4x4 Issue...

jtruck618 · June 16, 2008

I have an 06 Silverado CC Z71 4x4 with 28k. I bought the truck new in June of 06. At about 10k I began hearing a "whomp whomp whomp" noise under normal driving conditions. After I finally got the dealer to admit to hearing the noise, the front differential was replaced. Shortly after the tranny leaked. Had several other problems as well, but not associated with the front end. This past winter the truck would make a horrible "whomp whomp" nois while in 4x4 which could be heard the most when turning. It was not a normal sound and I have owned several 4x4's. I took the truck back to the dealer and had it out with the service manager. The front differential was replaced once again. I thought everything was good to go.

About 3 weeks ago, I was driving across a wet field so I put the truck in 4x4. The noise was back! It is a rubbing, whomping noise. I would compare it to a rusty, non greases wheel trying to turn. I took the truck to the dealer today. They called and and said no noise was found. I went to the dealer and the service guy told me to drive in on the dry parking lot in 4x4. I argued with him but he told me everything would be okay if I went slow. I put the truck in 4x4 pulled out of the parking space and began to turn.....the noise was obvious. I know 4x4's will make noise on a dry lot but this is the same noise I heard several times before. I drove around the lot a little bit and it continued and was obvious. I was pissed. I confronted the service jerk and he blamed the tech for not hearing the noise............anways here is my question.

For those of you with 06 or similiar year trucks, do you have a noise when in 4x4? I know all trucks will make a little noise, espically when turning. I can explain it best as I did above. My 02 Ram made ZERO noise when in 4x4 at high speeds, turning or anything else when in 4x4. Should I be hearing this????? PLEASE HELP!!!

99silverado1500 · June 16, 2008

Mines silent unless im turning on dry pavement then I hear a hopping and sometimes a wierd noise but for the most part its silent in 4x4 even at 70mph.

HawkeyeOC · June 16, 2008

Had every single issue that you have on my '06 in 4wd as well as some bizarre sounds at freeway speeds.

You might be in for LOTS of trips to your dealer or LONG extended stays in the shop to figure it out if it can be.

Areas they will be looking at:

Front diff, rear diff

transfer case

transmission

tires

drive shafts, front shafts

A small percentage of 4wd GMT-800 trucks that were built have various vibration problems GM calls normal. In my case they went through all the components mentioned above, found bad and reversed bearings in the front diff, did some work on the transfer case and the noises were still there.

It's a process of elimination to find the vibrations. They never found mine and I got a shinny new truck out of it

slimjim2525 · June 16, 2008

My truck is completely quiet in 4x4, I would try a different dealer. Some are much better than others.

jtruck618 · June 17, 2008

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I agree about trying a new dealer. The guys there treat me like Im a 12yo kid at times. Hawkeye, how did you go about getting a new truck? Im guessing GM helped you out in some way?

I called Chevrolet and talked with a lady for over an hour. The next day I was contacted by a district rep. The first lady I talked to was very helpful; the second lady not so much. I ended up with an extended service plan. My argument was that it is not doing anything to fix the freeking problem. All new GM's come with the 5yr/100k powertrain warranty and this is where I am having the problem. I had 25k on when they gave me the extra warranty. Now I have 28k and here we go again. It should not be making those noises. Now they claim not to hear them, or claim they are common......whatever.

DMBZ71 · June 17, 2008

I have a 2004 Z71. I have a woop kinda noise in the steering turning left. I was told today that it is the steering gear box that needs to be replaced. the noise isn't related to 4x4 mode. it is in the actual turning of the steer wheel and more prominant when the truck is cold and in cold weather. I just had the I-shaft replaced (noise and vibration in the steering) and thought that would correct the problem. it corrected the vibration and the noise is lessen but not gone. My service dealer is good and has corrected every other problem i've had except this one (going on for about 2 years).

HawkeyeOC · June 17, 2008

Hawkeye, how did you go about getting a new truck? Im guessing GM helped you out in some way?

I called Chevrolet and talked with a lady for over an hour. The next day I was contacted by a district rep. The first lady I talked to was very helpful; the second lady not so much. I ended up with an extended service plan. My argument was that it is not doing anything to fix the freeking problem. All new GM's come with the 5yr/100k powertrain warranty and this is where I am having the problem. I had 25k on when they gave me the extra warranty. Now I have 28k and here we go again. It should not be making those noises. Now they claim not to hear them, or claim they are common......whatever.

The dealer knew there was something wrong with my truck as well as another customers truck. They tore through everything on both trucks, had GM field guys out. GM finally said they can't do anymore and thats when I filed for Lemon law arbitration. The BBB and I fought it out with GM and got the buyback.

Mine is an extreme case, I guess the point is keep pushing if it's extreme enough

jtruck618 · June 17, 2008

According to the lemon laws in my state Im beyond the time and mileage limit. I might file a complaint with the BBB if I dont get satisfaction today.

branhap · June 17, 2008

According to the lemon laws in my state Im beyond the time and mileage limit. I might file a complaint with the BBB if I dont get satisfaction today.

Not necessarily. Lemon Laws are based on when the problem started. So if it started within the time frame and they keep only doing temporary fixes you are probably still eligible.

*I am not an attorney. I do not play one on tv. I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express, but I will be staying in a Comfort Suites in the near future. Please consult with an attorney and do not take my word as fact. Any complaints directed at me should instead be directed to the troll icon.

Paul

jtruck618 · June 19, 2008

Picked my truck up yesterday and took a ride in another 06 with the service guy. It made the same noise as mine. A howling noise in 4x4. What bothers me about this though is two things. One, this truck, although it has fewer miles, could have the same problem as mine. Second, this is all being done on dry asphalt. I expect 4x4 to make some noise on this type of pavement. The service guy said it should not do it on snow or ice. I will wait until a snow this winter and if make any noises, I will take it back.