"Knocking" Noise in Front-End

gilliam · September 18, 2004

Hey guys, I own an '03 Z-71 Ext Cab LT, bought it this summer with 14k miles. After a month of driving, I had the dealer perform the intermediate steering shaft lube job, to fix the steering column knock.

However, I still have a noise coming from the left side of the front end (but not felt in the steering wheel). When I took it back in to the dealer, a technician rode with me, and could hear the noise too. The diagnosis was that they loosened the front fender and retightened the bracket, claiming that the fender was misaligned.

But the noise still exists! It makes the "knock" noise at low speeds, just about every time I take off from a stop light. Sounds like something loose is popping into place.

Has anyone else experienced a similar noise? If so, what can I do?

Thanks!

99Silver6.0 · September 19, 2004

Mine does the same dam thing. That is if were thinkng about the same noise. Mine only does it when im backing up and turn the wheel to near full lock right or left. Makes a loud pop noise and it really is annoying. Maybe if I leave it long enough I will get pissed off and buy a new truck. I believe there is a fix floating around the net somewhere. Its a GM TSB. The steering shaft down at the steering box is removed and a small tube of grease is injected into the shaft and it supposedly cures the popping problem.

ktmjim215 · September 19, 2004

For the knock/pop noise at near full lock on the steering have the turn stops lubed at your next oil change. That should cure your problem.

nightowl · September 19, 2004

My '03 Z71 makes a knock on the left front when I take off from a stop. It is louder when I take off and I'm making a left turn. I can feel it a little in the floor also. I also have a very slight knock or rattle I can feel in the steering wheel when I'm crusing down the road. It isn't very bad, but I notice it. Would this be the steering shaft needing lubed?

gilliam · September 19, 2004

My '03 Z71 makes a knock on the left front when I take off from a stop. It is louder when I take off and I'm making a left turn. I can feel it a little in the floor also. I also have a very slight knock or rattle I can feel in the steering wheel when I'm crusing down the road. It isn't very bad, but I notice it. Would this be the steering shaft needing lubed?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did have the steering shaft lubed already, this sounds like something else. Just about always happens when I take off from a stop. Drives me Crazy!!!!

ktmjim215 · September 19, 2004

If you feel the pop around the drivers floorboard area check the body mounts at the front of the cab. Some require a shim, make sure yours are tight.

SilveradoRob97 · May 14, 2006

Mine has a loud knocking on the drivers side weither or not i drive on a bumpy road. It sounds like something is loose and knocking in place. This started 2 days ago after an alignment last wednesday and now the alignment is worse then it was before. Can anybody tell me what this could be.

sx460 · May 19, 2006

Mine has a loud knocking on the drivers side weither or not i drive on a bumpy road. It sounds like something is loose and knocking in place. This started 2 days ago after an alignment last wednesday and now the alignment is worse then it was before. Can anybody tell me what this could be.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Did you ever find a solution to this problem, I'm hearing similar noises.

SilveradoRob97 · May 19, 2006

I'm going Friday, I'll let you know what they could find. I hope they can fix it..

TEE · May 19, 2006

I'm going Friday, I'll let you know what they could find. I hope they can fix it..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Could be the steering stops needing lubed

sx460 · May 19, 2006

I'm going Friday, I'll let you know what they could find. I hope they can fix it..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That'd be great if you could find out what it is. I'm having the same exact problems as yourself and just want to know what it is so I can address it. Good luck!

BTW: I had the noise when I first got the truck, but it was very faint and only heard it going over large bumps (like out in our field). I then took the truck in to have the suspension checked because it seemed like the truck was driving rough and not taking any of the shock out of the road. They looked over the whole suspension and ever since them looking it over, the noise is much louder and annoying.

sx460 · May 22, 2006

I'm going Friday, I'll let you know what they could find. I hope they can fix it..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What did you find out at the dealer?

jgillott · May 22, 2006

I was going to post this same topic before I found this post. Our '05 Silverado (22K) is beginning to have the same issue with a slight vibration in the wheel and some intermittent noise from the left front. Any additional ideas would be appreciated.

Drifthopper · May 23, 2006

TTT....mine too. Started to notice it over the weekend. 04 ext cab w/20K

01tahoe4x4 · October 2, 2007

this is an old subject but my 01 tahoe is making that same pop noise when accelerating from a stop. it is NOT the steering problem as I have that too. These are 2 different types of noises. The best way i can describe the pop noise is it sounds like something in the front end is binding up when i brake, and loudly unbinding during the first second of acceleration. anyone found the cause and solution to this?