2001 GMC Sierra C3 - Sounds like driving on rumble strips briefly

thumpjr · November 15, 2013

Hey guys, thanks for having a great forum. I've been sifting through some good info.

I just purchased a 2001 GMC Sierra C3 with 145,000 miles (10 point buck totaled my old truck). I've noticed that when accelerating I will hear a sound like I'm driving over rumble strips. No heavy vibration at all in the truck. It does NOT happen consistently, only periodically usually when accelerating from a complete stop. It happens most when in first gear and usually stops when it shifts into 2nd, but it has happened at 30-40 mph as well.

It doesn't sound like a metallic grind or a high pitch whining. Its a low rumble like if you run off the side of the road for a second. It doesn't last more than a couple seconds and completely goes away when its not happening. It feels/sounds like its right under my feet. I've also noticed a light clunking sound when taking off and slowing down. It doesn't do this every time either.

From reading on this forum I know that these AWD trucks are notorious for carrier bearing problems but it doesn't like the videos I've watched or like others have described. I was just curious as to what you you think. Fingers crossed here, because I can't afford major repairs right now and unfortunately it did not do this during the test drives. Thanks!

gmtech4 · November 15, 2013

have a transmission technician road test the truck with you in it

thumpjr · November 16, 2013

Thanks for the suggestion.

Today a friend and I spent some time driving it around. We were able to get it to happen fairly consistently with heavy acceleration at around 10 mph or less. We've determined that the noise is definitely coming from the passenger side. My friend suggested that it might be the CV joint. It does not appear to be the transmission. The truck shifts smoothly and there is no shudder. It also engages quickly when selecting drive or reverse.