A squeak or click sound may be heard coming from the front of some 2019-2022 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500; 2021-2022 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade models equipped with all-wheel drive/four-wheel drive and front axle RPO SU4. The sound may be heard with the vehicle in 2WD but goes away in 4WD.
If the sound is heard, it may be caused by the left-side front axle output shaft. (Fig. 9, #2) The sound does not affect the durability or operation of the vehicle.
Fig. 9
Test drive the vehicle to confirm the sound is present. During a test drive, it may be easiest to duplicate the condition in warmer ambient temperatures after approximately 30 miles (48 km) of driving.
After confirming the sound is present and isolated to the front-left axle seal area, replace the left-side front axle output shaft (or front-wheel drive shaft). A new part number is available, which includes the slinger (Fig. 10, #1) and retaining ring. The slinger and retaining ring are single-use parts.
To replace the left front-wheel drive shaft, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal Replacement – Left Side or Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement – Left Side (SU4) in the appropriate Service Information.
Fig. 10
TIP: The repair with the new part number is different than previous repair attempts. Any vehicle that has had a previous repair attempted and/or the condition has returned prior to January 27, 2022, should have this repair performed with the new part number.
Refer to Bulletin #22-NA-251 for more information and part numbers.
– Thanks to Robert Cross
