Some Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban owners may notice that their SUV makes a clicking noise while driving. The noise may be coming from the vehicle’s front axle while operating in four-wheel drive. Now, a possible cause for this issue has been identified, as well as a fix for the issue.
Per a recent report from GM TechLink, the clicking issue has been identified in certain units of the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban between the 2021 and 2022 model years. Affected units are equipped with four-wheel drive and include a front axle tagged with RPO code SU4.
The clicking sound will be present in the left-side front axle output shaft when operating the vehicle in two-wheel drive mode. However, the sound may go away when the vehicle is operated in four-wheel drive. Critically, the GM TechLink report indicates that the issue does not affect the durability or operation of the vehicle.
In order to address this issue, GM technicians are instructed to first test drive the vehicle to confirm that there is indeed a clicking (or squeaking) noise produced while operating the vehicle. The sound may be easiest to reproduce in warmer ambient temperatures after the vehicle has been driven for approximately 30 miles.
Once the GM tech confirms that the sound is occurring from around the front-left axle seal area, they will next replace the left-side front axle output shaft (or front-wheel drive shaft). Notably, a new part number is available that uses a slinger and retaining ring for installation, both of which are single-use parts. In order to replace the left front-wheel drive shaft, GM technicians are instructed to refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seat Replacement – Left Side or Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement – Left Side (SUR) in the Service Information literature.
Notably, a similar issue (and related fix) has also been identified for the the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.
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Comments
We can go to the moon and Mars, but Chevy can’t build a SUV without clicking noises…American workmanship at its finest…
I asked the dealership about this noise on my 2021 Tahoe Z71 and was told that my VIN cross reference doesn’t show that I have an issue. Hard to duplicate because it must be driven for 30 miles in warm weather. What specifically can I have inspected to demonstrate this noise without the 30 miles driven? This is frustrating because it must be driven off the road to accentuate the noise on bumps. Please help!