Clicking / Rotational Noise from Front End

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JonnyTahoe

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Yea, what we recommend and what gets done can be 2 different things. It is always the vehicle owner's call. By "last plenty long enough" does that mean that you have plans not to keep the rig?
I'm keeping it. I meant his Moog front bearing should last plenty long.
 

mpope2

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As someone else mentioned, double check the wiring harness going to the Tranny and T case. Years ago, when I had to do a rear main seal on my Tahoe I left one clip out of its dedicated attachment point and the Wire loom rubbed the front driveshaft. Drove me damn nuts. Like yourself, my mind went to a hundred different places. I noticed where it was rubbing when I pulled the shaft out again to eliminate it as possibility. Hopefully your issue is something similar.
 
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AggieZig

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Well, the mystery noise is less mysterious now. I replaced the P F wheel bearing hub assembly and crossed my fingers. Went out for a drive and the noise was still there.

Jacked her back up, took both wheels off and spun them again. I think I found the culprit, video below.


It sounds like it's coming from the front differential. I am clinging on to hope that it could be this CV axle but I think it sounds like a diff bearing noise.

Thoughts? I know this isn't the tranny guy's fault. Just super freaking coincidental that the noise started once it left his shop.
 

wjburken

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Well, the mystery noise is less mysterious now. I replaced the P F wheel bearing hub assembly and crossed my fingers. Went out for a drive and the noise was still there.

Jacked her back up, took both wheels off and spun them again. I think I found the culprit, video below.


It sounds like it's coming from the front differential. I am clinging on to hope that it could be this CV axle but I think it sounds like a diff bearing noise.

Thoughts? I know this isn't the tranny guy's fault. Just super freaking coincidental that the noise started once it left his shop.
That’s definitely a clicking sound. I’d take the Half shaft off and then spin the axle hub and see if the sound is still there.

How many miles on the vehicle? EDIT: Never mind, just reread original post 172K.
 
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AggieZig

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Thanks for all the help and feedback.

I pulled the half shaft this morning and confirmed the noise is coming from the diff itself. Went ahead and did a fluid change but no dice. Oh well.

I got a quote from a local shop from $500 - $850 depending on how bad it is, plus $250 for R/R.

Anyone know of a trusty diff rebuilder in the Greater LA area?
 

Fless

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Thanks for all the help and feedback.

I pulled the half shaft this morning and confirmed the noise is coming from the diff itself. Went ahead and did a fluid change but no dice. Oh well.

I got a quote from a local shop from $500 - $850 depending on how bad it is, plus $250 for R/R.

Anyone know of a trusty diff rebuilder in the Greater LA area?

Did you happen to remove the front diff actuator to see if that was causing the noise?
 

OR VietVet

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Look for discolored fluid, grey tint from metal mix in with the fluid.

How did you change the fluid you just said you did?
 
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AggieZig

AggieZig

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The fluid had a grey tint to it, otherwise, it was pretty clean. No metal chunks but there was a fine powder on the drain plug magnet. I've read this is somewhat normal?

I tried the diff actuator suggestion but unfortunately, the noise is still there. Sounds like it's the diff. Just super coincidental timing with the transmission work.
 

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