Does my 2020 Tahoe have an air compressor? I hear a noise, sometimes.

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

nomech

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 2, 2025
Posts
26
Reaction score
6
Lately I've noticed that when I'm waiting at a stoplight (no road noise) I can hear a very slight humming noise, the best way to describe it would be similar to an air compressor but very quiet and/or muffled. I would say that I can hear it run for about 5-7 seconds and then it stops. It is very possible that it does it while driving, but because the vehicle is moving (road noise) I don't hear it.

2020 Tahoe Premier that was purchased brand new and I don't recall hearing this noise up until about 1-2 months ago. 160k miles.

Thanks.
 

slupie

Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2021
Posts
78
Reaction score
65
Location
Bartlett, IL
Yes, you have rear air levelng suspension. It is normal for it to run ocassionaly since there a inherent air leaks in the system.
 

GMCChevy

Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2024
Posts
89
Reaction score
94
How often do you hear it? Usually you should only hear it shortly after start up or if the weight changes. If you hear it regularely while driving it could be a sign that either there's a leak or something wrong with the ride height sensor.
 
OP
OP
N

nomech

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 2, 2025
Posts
26
Reaction score
6
How often do you hear it? Usually you should only hear it shortly after start up or if the weight changes. If you hear it regularely while driving it could be a sign that either there's a leak or something wrong with the ride height sensor.

I hear it daily at least once or twice from what I recall.
 

ReaperHWK

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Posts
326
Reaction score
345
I just replaced mine on the 2015. Mine was working but it was LOUD as hell. The new one I can’t even hear. Could just be getting worn…..
 
OP
OP
N

nomech

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 2, 2025
Posts
26
Reaction score
6
I just replaced mine on the 2015. Mine was working but it was LOUD as hell. The new one I can’t even hear. Could just be getting worn…..

This is also assuming that the noise I'm hearing is the compressor for the air suspension. It seems like it is, though.
 

ReaperHWK

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Posts
326
Reaction score
345
This is also assuming that the noise I'm hearing is the compressor for the air suspension. It seems like it is, though.
Well it’s located right on the frame rail(on the inside and covered with some rubber sheets) by the rear driver side wheel. Go over there next time you hear it.
 
OP
OP
N

nomech

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 2, 2025
Posts
26
Reaction score
6
Well it’s located right on the frame rail(on the inside and covered with some rubber sheets) by the rear driver side wheel. Go over there next time you hear it.
Get out at the intersection while waiting for a red light to check it out?

Sorry, just trying to bring in some humor. If I happen to hear it while at home and parking the car, I'll do my best to try to get back there, but I only have a few seconds so we'll see.
 

Joseph Garcia

Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2018
Posts
7,570
Reaction score
10,406
Get out at the intersection while waiting for a red light to check it out?

Sorry, just trying to bring in some humor. If I happen to hear it while at home and parking the car, I'll do my best to try to get back there, but I only have a few seconds so we'll see.
Start your truck with the driver's door open, and head toward the rear left tire as soon as the motor starts (and before it goes through its diagnostic routine with all of the dash lights), and you'll arrive at the back tire just about the time that the compressor starts.
 
OP
OP
N

nomech

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 2, 2025
Posts
26
Reaction score
6
Start your truck with the driver's door open, and head toward the rear left tire as soon as the motor starts (and before it goes through its diagnostic routine with all of the dash lights), and you'll arrive at the back tire just about the time that the compressor starts.

Great suggestion, I will give that a shot. Going off of memory, I don't recall hearing that noise right when I start the vehicle. You'd think if there were a small leak it would kick on the compressor to fill it with air, but I don't know much about the vehicle, I'm learning as I go.

Thanks.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,956
Posts
1,877,225
Members
97,873
Latest member
Ricko1974

Latest posts

Top