Strange Engine Noise

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Hello Friends,
Recently with the cold weather in TX, I started hearing a strange noise from the engine. The noise is heard on cruising speed and with a very small amount of pressure on the gas. The noise goes away on high speeds (freeway 65 - 75mph). The noise sounds very similar to a small car on reverse. I hear it also when decelerating to a stop.

Has anyone had this noise before? What can be making that noise? How can I fix the issue? Your help is appreciated.
 

OR VietVet

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I looked in the sig but didn't pay attention to his name. DUH!

Ok, now that I feel like a total dolt let's try this:

You say in the engine compartment so could be the engine or the parts mounted at the front. See if you can hear when you accel with hood open and just throttle it a bit. The best tool I have found for trying to trace noises is the mechanic's stethoscope. They are inexpensive and save lots of time. I am guessing a bearing noise at one of the pulleys. You can also remove the belts and turn the pulleys by hand and see if you find a wobble in any of them or a rough bearing feel. May even be the belt itself if dry enough or cracked. Check water pump especially.

Again, sorry about the miss of the vehicle info.
 
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Yes, its 2005 Yukon Denali XL. I did replace the water pump last year. Thank you very much for your suggestions Ron. I really appreciate them. I will try them this weekend.

- Alvin






I looked in the sig but didn't pay attention to his name. DUH!

Ok, now that I feel like a total dolt let's try this:

You say in the engine compartment so could be the engine or the parts mounted at the front. See if you can hear when you accel with hood open and just throttle it a bit. The best tool I have found for trying to trace noises is the mechanic's stethoscope. They are inexpensive and save lots of time. I am guessing a bearing noise at one of the pulleys. You can also remove the belts and turn the pulleys by hand and see if you find a wobble in any of them or a rough bearing feel. May even be the belt itself if dry enough or cracked. Check water pump especially.

Again, sorry about the miss of the vehicle info.
 

OR VietVet

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Without a doubt I have found and pin pointed more noises with that stethoscope over many years.
 

akaupp

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Stethoscopes are a great tool to have, I've used long screwdrivers in a pinch also.
 

OR VietVet

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X2 on the screwdriver before I got the stethoscope or if in a pinch and not near my tool box.
 
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Just a quick update - I have looked under the hood. Had my son help rev the engine for me. Checked the pulleys, belts. They seem ok. We are unable to duplicate the noise when the vehicle is at a stand still. Looks like a bigger problem for me... Help
 

afpj

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If it's whine noise with light accel, like around 45-55 mph, maybe transfer case or front diff. First thing to do is see when fluids were changed and if it's more than 50k miles, change them. If lots of towing, consider changing as around 30k miles. Pay attention to condition of fluid.
 

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