K 2500 Yukon XL 4WD V8-8.1L VIN G (2001)
Drive/Propeller Shaft: Customer Interest
Drivetrain - Front Axle Whine Noise
File In Section: 04 - Driveline Axle
Bulletin No.: 03-04-17-005
Date: March, 2003
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Whine Noise from Front Axle (Diagnose and Replace Front Propeller Shaft with a Tuned Internally Dampened Front Propeller Shaft)
Models:
2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2000-2003 GMC Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali
2001 GMC Sierra C3
2002-2003 GMC Sierra Denali
with AWD Transfer Case (RPO NP3 or NR3)
Condition
Some customers may comment on a slight whine noise from the front of the vehicle during light throttle conditions, typically at two vehicle speed ranges
of 64-80 km/h (40-50 mph) and 112-129 km/h (70-80 mph).
Cause
"Inherent" ring and pinion gear whine.
All gear driven units, such as automotive rear axles, produce some level of noise that cannot be eliminated with conventional adjustments and repairs.
"Inherent" axle noise can be described as a slight noise heard only at a certain speed on most General Motors(R) trucks. The presence of this noise is not
indicative of a functional concern with the axle assembly. However, some customers may find that this "inherent" axle noise is unacceptable.
Correction
Replace the front propeller shaft with an internally tuned dampened shaft ONLY after diagnosis concludes that it is an "inherent" front axle noise and no
physical damage or incorrect adjustment exists.
Diagnostic Information and Procedure for Front Axle Noise
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Diagnostic Starting Point - Front Drive Axle (Refer to SI Document ID # 696970)
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Symptoms - Front Drive Axle (Refer to SI Document ID # 696957).
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Front Drive Axle Noises (Refer to SI Document ID # 700621).
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Noisy in Drive (Refer to SI Document ID # 700622).
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Noisy When Coasting (Refer to SI Document ID # 700624).
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Intermittent Noise (Refer to SI Document ID # 700625).
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Constant Noise (Refer to SI Document ID # 700631).
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Noisy on Turns (Refer to SI Document ID # 700634).
Front Propeller Shaft Replacement
1.
Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (SI Document ID # 737171).
Important:
Before disassembly, observe and accurately mark all of the driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and to the axles. These items
include the following components:
^
The propeller shafts
