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Noises at low speeds

46K views 50 replies 31 participants last post by  mjsmith0469 
#1 ·
Have a couple annoying sounds at low speeds I can only notice if I have the windows down. Maybe someone else has experienced it that can help identify them. They are more apparent at a drive thru or somewhere that i'm traveling 5mph or under stopping and going. At these speeds I hear a clicking sound in line with the wheels spinning click click click, when I get to about 10+mph I can't notice it any longer. As i'm slowing to a stop 5mph or under I also hear what sounds like a rubber creaking type sound again in line with the wheels spinning worse the slower i'm going then stops when I stop.

I believe this has happened since it was brand new, it has 3000 miles on it now. I've changed my tires, front lift spacers, rear shackles, bunch of things but like I said I believe it was happening from the get go although I could be wrong.
 
#2 ·
Realize it is probably pretty difficult without actually hearing the sounds so I mounted my camera under the truck and took some video.

First one I edited down a bit but you can hear the distinct clicking sound and rubber squeaking type sound as I slow down. Second one the camera shifted the other way but you can hear the clicking better. Also both pretty good in case anyone was wondering what the diesel engine sounds like up close haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCjYUqqlHuA

https://youtu.be/It6uQu7iBgg
 
#4 ·
Could this be a cause? Older bulletin before the new 4 cyl but could be same issue.

Bulletin Number 02-06-01-022J (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).
Some of the above vehicles may exhibit a random ticking noise that is most audible on an engine with a coolant temperature of 70°C (158°F) or higher and from idle to approximately 1500 RPM. The noise usually is most noticeable at the rear of the driver's side front wheel well. Customers may also comment about hearing a tick noise inside the vehicle at idle such as when sitting at a drive through window. All 6600 Duramax™ diesel engines have this condition; however, some are more audible than others. Engine build variation from engine to engine contributes to differences in perceived volume. All Duramax™ engines are manufactured to very close tolerances to meet the durability and reliability standards.

This noise is caused by the relationship of the engine cylinder block, crankshaft journals, bearing inserts and the oil film. This relationship may allow a vibration that resonates through the cylinder block and is heard as a metallic ticking noise. The noise could be described as an irregular ticking or clacking sound, like random typing on a mechanical typewriter.

This condition has been present in diesel engines produced for the last 20 or more years. The overall noise reduction in engines produced today makes this noise seem new when, in fact, it was masked by other noises in the past. Many manufacturers such as Isuzu, Hino, Mitsubishi, and Nissan report a similar condition in their diesel engines. Testing and engine teardowns with this condition reveal no condition that would affect reliability or durability of this engine.

Dealers should not attempt to compare any customer vehicles exhibiting this noise with other similar vehicles as the noise is different from vehicle to vehicle and this may lead to the incorrect conclusion that the vehicle has a condition. This noise is a normal operating characteristic of the engine. This noise has no short or long term effects on the engine. Do not attempt repairs for this noise.

Important: Replacing the engine or internal components for this noise will not reduce or eliminate the noise.

Please share the information found in this bulletin with customers who inquire about this condition. In the event they have additional questions or concerns, please advise them to contact Customer Assistance at the numbers listed below for further information.
 
#5 ·
Maybe, I hadn't checked to see if there is any correlation to RPM since it sounded like it went along with the driveline as i'm in motion.
 
#7 ·
I may have to roll down my window and turn down the music, the only sounds I hear in my truck are loud music, the engine at high RPMs and the fan when its on high. I have to look at tach at stop lights to be sure its running cuase I cant even hear the engine.
 
#8 ·
Sound got much worse and I was able to track it down. Thought i'd share in case anyone else has a similar issue. Video of source of the squeak Sprayed some white lithium grease behind the rubber and all sounds have gone away.
 
#11 ·
Could you give a little more information as to where exactly this noise is coming from. Mine has not done this at idle like that, but I have had a definite squealing noise that goes away (from what I can tell) after around 30mph and continues until on deceleration until about 5-10mph. It does not seem to be affected by the brakes. Had the truck into the dealer today to have the tonneau installed and had them look it over but they couldn't replicate the noise. One thing I have noticed is that it is usually present after a long drive on the highway.
 
#10 ·
I just noticed at tick, tick, tick, noise yesterday. I was driving through some construction and they had K rail on both sides of the lane so I rolled down both windows to hear the diesel sounds reflected. That's when I heard the ticking sound. It disappeared at above 30 mph and returned when I slowed down. I can already hear the dealership......... "operating as designed, could not duplicate customer's concerns"!
 
#14 ·
I had that annoying, only when it's warm, less than 30 mph, squeak.

But not any more! After seeing what @MNT250 did, I got to looking at the driveshafts. My noise was coming from the rubber boot that rubs (by design) on the rear driveshaft, where it goes into the rear of the transfer case. The boot has a hole in it, I assume is there to let any moisture escape. So I sprayed some silicone lubricant where the shaft contacts the boot and into the hole in the boot. I took it for a drive, and the noise is gone. I will report back if/when it returns.
 
#20 ·
Technically this an old thread but I wanted to thank you anyways @MNT250. My truck was making that noise too and it was driving me crazy. I honestly thought it was my axle seal making the noise but I suspected that it was something else after I started sprayed some lube on other seals on the driveshaft and the noise started to go away. After spraying where you pointed out in the pic the noise is completely gone now.

I used this stuff on mine since I had a can of it laying around. Says it's safe on metal, plastic, and rubber, and it lasts for about a year, so I figure it'll keep the noise away for a while.

https://www.wd40specialist.com/products/spray-gel/
 
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#25 ·
Popping in to say that I've had this problem for quite some time. Problem is, it comes and goes. Last time I had it, I wanted to take it to the dealership, but then it disappeared.

I got a good video of it, this time:


I've noticed that it appears to come back after driving in dusty conditions. My current working hypothesis, assuming that the rubber boot is the culprit, is that dust works its way into the boot and causes the squeaking. After enough driving, the rubber rubs enough that it no longer squeaks... until dust works its way in there, again, and it starts all over.

I'm assuming it's the boot because it is definitely related to the wheels turning (i.e., the driveshaft spinning). The frequency of the squeaking is directly related to the speed at which I'm driving. The frequency of the squeak increases with increasing speed until I get over ~15 mph, after which it disappears.

I'll be taking it to the dealership hopefully this weekend (assuming there's still a squeak) and post what I hear.

Oh, mine is the 2017 Colorado ZR2 w/ v6 gas engine.
 
#26 ·
Popping in to say that I've had this problem for quite some time. Problem is, it comes and goes. Last time I had it, I wanted to take it to the dealership, but then it disappeared.

I got a good video of it, this time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyTcEc35eVs

I've noticed that it appears to come back after driving in dusty conditions. My current working hypothesis, assuming that the rubber boot is the culprit, is that dust works its way into the boot and causes the squeaking. After enough driving, the rubber rubs enough that it no longer squeaks... until dust works its way in there, again, and it starts all over.

I'm assuming it's the boot because it is definitely related to the wheels turning (i.e., the driveshaft spinning). The frequency of the squeaking is directly related to the speed at which I'm driving. The frequency of the squeak increases with increasing speed until I get over ~15 mph, after which it disappears.

I'll be taking it to the dealership hopefully this weekend (assuming there's still a squeak) and post what I hear.

Oh, mine is the 2017 Colorado ZR2 w/ v6 gas engine.
You don't need to go to the dealer. The solution is in post #8 of this thread. Just spray some white lithuim grease in the rubber driveshaft collar and the squeaks will go away.
 
#28 ·
I posted about this and was linked over here.

Last night I crawled underneath my truck and sprayed lithium in to both boots on either end of the drive shaft. I took a drive through the neighborhood and initially the sound was different but still present. However, by the second lap around the noise was gone. It is still gone this morning, but I'm going to give it a second treatment just to be sure.

No idea why they'd design something to make a noise like that. Perhaps to warn small children so they don't run out in front of you???
 
#31 · (Edited)
OK everyone, I had finally had enough of the squeak as it does come back after spraying it. I took it to the dealer this last time when it started doing it again and they said it is the front transfer case output shaft seal. They were even fixing another one with the exact same issue when I took mine in! They replaced the seal so we will see if that is the long term fix or not. So, if you go to the dealer, and they question you or say they can't reproduce, you can now tell them exactly what needs to be replaced!

Cause: 8420330 Front Output Shaft Seal Replacement
Part number: 84146848

Good luck!!
 
#43 ·
Gonna chime in and say I finally got mine to the dealer on a day it was squealing--2WD AND 4WD. I gave them a print-out of this forum thread and highlighting the important bits. They replaced the part number listed above, and I've been driving it for a couple weeks, now, and no more squeal!
 
#32 ·
Just had my front output shaft seal replaced. Noise gone.
 
#34 · (Edited)
Well no surprise, after the dealer replaced the drive shaft and u-joints the squeak is still present. After looking under the truck I am almost certain the squeaking noise is being caused by the slip yoke rubber seal when in 2WD.

When in 4WD or Auto I was able to confirm the noise is coming from the transfer case front output shaft seal.
https://youtu.be/skC1HKyZoa4

Now to get the dealer to fix it correctly this time.
 

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#36 ·
I'm hoping this is what my issue is, although the dealership couldn't fix it after a full day in the shop, I'll remember this just in case :)
Honestly disappointed in my Canyon, had a part go bad on my way home from the dealership, and this thing just seems to be falling apart all over. I'm not too impressed with my Canyon, but she sure does look nice.
 
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