2004 Tahoe: Popping/clicking noise

[Jinkdad]

Let me pass this one by you guys....
When turning to the right, I hear a popping/clicking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle, also sounds like the right side.
After hearing this while driving, I had my wife drive it while I was out walking beside of it. It seems to be coming from the right rear. I have not pulled a wheel off yet or jacked it up. I thought I would pass it by you all.

Not sure if this matters but this Tahoe has the all-wheel drive with stabili-trak.

[sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by Jinkdad

Let me pass this one by you guys....
When turning to the right, I hear a popping/clicking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle, also sounds like the right side.
After hearing this while driving, I had my wife drive it while I was out walking beside of it. It seems to be coming from the right rear. I have not pulled a wheel off yet or jacked it up. I thought I would pass it by you all.

Not sure if this matters but this Tahoe has the all-wheel drive with stabili-trak.

How many miles on the vehicle? Just a guess of course, but I am thinking because it is happening when you are turning it could have something to do with the rear differential. I am assuming that has a posi rear end? Has the fluid been changed or checked lately? If it has been changed, I believe you have to have a limited slip diff. additive in there or they will chatter like that from what I remember. Good luck!

[Jinkdad]

It has 95,000 miles. The rear diff fluid has not been changed. I have not checked it either, but that is a place I could start. I am pretty sure it is the limited slip. I have not noticed the cover looking wet, so I don't think it has leaked. I bought the vehicle with 50,000 miles on it, I don't think the diff would have been changed by then. If it did maybe they could have forgotten the additive.

It is not getting driven right now so when my LONG list of things to do gets shorter. I think I will drain the diff and pull the cover. Not 100% sure what to look for though.

[sprucegoose]

Well, I would definitelty change the diff. fluids (front & rear) because that should be done by that time and you can analize a lot from what could be in the fluid.

If the fluid level is low it can leak from a number of areas (pinion seal, wheel bearing seals etc...) that may not be as detectable as a rear cover gasket.

If I remember right on my 98, if you switch to synthetic diff. fluid, you don't need the posi additive. If you stay with conventional gear lube you do. I would check with the dealer on your specific year truck though...

Good luck on finding your problem!

[sprucegoose]

I was going to mention that your problem could potentially be a bad wheel bearing back there also. Just the thought of a clicking noise made me think about that. Most times you will also feel a vibration also though. Especially when turning corners from one side to another, which shifts the load to one side or the other.

It would be worth at least jacking it up and comparing bearing play by lifting/pulling on the tire on each side. I would aso run it with both rear tires off the ground and see if you can locate the sound. If you pull off the tire you may see something that will help you nail it down...

[Jinkdad]

Thanks for the posts.

The problem ended up being the rear brake pads. This threw me because it only made the noise when turning to the right.

While I was at it, I changed the diff fluid. The dealer told me in 2000 all of the diffs use the synthetic fluid, so I didn't need the additive.