2004 Denali front differential

[Denalidisappointed]

At 52K miles I took my car to an independant garage to diagnose the noise in my front end. It sounded like failing CV joints. After much diagnosis, the mechanic showed me the loose bearing race at the back of the differential housing. The bearing was scored well enough to cause metal shavings in my diff. oil. Apparently, this is a problem with the Escalade also, part of the all-wheel drive system. Prior to authorizing the repairs, I called my dealer and was blown off by the service mgr. because I was "out of warranty". The part is not available. The diff. must be rebuilt. GM is aware of this problem. $2300 later and 15K mi., I have not had any problems. Real poor business practice on the part of GMC. I'll rethink my next purchase.

[prosnd]

I also have a o4 Denali with front diff problems. The dealer rebuilt it 5 times under warranty before they finally replaced ALL the parts including the carrier. It took a GM Field engineer to come down and do the work before it was finally done. I am about 5k miles with the new diff. We will see how it goes

[awalk256]

Did yours make a sound as if the belt was slipping when you made left hand turns?

[prosnd]

No my front end makes no different sound on turns.
I have a whine/whistle upon light acceleration or load. If I take my foot off the gas it goes away. I have complained of the sound many times since taking delivery new. The dealer gave me some BS about it being a "orifice tube" that was making the noise. I knew better and finally made them take the front end appart just before the warranty expired. They found it full of metal shavings and all the bearings wiped out. They said the spanner locks on the carrier bearings broke. Rebuilt with new locks and bearings 5 times before they finally replaced the entire diff, ring and pinion, bearings and everything else. The car has about 5K on the new stuff and I think I hear the same stuff again. I'll have them check it on the next oil change.