Front End Noise

cobraeater · February 2, 2009

OK so this problem just started this night. My Girlfriend was driving the truck down the road and she said the the Truck pulled really hard to the right and it felt like it had a flat tire but it doesnt. When I got to her and drove the truck you can hear and kinda feel like a metal on metal grinding, It does pull to the right when you hit the brakes but not really hard. There is a pulsating feeling in the steering wheel, it goes back and forth by itself not sure if its significant to my problem. Im really hoping someone can give me some insight on this Its a 96 Silveraldo, 4x4 with 167,000 miles. Im pulling the front tires tomorrow and checking the brakes but I thought it could be something in the Transfer Case and something even in the Front End Gears.

kuhl_530 · February 2, 2009

I am about 99.9% sure it isn't your transfer case, and pretty sure it's not your frond diff. It does sound like it's a break issue. Your caliper probably froze up, or is dragging one side of the pad. If so, you're going to need new rotors, pads, a caliper, and hardware kit. If that's not the issue, I would check your hub bearing next. I'll be very surprised if it's not one of those two.

Let me know what you find!

Draenor · February 2, 2009

It does sound like it's a break issue. Your caliper probably froze up, or is dragging one side of the pad.

My thought too.

cobraeater · February 2, 2009

OK so I got the front wheel off and Im pretty sure its the Hub Bearing....Not that its a hard job just an expensive one Ill keep you all updated...

bflat · February 3, 2009

My $$ is on the Hub Bearing! Had to replace mine last September after the racers exploded, snapped my axle spindle, warped my rotor, broke my caliper, dissentigrated my brake pads, and left me stranded in the middle of a very busy hwy with the front right wheel lodged up into the fender well.

Replace it now before the end comes!

cobraeater · February 3, 2009

OK So i have the hub replaced an fixed....Now heres the next problem. My brakes have major air in the lines and has a hard time stopping now! Is there a way to by pass the anti-lock system to bleed the front lines because my petal keeps going all the way to the floor no matter how much i bleed the system! While the truck is off it pumps up firm, when its turned on goes straight to the floor!!!! AN to top it off my blower motor is no longer blowing air.....I used to have 2 speeds low and high now i have NO speed help im getting really frustrated and no money! Note that this is my first Silverado with high miles, Im a Trans Am owner and went to wyotech for Body, an chassis fabrication! SHoulda taken Automotive!!!!

L29er · February 3, 2009

do you "pump up the brakes" before bleeding? it helps to get the air bubbles dislodged, pump the pedal untill hard then hold the pedal down, have someone bleed the brakes, open, then close, THEN release the pedal, this will ensure that no air is brought back into the system. also tapping brake lines or calipers lighty with a wrench can dislodge air bubbles. It may have to be done repeatedly, if there is anyquestion i would do the same to the rear brakes, if this doesn`t give you good results there may be a problem with the master cylinder. As for your heater motor I`d put money on your heater resistor being burnt up, it is located behind the glove box, it is a PITA to remove, i beleive it requires a 5.5mm socket and rachet, the bolts are on top and the resistor faces down...is a very common problem, and something that can be visually verified.

L29er · February 3, 2009

stupid double post.......

kuhl_530 · February 3, 2009

do you "pump up the brakes" before bleeding? it helps to get the air bubbles dislodged, pump the pedal untill hard then hold the pedal down, have someone bleed the brakes, open, then close, THEN release the pedal, this will ensure that no air is brought back into the system. also tapping brake lines or calipers lighty with a wrench can dislodge air bubbles. It may have to be done repeatedly, if there is anyquestion i would do the same to the rear brakes, if this doesn`t give you good results there may be a problem with the master cylinder. As for your heater motor I`d put money on your heater resistor being burnt up, it is located behind the glove box, it is a PITA to remove, i beleive it requires a 5.5mm socket and rachet, the bolts are on top and the resistor faces down...is a very common problem, and something that can be visually verified.

cobraeater · February 5, 2009

OK well I have continually bleed the brakes everyday. I pump the brakes up like your saying an have someone open the bleeders Back brakes first then front but see here is my problem. With the truck off they pump up hard and you can hear the air come out of the lines. I figure they are good I start the truck and the petal goes to the floor.....