4wd Differential Noise

[wdndd01]

New to the site here. Great info.

 

2003 1500 Suburban 4x4 Z71

 

I have a noise that happens oil intermittently. It sounds like it's coming from the front differential. Almost only happens when I take off after the truck has been sitting. Sounds like teeth on a gear are grinding together. Goes after after a few seconds. Can't duplicate it on demand, it just happens. 4wd works just fine. It goes in and out of 4wd just fine.

 

I'm guessing that there is something wrong with the differential or the 4wd actuator. Any ideas?

 

Any information on differential removal/dissassembly would be greatly appreciated.

[ChevyTech007]

Does this noise only happen when you have 4WD engaged?

[wdndd01]

No. I only use 4wd occasionally. Only in 2wd and almost always within 1000ft of startup. Usually only lasts a few seconds and goes away.

 

It sounds like when you shift gears in a manual transmission and let go of the clutch too early. Kind of a grinding/ratcheting sound. I drained and changed the differential. There was some metal on the mag drain plug but no large chunks just a small amount of fine shavings, i'd consider normal.

 

I was going to try to replace the actuator, does it just screw out?

[cammiller]

I would look at the switch first, then the encoder sensor rather than the entire actuator.