OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
A month ago I took my SY for a 400 mile road trip. Well on the way home it started to SHAKE and sound like a mellow humming from the frontend.

I have put about 100 miles on it since....and now the problem is SO bad that I just drove it a mile with the windows down and people were staring at me. It is no longer humming and shaking, It has turned into a:

1. LOUD squeaking sound ( like a hamster wheel if you could imagine )

2. Sounds like rocks are being crushed in the frontend.
- I am not sure if I messed up the wheel bearings when I grinded down the stub to get the z06 center cap on (getting metal shavings somewhere?)
- About to throw the propshaft (ujoints bouncing around?)
- Somehow broke the front differential (just had the fluid replaced 2k miles ago)

3. Sounds and feels ( in the seat, NOT the steering wheel ) like I am riding on two front tires that are TOTALLY flat ( you know how you hear that FLAPPING sound ) , but corners perfect.

I wanted to go get it washed because its been snowing lately....but I dont even trust going 5 miles up the road with it like this. I am bummin' ... guess I will just get it fixed when I pay to have the shop throw on the coilovers?! What do you guys think is wrong? Thanks ---
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

I think your right *I hope*. Chances are the truck sat for years, and now I get it and throw on a few thousand miles....I am sure she is in shock.

Is that an easy fix? Pretty cheap? Thanks ---
 
M

MikeRenz

not stock
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

wheel bearings aren't cheap...they're like $100-$125 each depending on where you buy them. Its not a fun thing to replace either. Its well worth it considering how annoying a bad wheel bearing is though. :lol:
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

OOOH bummer, hahah oh well....like you said, its almost embarrassing to drive it around. Will I cause damage to anything if I drive it 10 miles to get it washed tonight? ---
 
Don W.

Don W.

Stab it and steer it
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

You will if the wheels fall off. I've seen it, but not on a Sy. Get it up in the air, find what's wrong, and don't drive it 'tiill you do.:2cents:
 
B

big gear head

axle builder
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

Could be a CV joint on one of the front axles. Look for a torn boot and grease slug everywhere.
 
Sy229

Sy229

Move with Purpose
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

Don't drive it! With that much noise and vibration, the outcome can't be good.

It does sound like the wheel hub bearings. If you don't have the $ for both, you might be able to isolate it to one or the other with someone walking alongside in the driveway.

I had a slow-speed squeek from my camaro recently which I thought was the bearing, but turned out to be gritty bushings on the brake caliper pins.
 
D

dhorsman2000

Member
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

First thing I would do is pull the front prop shaft and feel the U joints. See if there is any play in them by holding the shaft (the prop shaft ya perv) and the coupler and twist, any play is not acceptable. Then also rotate the end, it should move freely and smooth, any tight spots aren't acceptable either. When my drive shaft on my ZR1 went it sounded just like the hampster on a wheel just like you described. Come to think of it the last 3 Ujoints I have replaced were making the same noise......And a bound up U joint will make a terible vibration......Hope that helps
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

Thank you guys VERY much. I guess I am going to set up an appointment with my mechanic and have them redue my entire suspension. I live in an apt and they put a note on my door when I change my oil :( . Oh well....just another step to postpone my engine build , lol !!! ---
 
D

dhorsman2000

Member
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

Looks like those are the bearings you need, but is that your problem. There really isn't a recommended/scheduled time to do the bearings (like on shocks) so you should make sure it is the wheel bearings..... :2cents:
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

I was afraid of that, hahahh ... ok I am sure this ebay auction lasts forever ( they sell a ton ). I appreciate the advice ---
 
willyson

willyson

trollin'
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

dude check your idler arm, mine is loose and causing this exact same problem. I had a zq8 box put in right before it started shaking at 60mph.
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

Thanks for the idea....I will check it. The only thing is the idler arm wouldnt make that "hamster wheel" squeak would it? I think I messed something up cutting the axles to get the wheel caps on my z06's ---
 
willyson

willyson

trollin'
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

maybe the squeaking is unrelated to the shake? i have stock wheels and havent cut the axels (yet) :2cents:
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

HAHAH it was 80 today so I decided to start up the truck and drive it around the block....that squeaky rock crushing sound is TOTALLY gone?! Do you guys think the grease froze in the wheel bearings in the winter and was causing the sound? Geez these trucks are something else!!! ---
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

DAMNIT its back already....this time I noticed when I make a left turn at around 15mph it POPS once, then you go 20 feet and it POPS again.....still squeaking bad, and causing a GRINDING sorta sound that I can feel in my gas pedal :( ---
 
sleepy

sleepy

Member
Re: OUCH, have a bad sound coming from front end ---

Sound like your front end (differential) may be coming apart. Have a good look and let us know - those noises don't just go away, at least not without coming back with friends. Also, if you are looking for new wheel bearings, be very careful where you buy them, budget parts on your front end is not always the answer. Look closely and let us all know.
 
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