2001 Tahoe grinding noise

[danb01tahoe]

Hi all, I just bought a 01 Tahoe and there is a small grinding noise coming from the front end. It happens all the time while running down the road except at low speeds.

My mechanic says that it is probably the bearings in the front diff and that it is always engaged even when in 2wd. I thought that it would be disengaged at the transfer case unless I put it in Auto4wd. Can anyone tell me if this sounds right. He also told me that it isn't going to cause any problems right now and can wait about 6-8 months to fix. Any help would be great.

Thanks
Dan

[RahX]

Without hearing it it is hard to say, could be a wheel bearing, may even be rusty rotors too. Take it to somewhere else and have someone look at it and see what they say.

[danb01tahoe]

I do trust my mechanic. He checked all the wheel bearings, brakes, u joints, ball joints and even took out the axles.

Is it true that the front diff is engaged in 2wd?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by danb01tahoe

I do trust my mechanic. He checked all the wheel bearings, brakes, u joints, ball joints and even took out the axles.

Is it true that the front diff is engaged in 2wd?

this vehicle MUST NOT be driven on dry solid pavement in any 4WD position.....

In auto 4wd the front axles are locked......together, this usually causes a slight vibration as the gears wear,,, as I'm sure this 2001 vehicle is now...in this condition...


In 4wd lo/hi the 4 wheels are locked together then the front axle is connected to the transfer case and all 4 wheels provide traction...

this should only be used when plowing or pulling a boat out of a steep ramp etc....

auto 4wd is used when driving in snow covered roads/off roading on areas that require traction...

excessive use will require frequent transfercase / front diff fluid replacement ...

to prevent other wear issues all tires must be worn the same and of the same size,,,if a worn tire is opposite a new tire this will rapidly wear out the drive train when in any 4wd position...

[danb01tahoe]

it is NOT in 4wd it is in 2wd all the time. All tires are new and the same size. I am well aware of how 4x4 should be used.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by danb01tahoe

it is NOT in 4wd it is in 2wd all the time. All tires are new and the same size. I am well aware of how 4x4 should be used.

if it is making grinding noises you must find a competent mechanic that will find this before it will be very expensive...to repair....

wheel bearing will moan....also on that vehicle the ABS will come on if the bearing is begining to go...

you most likely bought a vehicle with drive train damage...gears worn ...

the front diff is not known for bearing problems..