Whine coming from somewhere!

Bigfoot, yes this truck has been dealer maintained. I bought it with 12 miles on the odometer and have faithfully kept it maintained. Early on, it had several problems that were fixed under warranty. Including the rear end! It definitely had some lemonish tendencies.

Over time it mellowed out and stopped with the mechanical nonsense.For awhile anyway. Due to high miles things started to wear out at about 186k. Got a "new" crate motor at 189k.
I've always told the dealers at every oil change... look at everything... if you find something tell me because I want to fix it.
I am disappointed that the bearing issue wasn't noted before now... and last week we had to have two new rotors on the front because I told them the brakes were shuddering in front.
I've had dealers who made a point to actually drive the truck everytime it came in "just to listen" and "feel what's going on". Most have not done that. I wish more did.
253k on a 2004 truck is a lot of miles, but we've moved a lot for DH's job and my favorite form of entertainment is going for a ride. It's been through all manner of terrain...accidentally got on a BLM road once. That was interesting.

In spite of all the mechanical stuff... it has never left me stranded anywhere except my own garage when the battery unexpectedly quit. When the engine started to go we were coming down a 7% grade in the Georgia mountains. We made it safely to the bottom and all the way to the dealership. Engine sounded like someone had poured ball bearings in it. The dealer said it was "one tough truck".

I would really love to have a new truck but the prices...wow. Even if we do get a new one... I'm keeping this one. It's like a comfortable pair of jeans.

Mercedes used to give people a new Merc when their old one hit a million miles. I've thought about asking GM if they'll give me a new truck when I hit a mil.

Thanks for giving us an update. I wish everyone did.

Yes it's amazing how slowly a noise starts. After a while you just get used to it! Seen it many times.

Glad you will have many more quiet towing miles!

Has this truck been dealer maintained?

ACZL wrote:

covetsthesun wrote:
Update! It was a rear pinion bearing and they've saved it for me to see. The "ring gear"?? etc were fine. All the bearings have been replaced along with seals and goo.

The service manager says it's been test driven and the tech said it was "quiet as a mouse" now.

Picking it up soon. Armed with your advice I mentioned several things in particular to be checked. It seemed the dealer was already on all of it so I feel pretty confident they did the job right. 3 year 36000 mile warranty. It's a small town and the dealership's been here since WWII.

Thanks all! Really appreciate the help. This is the absolute best bunch!
cts

On The Road Again ! Congrats man. Can't beat the repair then if it comes w/3/36 warranty!

On the road and oh boy is that truck quiet now!!! This had to have been going on for awhile because DH and I cannot believe how quiet the truck is now. Smoooooth as silk back there.

Thanks all!
cts

covetsthesun wrote:
Update! It was a rear pinion bearing and they've saved it for me to see. The "ring gear"?? etc were fine. All the bearings have been replaced along with seals and goo.

The service manager says it's been test driven and the tech said it was "quiet as a mouse" now.

Picking it up soon. Armed with your advice I mentioned several things in particular to be checked. It seemed the dealer was already on all of it so I feel pretty confident they did the job right. 3 year 36000 mile warranty. It's a small town and the dealership's been here since WWII.

Thanks all! Really appreciate the help. This is the absolute best bunch!
cts

On The Road Again ! Congrats man. Can't beat the repair then if it comes w/3/36 warranty!

Update! It was a rear pinion bearing and they've saved it for me to see. The "ring gear"?? etc were fine. All the bearings have been replaced along with seals and goo.

The service manager says it's been test driven and the tech said it was "quiet as a mouse" now.

Picking it up soon. Armed with your advice I mentioned several things in particular to be checked. It seemed the dealer was already on all of it so I feel pretty confident they did the job right. 3 year 36000 mile warranty. It's a small town and the dealership's been here since WWII.

Thanks all! Really appreciate the help. This is the absolute best bunch!
cts

Chrisatthebeach wrote:
My Suburban did the same at 30,000 miles, pinion bearing failure, lucky for me even though outside of 36 months GM did repair since under mileage.
If I had to pay I would look for a used unit from salvage yard, that way you can pick the gear ratio you want and most times can see the vehicle it comes from and know the mileage it has on it as well. This option usually cheaper than repairing what you have.

How do you get to see the mileage at a salvage yard? Most vehicles these days have a digital odometer. A battery would be needed and in my experience that's one of the first things removed.

I agree with the differential. My Dodge did the same thing until I had the ring and pinion changed along with the bearings. When looking at the ring and pinion you are able to see the problem. I took it to a drive train specialty shop for repairs. Never had a problem after that. JMO

Ring and pinion. We see it all the time and it will not make noise on the rack. Take it to a real diff. guy. The shop checking has no clue.