Jump to content

Thumping sound when turning left

02SierraZ71

By 02SierraZ71
in Ask A GM Technician

Recommended Posts

02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
Posted

I have a 2002 GMC Sierra 4x4 ext cab 60k miles

 

It just started to "thump" when I turn left. Its more noticeable at 20+ mph or more. When i go straight or right, its fine.

 

I took it to the dealer tonite for another issue (recall work), but now they will be working on this hopefully so they will be calling me sometime in the morning.

 

I was wondering what you think it might be.

 

From what ive been reading its sounds like a bearing assembly or something :D:)

02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I just got off the phone with the service guy at the dealer. :D

 

 

My bill is gonna be around $1,200 :cool:

 

 

He said that the thumping noise is because the steering shaft needs lubed, but I also need front bearings and thats the bulk of the cost.

 

What a f'n wonderful Monday morning. :)

 

 

At least my truck will be in good shape when i get it back :D

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted

Steering shaft knocks are usually most noticeable at parking lot speeds, turning either way, not just left (or right).

 

Wheel bearings (hubs) that are bad usually cause a continuouis grind, rough sound, not a rythmic thump. The noise will often change or completely go away on turns as the weight shift loads or unloads the problem bearing.

 

That said, we see quite a few bad hub bearings, so hopefully that's what it is.

jhm Senior Enthusiast

jhm

Posted
Posted

GM TECH,

Do you know why they would go bad so often? He only has 60k on his truck. Is there any common link to the failures? What about preventive maintenance?

02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

the hubs/bearings alone are gonna be over $800 of the bill, but the hubs/bearings are not what is making the noise, they found that while doing the recall and looking around.

 

the guy said the THUMPING is because the steering shaft needs lubed.

 

im also getting some seals fixed that will fix a coolant leak.

 

:)

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted
GM TECH,

Do you know why they would go bad so often? He only has 60k on his truck. Is there any common link to the failures? What about preventive maintenance?

 

 

 

 

I don't believe they have a really abnormal failure rate. Sure, we replace them in our shop but we see hundreds and hundreds of trucks per month where they're fine. I see nothing in common with the failures. Some are relatively low mileage, others high. Most have the factory installed wheels/tires and some have the larger wheels/tires installed. Some are SUV's, others are pickups.

 

There's no maintenance needed or possible on the hub bearings. It's a sealed unit. Nothing you can do to prevent failure.

dhansell22 Enthusiast

dhansell22

Posted
Posted
Steering shaft knocks are usually most noticeable at parking lot speeds, turning either way, not just left (or right). 

 

Wheel bearings (hubs) that are bad usually cause a continuouis grind, rough sound, not a rythmic thump.  The noise will often change or completely go away on turns as the weight shift loads or unloads the problem bearing.

 

That said, we see quite a few bad hub bearings, so hopefully that's what it is.

 

 

 

 

 

I've been noticing this knocking noise and feeling on my truck. Almost feels like the shaft is loose from the steering wheel. I can feel it in the steering wheel and hear it. It's most noticable in parking lots and on long steady turns like freeway on and offramps. Are you saying it just needs lubed?

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted
Are you saying it just needs lubed?

 

 

 

 

Yep, most likely. The best way to describe this problem is... it feels like someone tapping on your steering shaft with a deadblow hammer. You feel it more than hear it and it's very annoying, though essentially harmless.

 

GM came out with a new design shaft... which didn't permanently fix the problem. They've also come out with several revisions of the grease used to fix it. I've heard some go out and buy this expensive, aftermarket "Borgenson" I-shaft and STILL get the same noise after a while. So just grease it and you'll be good to go for quite a long time.

 

Search for intermediate shaft and you'll probably find a zillion posts on the topic.

Parts New Member

Parts

Posted
Posted

It just started to "thump" when I turn left. Its more noticeable at 20+ mph or more. When i go straight or right, its fine.

 

I've had this happen on my '97 chevy and it was the CV shaft/ front axle, the rubber boot becomes torn and lets the grease out, which can be seen splattered around the area of the rubber, in turn the bearings inside are not lubed anymore and you will hear a clicking/clunking in the beginning and then it will get louder.

 

I would suggest pulling the tire off and taking a look at the boot behind the brake rotor. Hope this helps

02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I picked up the truck earlier and the THUMP is gone. and the new wheel bearings makes it ride much better. i didnt notice how bad it was because it was such a gradual progression.

 

i cant say for sure what caused the thump, but its most likely the steering shaft needing lube

 

:)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • newdude
      2020 Trailboss 6.2 replacement

      By newdude · Posted

      Correct.  2019-2020 are serviced by a different p/n.  19420611.   The recall engines 2021-2024 are serviced with 12740076.     What the difference is between the two, I'm not sure, but 2019-2020 only show 19420611 as the replacement engine p/n.  
    • 2017Z
      2020 Trailboss 6.2 replacement

      By 2017Z · Posted

      Looking for advice from this group. Took my flawless 2020 6.2 TB to an unnamed shop for routine rear brakes and oil change. Tech forgot to put oil back in after the full service and needles to say, destroyed my engine.  It’s all on their shop video so they are responsible.   I had my Chevy dealer do the analysis and they confirmed its compromised and said engine replacement. The manager said they only get GM reman engines from GM with full 3 yr warranty and the one they would put in is not same as what’s they are swapping out on 21-25 for recall.    I am looking for advice why that would be a different engine because obviously I had the good 6.2 year and replacing it has my concerns with that recall for 21-15   Also what’s the pros and cons of accepting the engine swap vs telling the shop that bricked the truck to pay up so I buy a new truck. I’m concerned about stigma resale eventually if I just decide to get rid of it after the swap or other issues showing up after the swap out.  
    • GN2018
      AFM Disabler Question

      By GN2018 · Posted

      Just looked up my records.  I've never gone over 5000 miles between oil changes.  At 46K miles, I have 10 oil changes.  I hope that will help.  I also installed the disabler last year.  I've still had a few times when it didn't seem to engage (which I can tell because the start stop feature kicks in), but for the most part, I think it's working.  For some reason, GM did not include the number of cylinders running in the information screen like I had on other models.  In my Cadillac, it shows me when it's running on 4 cylinders on the fuel milage screen.  I can't find that on my '21 Denali.
    • davester
      Wiring Help, Please

      By davester · Posted

      you might read through the info on gmupfitter.com for your truck, to find a good power source.
    • Grumpy Bear
      AFM Disabler Question

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Melling I believe is/was the OEM on the lifters who explored this problem some years ago. The white paper they generated on the topic indicated two items of note when I read it. 1.) They only fail on the switch. Prevent the switch, prevent the failure. 2.) The majority fail due to deposits messing up the timing of that switch. Anyway that's what I got from it.    Mine have always been active, 195K+ now, and my oil maintenance is surgically clean.    Of course this assumes good parts. That is no heat treat issue or machining flaws. I get comfortable that these issues are in the rearview mirror by about 30K. IMHO naturally. 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...