Grinding noise when going over bumps

2002 GMC SIERRA
106,500 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DCANNON1390
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For the past few weeks my truck keeps making a weird grinding noise that comes from the back sometimes when I'm going up steep hills and going on bumps. What could it be?
Apr 12, 2020 at 9:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it is going up a hill, that would sound like a wheel bearing or bearing in the differential. I'm questioning it over bumps. Does the sound change when brakes are applied or if you are making turns? Also, is there any difference if the brakes are applied? Also, it could even be related to a universal joint. Take a quick look through this link. It explains how to check a universal joint.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-u-joints-work

One other thought. Check the differential fluid. Make sure it is clean and full. Here is a link that shows how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/differential-gear-oil-fluid-check

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 12, 2020 at 9:51 PM
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DCANNON1390
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It changes sound or it stops when i turn.
Apr 12, 2020 at 9:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Don't laugh, but does it stop when turning one direction and get louder in the opposite directions?
Apr 12, 2020 at 9:57 PM
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DCANNON1390
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No the sound doesn't get louder. It just changes or stops no matter what way i turn.
Apr 12, 2020 at 10:02 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If it sounds like a grinding sound, I'm questioning if it is a carrier bearing in the differential. Do me a favor. Check the fluid in the differential and see if it is full. Do that and let me know if when you check it if it is brown in color or more of a golden color.

I will watch for your reply. Also, the link I attached above shows a GM vehicle, so the fill / check should be the same. All you will need is a 3/8" ratchet and extension to fit the plug.

Let me know.
Joe
Apr 12, 2020 at 10:06 PM
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DCANNON1390
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I'll let you know in the morning. It's currently storming out.
Apr 12, 2020 at 10:34 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Ugh!!! The weather hasn't been good. I will watch for your reply.

Take care and stay dry.

Joe
Apr 12, 2020 at 11:02 PM
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DCANNON1390
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It came out a brownish black.
Apr 13, 2020 at 9:46 AM
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DCANNON1390
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I just replaced it today.
Apr 13, 2020 at 2:56 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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When you replaced it, were there any shavings on the magnet in the differential or evidence of any metal shavings in the gear oil? Has there been any change? Was it low on fluid? Also, is this an extended cab or crew cab that may have a carrier bearing in the center of the drive shaft?

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 13, 2020 at 5:49 PM
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DCANNON1390
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It's a extended cab and there wasn't any metal and it hasn't done it since.
Apr 14, 2020 at 7:39 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Great!!! I'm glad to hear that took care of the issue. Please feel free to come back if you have questions in the future.

Take care and stay healthy.

Joe
Apr 14, 2020 at 9:41 AM
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DCANNON1390
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If it does come back what could it be?
Apr 14, 2020 at 9:19 PM
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DCANNON1390
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It came back .
Apr 15, 2020 at 12:05 AM
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DCANNON1390
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But i do notice that it stops when i jerk it to the right.
Apr 15, 2020 at 1:36 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If you are sure it is the rear of the vehicle, that sounds like the right rear axle bearing is bad. What happens is when you turn hard to the right, the vehicle's weight distributes more to the left releasing pressure from the right side. Thus, less weight on the bearing equates to a change in sound.

You indicated this is an extended cab. Can you check to see if there is a carrier bearing mid way on the drive shaft that supports the shaft with a bearing mounted to the undercarriage? If there is, place the vehicle parking brake and make sure it can't move. Place it in neutral and then see if there is play in the bearing assembly.

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 15, 2020 at 6:41 PM
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DCANNON1390
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It happens when i go straight but it stops when i swerve it to the right.
Apr 15, 2020 at 8:44 PM
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DCANNON1390
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There is a bit of play in the driveshaft.
Apr 15, 2020 at 8:45 PM
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DCANNON1390
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I just realized my parking brake does not work too. I've checked it before and i was checking it again and i forgot my parking brake doesn't work.
Apr 15, 2020 at 8:56 PM
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DCANNON1390
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Also there is no carrier bearing .
Apr 16, 2020 at 12:35 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The idea there is an issue with the parking brake makes me question if there is an issue behind the rear brake rotor (parking brake assembly). Have you had things apart? It's possible a retainer or spring may have come loose or off.

Let me know if you have already checked.

Joe
Apr 16, 2020 at 6:35 PM
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DCANNON1390
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I have not checked, but when i turn the parking brake on the light does come on.
Apr 16, 2020 at 9:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I have to be honest. It may be a good idea to check. I would safely lift and support the rear wheel. Spin the wheels and see if anything sounds odd. I would then pull the wheels and check the brakes.

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 17, 2020 at 4:38 PM
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DCANNON1390
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Okay.
Apr 18, 2020 at 12:25 AM
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DCANNON1390
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Nothing sounds funny i did a tire rotation myself and checked the rear wheels and it didn't make any funny noise. Do you think it could be the CV boot or could it be something else?
Apr 28, 2020 at 8:34 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is it loud enough to record on your phone? If possible record it and upload it for me to hear. The idea that it stops when you turn hard right, it sounds like a bearing on the right side of the vehicle, likely the right axle bearing. You are certain it isn't something crazy like a bent backing plate behind the brake rotor rubbing, correct?

Let me know.
Joe
Apr 29, 2020 at 7:59 PM
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DCANNON1390
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Turns out it was the e brake. Removed it and it stopped.
Jun 21, 2020 at 12:11 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thanks for letting me know. I was wondering how this turned out for you. I'm glad to hear it is repaired. Feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe
Jun 21, 2020 at 8:58 PM
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DCANNON1390
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Will do.
Jun 21, 2020 at 9:01 PM