Clunking sound from left front wheel

2004GMC2500HD · September 28, 2004

When I slow down I hear a clunking or clicking sound from the front left wheel. It does it all the time when I slow down at a normal rate. It gets louder the faster I stop and if I slow down very gradually it is not there. (Yes I am sure it is not the ABS). It sounds like a bearing or the same sound a front wheel drive car makes when the CV joints are going out.

I haven't tried using 4wd to see if it does it or not. The truck is a 2004 and only has 9000 miles on it.

Also my truck uses about a quart of oil every 1000 miles or so. I have the 8.1 / Allison. It does not leak anything and I never see any smoke coming out of it. But then again I don't run around the back to look at the exhaust pipe after I start it up. I know that the 8.1 uses some oil when its new, but 9000 miles?

Any ideas?

Its going to the dealer anyway, but just curious about what you guys think in case the dealer says the blinker fluild is low or the muffler bearing is worn out.

tmf6902 · September 28, 2004

There was a probelm with something I can't remeber what maybe a PCV?? that made it use oil a few years back, but that got fixed...there is definatly somewthing wrong, because my 02 with 44K uses a quart every 3-4K miles?

As far as the click, could be a CV, does it only do it when the wheels are moving, or does it do it also when you are sitting still and move the steering wheel. I had the same problem, and the stealership tried to get me to buy a new stearing box. Turns out it was the centercaps in my wheels....(aftermarket not stock)..that's a differnt story for a different day though.

mka18 · September 29, 2004

I have the EXACT same problem on my 04 HD with 3700 miles. I took it into the dealership and they said they couldn’t find anything wrong. It happens even more when braking over bumps and turning to the right for me. It’s starting to act up again, so I might be going back. It makes me feel good though that someone else is having the same issue. They thought I was crazy when I took it in there and said they couldn't spend all day looking for every little noise. I’ll be taking one of the service techs for a ride the next time I go in. This seems to happen more if I’ve been driving around a while too. I’m not sure if it happens as much when the truck has been sitting overnight and cools. Please let me know if you find anything out. .

Thanks

2004GMC2500HD · September 29, 2004

It doesn't seem to matter if it is cold or not and doesn't seem to make a difference if I am turning or if I hit a bump.

It goes into the dealer tomorrow (30th) and I am sure they will hear the noise because its quite loud.

I will post what they tell me.

XTOAK · September 29, 2004

I too have the same thing on mine...can't wait to see what response you get from your dealer. Mine gave me the "could not duplicate" answer but my wife, my son, my dad and my mom can all verify it's there but the mechanic couldn't....may have to take a test drive with him to help him hear it.

2004GMC2500HD · October 1, 2004

Well it went into the dealer today and guess what, they fixed it.

I made sure I had someone from the dealership ride with me so that I could point out the noise so that I didn't just leave my truck there all day just to have them say they couldn't duplicate it.

Here is what they did:

They realigned the upper shock bolts per TSB 03-03-08-003.

It fixed the problem completely. All sounds and works fine.

Thumbs up to Dewey Griffin GMC in Bellingham, WA.

mka18 · October 1, 2004

Thanks a lot for posting your problem here. I'll let the service guys at my dealership know this. Hopefully, if I tell them the problem they will fix it.