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Front Passenger Side Issue

DickensCPA

Full Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2004
Messages
113
Location
Lebanon, TN
I've noticed a rub spot on the inner wheel well on the front passenger side where the tire rubs. When I make a slow turn hard left like in a tight parking lot I hear the rub and can feel like a "looseness" up front and right. The tires are spec OEM size so that's not the problem so I'm not sure what causes the rub and the clunk on a hard left turn.

Also, I was under the impression you could use Auto 4WD in all conditions. I don't use it on dry roads but we did have a big snow back in February and a couple times in heavy rain I've put it in Auto 4WD. If it is in Auto any time I turn left no matter the road conditions, even in ice/snow, the front end binds up the same as when you're in 4Hi or 4Low trying to turn on dry pavement. When we had that big snow I put it in Auto and had that problem and switched to 4Hi and everything worked just as it should.

I've been in mud on the hunting lease or pulling the boat out of the water on a wet ramp and with 4Hi or Low everything works just as it should, but IMO Auto does not.

I don't plan on trying to get in there and fix anything. I paid for an extended warranty and plan to let the dealership handle it. I was just hoping for enough feedback to go in there and talk intelligently so they don't BS me and I can make sure the real problem gets fixed.
 
Yes, you're correct on the auto 4wd. It 'should' be disconnected up front unless it thinks you're slipping in which case it engages the front clutch and powers the differential. You may be having an issue with a wheel speed sensor and it therefore thinks you're slipping when you're not.

It's worth noting however, that driving in auto 4wd at all times can put a bit more wear on the transfer case than normal, as it will always have the front driveshaft engaged and ready for the front clutch to be enabled on demand.

As for the front end, the steering and suspension might just be getting loose and letting it travel a little out of spec. A bad idler arm for example can certainly cause such issues. Just know to expect to pay for an alignment if you go in for this issue. Have them address the concern and replace what's needed, but they might ask for an alignment to be done first.
 
I always drive in 2WD just figured with 4" ice on the ground I could use Auto. LOL!

As long as they handle everything I paid for in extended warranty without grief, I have no problem paying for an alignment. It's about time for new tires anyway and I always get re-aligned for new tires.

I appreciate the things to look for, thank you!
 
What size tires?
Stock CHEVY WHEELS? for your model year
 
Sorry for the late reply. Tax season beat the crap outta me the second year in a row. I thought they were OEM but they’re 285s and the door sticker says OEM for 18” wheels is 265. I have since noticed my Speedo is off 3mph.

There’s a rub spot on the inner wheel well on passenger side only.
 
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