Loud noise when in reverse and turning in the morning only. 2021 Yukon.

[SandboxSlayer]

I just had the rear fluid differential fluid replaced at the dealership. They had stated that friction noise was occurring. I didn't have an issue with that since I have about 85K miles on it and I have no idea if that was done before the 72k miles it had when I bought it. It had made that noise once before I had that fluid changed, but since then it has made it every morning. It doesn't make that noise nor feel like I hit a pothole at any other point in the day. It only does so in the morning. The dealership wants $3500 to replace the whole differential now. The sound comes from the front right side and it feels like hitting a pothole only after I start to turn the wheels out of the driveway. Has anyone else had this issue? I have a Yukon SLT 5.3L V8, RWD, if that matters.

 

[Fless]

Describe your "friction noise;" does it sound like scraping, or like a pop or snap?

When it makes the noise from the front right, is that the friction noise you're describing, or a different one? When it happens is the Yukon moving, or is it while it's stationary with the tires turning?

 

[SandboxSlayer]

Describe your "friction noise;" does it sound like scraping, or like a pop or snap?

When it makes the noise from the front right, is that the friction noise you're describing, or a different one? When it happens is the Yukon moving, or is it while it's stationary with the tires turning?

Honestly, I wouldn't describe the noise like those or even grinding. maybe someone like sliding your hand over paper. It's hard to describe. It only make the noise when reversing and only in the morning after it rested over night. The dealership said there was a rock or something stuck in my rotor...Maybe that is where that noise is coming from. the loud clunking noise just happens once then it won't make it again that day. My first thought was maybe the Transmission, but that seems like it would be happening every time there is a shift from reverse to drive. This all happens when backing out of the drive way after about 15 feet and the wheels are turned to the right so that I can get on the street.
Thank you for your questions and helping me figure this out!

 

[jfoj]

Confused.

You indicate the vehicle is RWD, but the noise is coming from the front right side and the dealer wants to replace the differential?? I assume rear differential as it is rear wheel drive, not 4 wheel drive. Not sure replacing the rear differential will solve a problem in the right front.

If the noise is coming from the front of the vehicle I would say either front brake, wheel bearing or suspension issue from what little info has been presented.

 

[SandboxSlayer]

Confused.

You indicate the vehicle is RWD, but the noise is coming from the front right side and the dealer wants to replace the differential?? I assume rear differential as it is rear wheel drive, not 4 wheel drive. Not sure replacing the rear differential will solve a problem in the right front.

If the noise is coming from the front of the vehicle I would say either front brake, wheel bearing or suspension issue from what little info has been presented.

I'm just as confused and I was thinking the same thing. But I wanted to check here if anyone else had this issue and see if there was a possibility of the dealership being correct. Honestly seems like they were going to change that out because I had asked them to look into the origin of the noise and that was a large expense for me.

 

[jfoj]

Sometimes noise is hard to pinpoint, it can often be from a different location. Usually side to side more than front to rear. I would say you need to explain to the shop where you are hearing the noise and under what specific conditions. Like you mentioned backing up and turning the wheel. The issue is if you are coming out of a driveway apron, the angle and elevation change may play into what is going on. This may be why it is hard to replicate. There may be twisting of the chassis or suspension when you are hearing the noise. Is the vehicle stock? Stock wheels and tires? Might check the lug nuts on the right front as well, easy to make sure they are right

 

[SandboxSlayer]

Sometimes noise is hard to pinpoint, it can often be from a different location. Usually side to side more than front to rear. I would say you need to explain to the shop where you are hearing the noise and under what specific conditions. Like you mentioned backing up and turning the wheel. The issue is if you are coming out of a driveway apron, the angle and elevation change may play into what is going on. This may be why it is hard to replicate. There may be twisting of the chassis or suspension when you are hearing the noise. Is the vehicle stock? Stock wheels and tires? Might check the lug nuts on the right front as well, easy to make sure they are right

I will try to tighten the lug nuts and see if that does the trick. I backed in last night and didn't have an issue whatsoever pulling out this morning. The driveway is level with the street. I do know there is a rock or something in the rotor of one of the wheels, but I don't think that is related to what I am hearing and feeling. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[jfoj]

Not seen this problem on these trucks, but have seen problems with the brake pads when cold in reverse either squealing, vibrating or even a loud clunk of snap because the pad metal backing is not properly sized.

If you have time to jack up each front wheel spin the wheel and see if for some reason the right is harder to turn than the left wheel and if you hear or feel anything strange.

 

[viven44]

I wonder if it is this

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/07/heres-why-your-gmc-yukon-may-have-a-pop-or-clunk-sound-when-turning/