2001 SLE 4x4

[Jake_S]

I recently bought this truck and noticed right away there was too much noise in the front end. Especially in 4x4. The most confusing part was the truck wanted to lock up when making sharp turns. I understand this to be common in 4 low but this problem is in 4 high. So, i've been to the dealer and they rebuilt the whole front end and the transfer case portion of the auto. trans. This cured the constant noise apparent in 2 high, but there is still a noise while steering in 4 high and the locking or binding with sharp turns.
Thanks in advance

I guess, my question is, is this normal?

[sechracer]

binding will happen in 4 high if you turn to the lock. try letting off the wheel a little. the noise is not normal though.

[adjuster]

This is normal on dry pavement.

[SierraK1500]

Typically, 4 wheel drive is designed for plowing snow, getting out of a muddy situation, and really should not be used for highway use.

This is my first truck and I found that the front wheels bind or lockup when you make a turn too. A slight turn will not hurt you, but the truck will "buck" or "skate" along the road if you turn hard. This will also raise hell with the rubber up front, so I do not reccomend this too much. Straight ahead you run her in 4 wheel all the time. Say goodbye to your gas mileage.

As far as the noise up front is concerned, have the dealer inspect the transfer case and make sure that a gear in the case is not severly worn.
Use clean transfer case goo and have your truck really checked out.
My transfer case was replaced under warranty before I got my Sierra.
I have no noise.

Good luck....
John

[Jake_S]

Thanks for the replies.
I've had these problems on gravel and have not really tried it on pavement.
John: The front noise is only apperant while steering, have you noticed anything like that?
Jake

[SierraK1500]

Now this is a different situation. I want you to try something. This is a risky thing to try. If you are not careful you will damage your transmission.
I had noise similar to you. I tried this: Took the truck out to a quiet road, took it up to 35 MPH, shifted the transmission to NEUTRAL with my foot off the gas. Then I shifted the transfer case to NEUTRAL and let the truck coast. I tried to steer the vehicle left to right and I coasted into a parking lot. I made a few left and right turns with the vehicle and found out I had a bad steering box. GM replaced it under warranty at the time. You may want to do this in a quiet shopping mall lot or somewhere you will not bother anyone. After you are done with the test. Stop the vehicle and shut off the engine. Put the transmission in park. Putting it in park with the engine running is like slamming it into reverse while you are moving forward. It will severly damage the transmission. Now put the transfer case back into 2WD. Start the truck and drive it normally. If you heard a noise with the case disengaged, then it is the steering box and associated drive system. If the noise returned after you restored normal operation then go have the transfer case looked at. Let me know how you make out. Remember you are doing this test, and responsible for your vehicle. If you are timid about doing this go to the dealer and have them check it.
John

[SierraK1500]

Jake,

I wanted to tell you this! After rereading my last post I wanted to explain to you why I am telling you to shut off the engine before shifting it into park.

With the transfer case shifted into neutral the truck can move and actually be towed with the transfer case in neutral. This can also be done with the transmission in park and the steering wheel in the locked position with the keys removed from the ignition.

The transfer case is the last link between the transmission and the drive shafts. If the transfer case is shifted into neutral the transmission can spin freely under a no load condition. If the engine is running, the transmission has the opportunity to turn inside. The parking pawl that
locks the transmission in park with you still having the engine running cannot engage when the tranny is turning. You would hear it going "bang, bang, bang". This will damage the transmission and cost you for a rebuild Thats why I said to turn the engine off and let the truck stop before shifting anything. Also it takes a few seconds for the 4 wheel drive to disengage back to 2 wheel drive when ever you are in gear. I am not an expert but learned the hard way in my truck.
Therefore you are responsible for any damage you cause to the drive train by the test, and not following reccomendations. Good luck
John

[Jake_S]

Ya, that's pretty clear John, Thanks

I don't think I'll try it though as the noise doesn't happen in 2 wheel drive so that pretty much rules out the steering box.

I'll be talking to the dealer soon.

[SierraK1500]

Jake,
I wrote this for you to do the test in 2 wheel drive. The coast test is done with the tranny and the transfer case in neutral. Do the test.....rest your mind


John

[Lonnie 4x4slt]

I had the same situation with my 2000 jimmy. When in 4x4, trying to steer on cement feels like stomping on the brakes, so i brought it to the GM dealership. Heres the result: Its perfectly normal, even though it feels like its going to blow the tires off their bead. Weird, i know, but at least nothings wrong, right? Now i find myself wondering if all 4x4's do this?