Chassis Creaking....

[Sietek]

Hey all, I'm pretty new to the site. To date, I have found some really good information on the Avalanche on this site. I have owned my Av for just under a month. It is a '03 Black Z66. For the most part, I really like the truck. My issue is this: Lately, I have been noticing a creaking coming from what appears to be the chassis.
It has been getting worse in the last few days. It only happens when I am either slowing down to a stop, or accelerating from a stop. I thought it was the suspension, but I was told that it is the chassis, and not the suspension. This would be more consistent with where the sound is coming from, and when it is happening.
The only mods I have done to date is a set of Westin Nerf Bars, and set of 22" wheels, with 305/45 R22's on it. I made sure to put on wheels that were really close to the factory wheels weight. They are powder coated aluminum alloys. ?I have been driving in some serious rain in the past three weeks, but I didn't think this could dry out the chassis. I was also told by a GM mechanic that with the 22" wheels I would need to get my chassis lubed more often, because the wheels put more stress on the chassis of the truck. ?Does this sound right?!? ?I have also been having issues with my power steering. It makes stressing noises from time to time, but only when I first start the truck. I topped of the power steering fluid, but that didnt seem to help either. I am doing to take it into my dealer tomorrow morning, but I just want to make sure he is straight with me. Has this happened to anyone else, or does anyone have any ideas what the problems might be?!? ?Thanks in advance.

Sietek.

 

[steelheadchaser]

You may want to check the torque on the bolts for the Westin nerf bars. Others have found them to be the source of some noises.

 

[Sietek]

Steel...... Do you mean, that the westins might be torqued too tightly?!?

 

[steelheadchaser]

I was thinking more along the lines of one or more loosening up. I just noticed today that I am missing the smaller bolt that holds the middle of the step down to the steel bracket. Did you do the install yourself, or did someone else do it?

 

[Sietek]

I had a local shop do it.

My biggest concern it that the "creaking sound", is starting to sound more like metal on metal...... wich leads me to think that it might be the Westins, rubbing against the chassis. Hmmmmm......

 

[wrchism]

I was also told by a GM mechanic that with the 22" wheels I would need to get my chassis lubed more often, because the wheels put more stress on the chassis of the truck. ?Does this sound right?!? ?

I'll only comment on this question . . . Could be true, as the lower profile tires will absorb less shock than the stock tires. Given this, the suspension will see a bit more action than with a stock configuration.

 

[Sietek]

Wrchism..... thanks for the reply.

I dropped it off at the dealer this morning. They said they would check it all out. The service advisor made no mention of the wheels being any kind of an issue. I will post the results of their finding. later today.

 

[Sietek]

Well I got my truck back yesterday, and it turns out it was the nerf bars. They needed a set of rubber bushings to keep them from rubbing the chassis........ Thanks Steelheadchaser