03 tahoe clicking poping when reversing or full lock turns

[mike03tahoelt]

i have an 03 tahoe lt with just over 100,000 and everytime i reverse and turn the wheel sharp it makes a loud clicking or popping noise from the front suspension it even does it when making sharp turns moving forward anyone have an idea what it could be ? thanks

 

[DarkTahoe00]

Sounds like one of your ball joints.

 

[tybardy]

also sounds like you have your automatic 4WD engaged.

is your truck 4x4? If so, do you keep it in 2wd all the time or do you keep it in that auto mode all the time?

 

[Modded]

Could also be wheel bearings BTW.
Especially if you have aftermarket wheel with a incorrect offset, but you don;t have to have different wheels because mileage can cause that.

 

[Cobra]

My wheel bearing went out and it was more like a grinding moan. ANyways take it for a complete front suspension check. Firestone checked mine out for $20. Then I took it home and replaced myself because they wanted over 400.0 to fix. Good Luck...

 

[Dynamo]

My '03 LT did the same thing. There is a service bulletin out about the issue. Mine has been quiet since I had the dealer fix it.

Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember and Slot Mounting Holes)
2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade

2003-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

2003-2004 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

All 1500 Series (½ Ton) with Two-Wheel Drive

Condition
Some customers may comment about a snap or popping-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This condition is most apparent during hard left or right turns at low speeds. Going over bumps while turning may also aid in producing this noise.

Correction
Slot the left side mounting holes on the front crossmember using the procedure listed below.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information sub-section of the service manual.
Remove the mounting nuts, bolts and front crossmember from the vehicle.
Clean all the undercoating off the crossmember in the area of the left side mounting holes.

Notice
Use a die grinder or file to cut slots. DO NOT use a torch. Using a torch may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.


Enlarge the mounting holes on the left side of the crossmember into slots. Cut the slots to the inboard side (toward center of crossmember) of the holes, 2 mm (0.07874 in).
Apply Thread Sealer, P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) to the bolt threads.
Reinstall the crossmember with the bolts and nuts. Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 120 N·m(89 lb ft).

Apply a spray-on black, rubberized undercoating to the crossmember where removed. Overlap the original coating in order to provide an effective corrosion protection.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

A9976*
Pop/Noise, Frame Rail - Repair
0.5 hr

 

[brndns_hoe]

i need to get mine taken care of too, it's my left front that always pops

 

[mike03tahoelt]

its a 2wd so not that and i dont it the wheel bearing its not a grinding sound im pretty sure its the crossmember thing just wanted to get some more input i thought i read that they revised that service bulletin to just changing the washers anyone know ? thanks

 

[Dynamo]

its a 2wd so not that and i dont it the wheel bearing its not a grinding sound im pretty sure its the crossmember thing just wanted to get some more input i thought i read that they revised that service bulletin to just changing the washers anyone know ? thanks

Mine is a 2wd too. It would always make the popping sound as I was backing out of my driveway turning the wheel hard left. Like I said, since having the procedure done it has been nice and quiet.

 

[mike03tahoelt]

sounds good ill be doing it my next day off thanks