systems you could try that too.

If a manifold leak is bad enough I think you can eventually burn a valve but I see (hear really) plenty of people with toasted manifold seals and they keep going. The job's difficulty will depend on how rusty things are under there. a 2006 truck that has lived in Michigan is probably going to be rough. I know I've read of people snapping manifold studs and such.

SarahsGMC · May 6, 2013

no i havent taken the rotors off i did take the wheel off and try spinning it but couldnt get the sound just a rubbing sound of the brakes, there is some mud still on there maybe washing it out after taking the brakes off? ill try this probably wednesday.

the leak area is a mess ill clean it up and give that a go, doing the dye is expensive and i dont have access to it so that will be a last resort, being that its so slow im pretty sure its just a seal but i need to be sure, this is something ill probably have a shop do since im not familiar with pumps yet.

as far as the manifold leak when i step on it i hear a airy sound i always thought it was the vortec making sounds but now that my brother mentioned i have a leak im thinking its that, i really dont want to damage such a good engine so ill probably put this at the top of the list now.. the engine its pretty rust free but my manifolds look pretty interesting down lower towards the cat so i dont know what im in for yet. the truck is rust free though.

Bad Bowtie2 · May 7, 2013

Lucas makes a GREAT power steering stop leak fluid. Just pour it in....

SarahsGMC · May 7, 2013

I could check that out if it turns out to not be too serious

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bossier62guy · May 8, 2013

The exhaust manifolds are easy in my opinion....the only problem I can see you running in to is possibly snapping a bolt. Soak em down w/ some PB Blaster, etc. a few days before you do it. From your description it doesn't sound like you have much of a leak....if that's the case I'd hold off for the headers....but if you're not planning on long tubes save your money and install some new gaskets on the stock manifolds.