ticking noise from front of vehicle

[oneheavyhorse]

I have a 2002 4WD Yukon. I have noticed a tickking noise when I am driving very slowly, about 5 mph, that either goes away or is drowned out when i'm moving faster. It is not tied to engine speed. It only occurs when the wheels are rolling, but at a higher frequency than the wheel revolutions. It does not change whether I'm braking or not braking.

I plan to look at it this weekend, but does anyone have any ideas as to what to check? Could it be an ABS sensor?

Thanks in advance!

[horse482]

The only way an abs sensor would make the noise is if it is rubbing, I would check to see if the pads are tight in the caliper, if so then it could be a bad wheel bearing. I would try jacking the vechile up and spinning the front wheels to see of the noise is still present. Most wheel bearings when they are just starting to go bad will only make noise when under load. You can try to shake the wheel up, and down, or side to side to see if there is any play. Hope this helps.

[oneheavyhorse]

Thanks horse482....I had the front wheels up, spun them, and no noise from either of them. So it probably is a bearing getting ready to go. I'm hoping to wait until the warmer weather. Do you know if I have to separate the axle from the front differential to pull it out, to replace the bearing, or do I remove the tie rod and swing the knuckle enough, or etc....

[JpJr]

Originally Posted by oneheavyhorse

Thanks horse482....I had the front wheels up, spun them, and no noise from either of them. So it probably is a bearing getting ready to go. I'm hoping to wait until the warmer weather. Do you know if I have to separate the axle from the front differential to pull it out, to replace the bearing, or do I remove the tie rod and swing the knuckle enough, or etc....

It could be your A/C coming on and off, because you are low on freon? I've got a 96 Yukon with a slow freon leak, and when it gets to 'low point' I can hear the ticking of the A/C attempting to turn on/off continuously. It goes away if I turn off A/C, however.

[TwoPoint]

ran into something like this that almost drove me crazy.
turned out to be the trip mile counter.
it would start to turn over, then click.
pushing the reset "positively" fixed the issue for me

hope this helps