General Motors has provided a solution to a rattle or clunking sound that some 2017 to 2023 model-year GMC Acadia owners have reported hearing from the vehicle’s front end.
According to a recent post on the GM Techlink service website, a “rattle or clunk sound may be heard at the front of the vehicle on some” 2017-2023 model-year GMC Acadia models. While it’s possible this problem is related to a loose strut or sway bar, the sound may also be the result of “a loose, mispositioned or improperly torqued cradle brace,” the automaker says. The cradle brace is a flat bar that is bolted across the center of the engine cradle (labeled #1 in the diagram below).
Technicians can determine if the rattle or clunk sound is coming from the cradle brace, as opposed to a loose suspension component, by removing the cradle brace and driving the vehicle for a short period while driving over small bumps or executing turning maneuvers. If the sound is no longer heard, it’s likely it was due to a loose or misaligned cradle brace.
To fix the problem, the technicians should re-install the cradle brace and ensure the bolts are torqued to spec. GM also notes the fasteners used on the cradle brace at single-use torque-to-yield fasteners, so the technicians must use new fasteners when tightening the brace back down.
This problem may affect 2017 to 2023 model-year GMC Acadia crossovers, as well as other C1XX-platform GM crossovers from certain model years, such as the Chevy Traverse, Chevy Blazer and Cadillac XT5.
The second-generation GMC Acadia went on sale for the 2017 model year. Production of the 2023 GMC Acadia started at the GM Spring Hill plant in Tennessee on June 10th, 2022.
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Comments
I experienced the rattle in the front of my 2020 Acadia. After changing two different parts they changed the strut on the right front and that fixed the rattle.
it also happen to my 2020 Equinox lt 2.0 .with 12,000 miles. clunk noise when turning or bumps. bolts wouldnt tighten, dealer replaced bolts.
PLEASE SHOW THE COLORS FOR THE 2023 GMC SIERAS
2018, 50000 miles, no issues.
I had this issue with my 2017 Cadillac XT5 and paid for the repair. This seems like a manufacturing defect that GM should have paid to fix.
Just had my 2018 with 23,000 in for rattle in passenger front axle area, dealer said it was lower control arm and they covered it but I wonder. No complaints.
Had strut replaced while under warranty. The bigger question is when is gm gonna recognize the shift in park problem. Replaced harness cable while under warranty and still experiencing problem. In other words replacing park cable did NOT solve this issue..
Top it off no recall. I question the sincerity of policy procedures to corrective solutions.
How about giving the torque value on those bolts so I can check them myself instead of waiting for a noise to appear?
I have a 2018 GMC Terrain SLE with a clinking noise going over rough patches of asphalt, with 59k. I just installer new left and right struts and bearing caps. The clunking has got a little better, but it still clunks over rough asphalt. I bought it used and had 27k now has 59k. Any one have any suggestions on how to get rid of the clunking
2019, 27000 miles, no issues
im a gm tech. Those braces have been making noise since 2007! run over a snow packed street for example, and it tweaks the brace enough that it closes up the clearance between the brace and the crossover pipe under the engine. if you look closely you’ll see the clearance is slight on a normal brace
I have a 09 Acadia. Clunking very bad, especially on the passenger side. New shocks and struts up front….didn’t help. Someone said there’s a small plastic piece that goes around the wheel somewhere that will fix that, do you know what it is?
Thank you
Kim
I am having the shift to park issue too with my 2017 Arcadia I just got in June. No rattle that I have noticed.
I have the same shift to park issue with my 2017 Acadia. Started right about the time I bought it in 2019, so one could assume it had been doing that for previous owners.
many times its worn front stabilizer links and/or stabilizer bar bushings. disconnect the links from the front struts and take it for a ride..if the noise is gone you’ve found the problem
Just disconnect them?? And run like that or get new ones?
Thanks,
Kim
no no..simply disconnect them and take a SHORT drive to see if the noise is gone. if so, then replace them. only drive with them disconnected for diagnosis
So did they make this a recall? If they have discovered an issue then that would be the thing to do. I have found that a lot of stuff that seems to be an issue with my Acadia that many others have similar problems still aren’t recalls its BS. GMC needs to step up.
usually recalls are safety/emissions/defects in manufacturing items. however, gm has numerous “special policies” that address common issues.
How do you find these “special policies”? Thanks
easiest way would be to contact gm customer service for your particular division. if there is a policy addressing your concern it basically extends the warranty covering the repairs.
I have a 2008 acadia with a clunking noise in the front i guess it could be from the same?
sure
I have a 2019 Acadia and had replaced the struts and upper control arms of both sides to attempt to stop this creaking noise. It did NOT work. I found the bolts on engine cradle (labeled #1 in the diagram). were loose and were tightened to spec torc and noise is gone! Thank you for the article.