What’s this noise?

[North gates]

Hi guys, new here and looking for some knowledge. I recently became a owner of an 06 Yukon SLT with 160k miles. Everything seems good so far beside a slight lean to the right while driving but my question is what is causing this sound? It gets louder as you press the gas. I’ve heard numerous answers but none of them the same or from people I would consider knowledgeable about vehicles. Was wondering if you guys could help me out. Thanks for any input.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

That's noisy, for sure. Before we start planning your 6.0 swap or top end rebuild, lets start with some basics.

Do you have any maintenence history? That engine bay is not looking too well cared for. What's the oil like? There is oil in it, right?

Also, you can take the belt off and run it for a minute. This will eliminate any noise from front end accessories like your alternator, water pump, AC tensioner/ clutch, idler pulley. I find it helpful as 1) if the noise is an accessory, it'll go away 2) all that extra spinny stuff shuts up so you can really hear the actual culprit.

 

[afpj]

Oi, water pump or alternator...granted we're not talking high fidelity sound here but that sounds like a bearing.

 

[North gates]

That's noisy, for sure. Before we start planning your 6.0 swap or top end rebuild, lets start with some basics.

Do you have any maintenence history? That engine bay is not looking too well cared for. What's the oil like? There is oil in it, right?

Also, you can take the belt off and run it for a minute. This will eliminate any noise from front end accessories like your alternator, water pump, AC tensioner/ clutch, idler pulley. I find it helpful as 1) if the noise is an accessory, it'll go away 2) all that extra spinny stuff shuts up so you can really hear the actual culprit.

Oi, water pump or alternator...granted we're not talking high fidelity sound here but that sounds like a bearing.

Thanks for the replies and info guys. It really is super appreciated. Unfortunately no history : ( oil is in but in need of change ( happening today ) great idea about the belt! Will be doing this soon as I can. Thanks again HiHoeSilver and afpj! Very helpful for a newbie like me

 

[wjburken]

Might invest in a mechanics stethoscope. Will help better pin point where the sound is coming from.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon. Sounds like a bearing noise from water pump, alternator or a tensioner or idler pulley. Removing the belt and if noise goes away that will help pin point the noise. Use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen with belt on or spin by hand with belt off ad should feel the rough bearing in your hand when you spin it.


We recommend that you put all your rig(s) info in your signature so we all don’t have to guess at year, make, model, engine size, trans, rear axle locker…….etc. While you may have posted pertinent info in your first post, you may forget to do it again and the info is needed by us anyway. Makes it way easier on all members that attempt to help, to have that info right up front. It is also recommended that you take a pic of your RPO codes, on the inside cover of the glove box, and post that image in your signature. All this info will greatly help those that will try to help with a problem.


If there is any other info, like upgrades, mods or recent mechanical/maintenance work done, that would be helpful in any post as well. Too many times a question is asked by the poster and after about 10 responses we find out that the poster has done recent work to attempt to fix the problem or work that was done that SEEMS not related to the problem.

 

[PNWYukon]

That's some awfully loud tapping too.

 

[mountie]

I was listening to the 'speed' of the sound (different than engine rpm)....... Reminds me of an alternator noise?

 

[North gates]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon. Sounds like a bearing noise from water pump, alternator or a tensioner or idler pulley. Removing the belt and if noise goes away that will help pin point the noise. Use a mechanic's stethoscope to listen with belt on or spin by hand with belt off ad should feel the rough bearing in your hand when you spin it.


We recommend that you put all your rig(s) info in your signature so we all don’t have to guess at year, make, model, engine size, trans, rear axle locker…….etc. While you may have posted pertinent info in your first post, you may forget to do it again and the info is needed by us anyway. Makes it way easier on all members that attempt to help, to have that info right up front. It is also recommended that you take a pic of your RPO codes, on the inside cover of the glove box, and post that image in your signature. All this info will greatly help those that will try to help with a problem.


If there is any other info, like upgrades, mods or recent mechanical/maintenance work done, that would be helpful in any post as well. Too many times a question is asked by the poster and after about 10 responses we find out that the poster has done recent work to attempt to fix the problem or work that was done that SEEMS not related to the problem.

Thanks for all the info and help, will be adding all the information to my signature. Everyone has been very helpful, can’t say I appreciate you all enough!

 

[OR VietVet]

Thanks for all the info and help, will be adding all the information to my signature. Everyone has been very helpful, can’t say I appreciate you all enough!

Go ahead, say it some more, we never get tired of hearing it.