Vibration in Front End

Piercey PEI · December 5, 2013

I have 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Navada Edition 4.8L with 55500 km. In the summer I was getting around 19 MPG, now I getting between 12-14 MPG. 2 months ago I started feeling a slight drag in the front end, and sometimes when I turn right the left front tire would chirp around the corner. When I'm on the highway it feels like I am constantly driving into a headwind. Lately I can feel a vibrating buzz at 40 km/h. I am stuck, I've had it into the dealership 5 times in the last 6 weeks, 4 licensed mechanics have taken it for a test drive. Nothing. I thought it was a bearing in the front diff so yesterday I got then to change the front diff fluid expecting to find metal shards on the plug, Nothing. (There goes $80) At first I thought it was the breaks, can't seem to find anything wrong with them.

Please Help, Thanks

dgrinnell · December 5, 2013

Well Im dealing with almost the same thing, But mine made a whining noise also. Took to the dealer and ended up being a pionion bearing as they got deaper into the diff the metal got into the case and trashed the ring and pinion gears. Should be getting my truck back today. 2012 Silverado CC 4x4 6.2L

Red Clay · December 5, 2013

Check your wheel bearings. Just jack up the front end and try shake and rotate each tire.

MikeInCtown · December 5, 2013

I only have a 2wd, but when I hear humming I instantly think hub bearing. The chirping has me baffled thoug because normally you would find that when you have a broken sway bar link.

Piercey PEI · December 5, 2013

Well Im dealing with almost the same thing, But mine made a whining noise also. Took to the dealer and ended up being a pionion bearing as they got deaper into the diff the metal got into the case and trashed the ring and pinion gears. Should be getting my truck back today. 2012 Silverado CC 4x4 6.2L

Was there metal shaving stuck to the plug? What made them go ahead and tear it apart

dgrinnell · December 6, 2013

Well they had to tear it done to do the bearing I guess and thats when they looked it all over and found the rest of the issue. Still havent gotten it back due to parts got delayed in the back weather. So hoping to get it back somtime soon

Piercey PEI · December 8, 2013

Thanks for the feed back. I have done a little bit of searching, when a pinion bearing goes u can see fluid on the diff where the drive shaft connects. I think, can someone please confirm? If pinion goes, will u find metal shavings on the diff drain plug? Thanks

dgrinnell · December 8, 2013

Mine show no fluid on the diff but doesn't mean it cant happen.

Piercey PEI · December 9, 2013

Turns out that vibration I was feeling in the front, was coming from the rear diff

Piercey PEI · December 14, 2013

Hold on a sec. The only thing they found in the rear diff was a bad pinion seal. WTF My fuel mileage is only getting worse. I think I'm around 9 - 10 MPG. Now that it's cold, u can really feel the vibration. The guys at the dealership are starting to get mad at me, I've had it in there 8 times in 3 months. They keep tilling me there is nothing with my truck. Whatever it is they don't want to fix it.

MikeInCtown · December 14, 2013

At this point I'd be taking it to another dealer or calling GM. 10MPG is absolutely insane for them to be telling you nothing wrong. Your dealer just doesn't want to take the time to diagnose the issue apparently.

Piercey PEI · December 18, 2013

Just filled up today 10.91 MPG

Piercey PEI · January 13, 2014

I don't think it's in the drivetrain anymore. I've got 58000 km. My warranty runs out at 60000 km. On Oct 25/13 after driving 100 km I could feel a sudden lack of power, and a slight vibration, witch I can still feel today. Since then I have been getting between 11-14 MPG, it feels like I'm constantly driving into a headwind, the exhaust smells rich and it idles funny. I took it to a different dealship last week, they changed my alcohol content from 17% to 3% and what a difference. The vibration was still there but I had almost all the hourspower back, but that only lasted for a day. Any ideas?

MikeInCtown · January 13, 2014

With a vibration and lack of power it seems like you are drivetrain related now vs something like a ball joint or control arm. I would take it right back as you need to document the problems before the warranty expires AND make sure that GM doesn't place you in the "fixed" category.