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Howl From Rear Axle

P

pogo

Full Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2002
Messages
156
Location
Glenville, NY
Has anyone noticed a howl coming from under their AV when coasting between 45-55? It goes away as soon as you step on the gas. I found out it was the rear diff. Dealer replaced entire axle assembly after trouble shooting for one week, and then waiting for parts!! It fixed most of the problem - at least now I don't hear it if the radio is on. The dealer said this was a common problem on Tahoes and Burbans of the same age. My AV was born on 6/02. Anyone else hear it?
 
How many miles were on your truck? I have replaced rear ends in most of my GM vehicles at one time or another. Just the weakest link for the general I think.

The last time at 70K and since we were complaining since 30K they replaced it under warranty :)
 
Yes mine was replaced at 30K miles, but the noise is not completly gone :8:
 
Rod,


Make sure they don't try to tell you its a "characteristic" of the truck and that everyone does it. Needless to say I stoped that line of BS before they could finish spitting it out. :8: They were pretty agreeable after that.
 
The problem is with the ring and pinion gears. I am on my second AV...first replaced after a series of problems. Both have had the ring and pinion gears replaced. Once in the first AV...3rd set a charm on the second AV. It has to do with the vendor of the gears. To save money they 'cut' them with fewer passes resulting in noisy gears. My dealer finally had the vendor cut a set the old way and walla...no noise. It may also be that the gears need a alignment to stop them floating while you are in the coast mode. Just got mine back and am back in love with my AV. GM saved a few bucks upfront on the gears and spent an average of $1200 per visit on my truck according to the service manager. I thought it would have been cheaper to put a new rear axle in but what would I know? I'm just glad I can drive it without listening for "THE NOISE". Good luck.
 
I had howl between 60-50 when coasting down. Dealer replaced ring and pinion and bearings. Said alot of metal filings in case. Helped but is howling again and I have another dealer who will look at it again as I'm close to warranty closeout. (25,000). First changed at 18,000. They were telling me all 4.10's howl. I don't think so but they are costly ($2000). I think the gears are not cut properly and when installed the lash isn't set by someone who knows what they are doing. This is the only major problem I've had.
 
Now is this only on the 4.10's with a birthdate of 06/02? I have a Z66 '02 should i be looking for something like this?
 
I have a 2500 with locking rear diff. Over the last week I have noticed a popping noise when I am turning at slow speeds. I have 12000 on it with 3.73's. I haven't gone to the dealer yet but will be. Does anyone have any TSR's on this issue?

KillerMWD
 
I posted on this in another thread. Mine was replaced at 19,400 miles. :6:
 
The dealer was going to replace the gears in my av but they noticed that the housing was not machined correctly and had large gouges in it. I haven't noticed any noises from the new axle except for a slight howl at the same speed and conditions as before, no popping or clicking, only a clunk when it locks up in the snow.


BTW- I was thought Chevy was using synthetic lube in the rearend since the '99 Silverados and the new style Tahoes and Burbans.
 
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