My 2002 Tahoe has had a front end whine for quite some time. I originally thought it was the transfer case so I put a reman one in last weekend. Now the front and rear drive shafts spin freely of each other in 2wd (they were coupled 100% of the time on the old one), but I still have a whine. When I shift into 4wd, the noise goes away and comes back as soon as I shift back into 2wd. It only seems to whine the worst at about 45-55mph at a steady speed. The whine changes depending on loading. Truck has 312,000 on it and a junkyard front end (I hope this isn’t the culprit but I suspect it is). Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
2002 Tahoe front end whine
- Thread starter zmusclow
- Start date
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rockola1971
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Front pinion bearing or output bearings in differential. Check gear oil for glitter.
The magnetic plug was full of small shavings when I changed my fluid an hour ago
rockola1971
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Better start planning for another used unit or rebuild. It isnt going to get any better. Luckily for you there are a bazillion used ones around if that is the route you go. car-parts.com to search inventory nationwide salvage yards.
I just put all new bearings and seals into it. The carrier bearings were heavily pitted. I will say the noise is not as harsh but still present.
rockola1971
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Well that shouldve been info in the first post. Sound changes when loaded/unloaded.....Bearing! It sounds like your front diff is not setup correctly.
SnowDrifter
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Got any pics of the gear marking compound?
Sorry I should have clarified, since the original post I put new bearings in the front (yesterday) and set the lash and wear pattern appropriately.
I did not take any pick of it unfortunately
Erickk120
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If I'm reading this correct it only happens in 2wd at 45-55 mph and goes away in 4wd completely? Have you ran it without the front drive shaft connected to see if it goes away in 2wd if not I would look at the rear end.
45-55 mph is pretty specific and mainly happens when something is just a tad off, or worn depending on how loud it is. When loading pitch change is probably the drive/coast change in the gears, normally drive wears worse than coast, so is it louder under or without gas?
45-55 mph is pretty specific and mainly happens when something is just a tad off, or worn depending on how loud it is. When loading pitch change is probably the drive/coast change in the gears, normally drive wears worse than coast, so is it louder under or without gas?
