Drivetrain Under Tension? Popping and Locking

[wildmanjr1980]

2008 Yukon XL 5.3 LC9 131,000 miles

I know that this problem may have been solved here before but I am going to attempt to describe it the best way I know how.

You know that feeling you get when you're parking and you accidentally throw it in P before you're stopped fully and your car clicks a few times until it stops?

My truck is doing something that is similar. When I put it in reverse, ease off the brake, it will begin to move and then it will gradually stop unless I give it more gas.

This is not very good I assume because it makes a popping sound that sounds like its origin is near the center left side on the front of the truck. When this happens it feels like the temporary bind has been freed until the next rotation of gears comes back around.

I replaced the CV because initially the wheel was turned when it did it so I figured the CV bearings were binding but apparently not so as it continued to act this way.

I have checked mounts for the engine, bolts to the stabilizer link, shock tower, the inner CV where it ties into the diff., and have had the wheel bearing replaced recently. After a 5 hour trip last Sunday I felt all around the wheels and there was no sign of heat from friction. I have never known ball joints nor U joints to cause this much resistance so I have not given them any thought although they appear to be intact.

My thoughts are that it may have something to do with the electronic actuator that controls the automatic 4wd because it does feel like everything binds up. It does this forward now too and the truck is currently disabled. I must figure this out but I have a hard time trusting dealerships as many here probably do. If anyone has any input, good or bad. Be honest. I just want to solve the mystery. Thanks

 

[wildmanjr1980]

Update: After lifting all fours and running it through all gears, I checked the front right side and it felt loose. Wheel bearing needs replacing. I will update on the fix after I'm done, I couldn't get the old one pried off last night and it got late. Stay tuned

 

[wildmanjr1980]

Pried the bearing off after work today and swapped it for a new one. That did the trick. Just crazy how the sound and vibration felt like it was on the other side. Anyhow, I hope someone can benefit from this experience. I'm still learning about 4wd systems and the ways each side affects the other. Ya'll take care.

 

[Rangel]

mine is doing something similar, when you reverse and cut hard left( back out of driveway ) there is a audible pop. ive just been putting of trouble shooting it.

 

[Reester]

Hopping on this thread:
I also have a rather loud popping noise when making turns at speed. It is different from the sound that my mechanic diagnosed as a worn body mount. All suspension components have been replaced in the last 10k miles..


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[wildmanjr1980]

Jack up your truck in the front and check for any play. A wheel bearing will give you noticeable play on the brake caliper as well as the hub. Another way to check is after a 30 min drive or so feel the center of the wheel for temp. It more than likely wont be hot hot but you will feel that it is warmer than the others. And be careful diagnosing with 4 wheel drive cause when something happens on one side in the front, that vibration and noise can be felt and heard thru to the other side. Let me know how it turns out Reester and Rangel.