Front end squeal

2500HD4X · April 12, 2005

OK, Vehicle is a 2000 2500 Silverado 4WD w/61K Miles on it. It is making a noise from the front drivers side that is driving me nuts. It is speed dependent, and it doesn't matter if it is in 2Hi, 4Hi, 4Lo. It is there in all gears. You can really hear it if you are next to something and it echoes off, The faster you go, the faster it screeches. It doesn't sound or feel like the CV joints/axle shafts are bad-the boots are not ripped and they don't have any play back and forth, and it is not a click, but a screech. If I jack the front end up, everything feels fine and I can not duplicate the squeak.... I am thinking it must be the hub assembly, but I am hoping not since it seems to be a dealer only part at $400......So GM-Tech, does it sound like the hub is bad? Is this a bad job to do yourself, and is it a common problem? It is embarrassingly loud now. It sounds like its whistling at speed. Please help....

GM-Tech · April 13, 2005

Doesn't sound like any hub noise that I've ever heard. Yes, we replace hubs now and then for bearing noises, but I can't say I've heard one screech or squeal. Usually it's a grinding or perhaps a whining type sound.

Wingnut · April 13, 2005

Bearing in a pully maybe? PS unit?

snoman · April 13, 2005

Doesn't sound like any hub noise that I've ever heard. Yes, we replace hubs now and then for bearing noises, but I can't say I've heard one screech or squeal. Usually it's a grinding or perhaps a whining type sound.

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I tend to think wheel bearing too and they can make a varity of noises when they go bad. 30 years ago I had a "squeak" for several weeks in the front of my 72 GMC 3/4 T 4x4 and could not find it. It later turned out to be the outer wheel bearing on the right front hub which siezed one day and locked up the wheel at low speed one day without warning. As luck would have it I was 1/4 mile from a dealer and was able to limp there after it cooled and had it repaired quickly as I was on leave from military and due back in a few days. I have since learned to take squeaks more seriously. I drive that truck another 80,000 miles after that on same spindle too without problem though I inspected them more often. Never seen a IFS wheel bearing lock up and not sure what would happen if it did too (if axle stub would break or not)

2500HD4X · April 13, 2005

It is definitely in the drivetrain, not the motor.....It is speed dependent and stops when the truck stops....I am in the process of changing out the hub now to see if it goes away. I would definitely describe it as a screeching/squeaky/grindy sound. I had my buddy ride in the back today and he said it is for sure the left front wheel doing it. I checked the brakes out good for the second time and decided to change the whole hub assembly. I had to take a break to come in and teach electrical class at work. I have broken a ratchet and a 3/8 pull handle so far-Who tightens them caliper mounting brackets up-King Kong? Oh well, back to it before I run out of daylight....I will let y'all know if the noise stops after I get it back together. Thanks for your help.

71GMC_3/4T · April 13, 2005

Check for the brake backing plate dragging on the rotor.

Give the brakes a good compressed air blast, both sides of the calipers. Maybe you got dust in there.

Zip a couple lug nuts back on the rotor while the tire is off and spin it to see if you can hear the noise.

If it were me, it would be all up on jackstands and going for a drive sitting still. Don't do this unless you're half crazy! I already qualify!

2500HD4X · April 16, 2005

OK- The noise is gone!! GM-Tech was right, it was not the hub. After replacing it w/a new hub, the noise was still there....Checked out the CV Joint, it was not there. We finally found it driving around my yard with my buddy laying across the floor and looking under the truck....The front driveshaft had a bad u-joint cap in it. It sure sounded like it was coming from the left side....It is all fixed now 28 dollars later. Thanks for the help guys. My local stealership was even kind enough to let me bring the hub assembly back...

GM-Tech · April 16, 2005

My local stealership was even kind enough to let me bring the hub assembly back...

For that you should be apologizing to the dealership for calling them a "stealership". Maybe they should have told you to stuff it.

2500HD4X · April 17, 2005

Yeah, you are right about the stealership comment. I have had bad experiences before with this dealer in the past (sales and parts), but they are the only game in town for parts sometimes. It depends upon who you talk too when you get there as to the level of professionalism and assistance. The last two times I have been in they have taken really good care of me (Steering shaft replacement and this hub). I apologize if offense was taken...none was intended.