Certain GMC Sierra 1500 owners may notice their pickup emitting a clicking noise around the front axle while driving. Now, a possible cause behind this issue has been identified, as well as the repairs needed to fix it.
Per a report from GM TechLink, the front axle clicking issue may be present in certain units of the 2019 through 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with four-wheel drive. Affected vehicles are equipped with a front axle tagged with RPO code SU4. Notably, the report does not indicate if this issue is present in units of the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500.
Owners may notice the clicking noise occurs when the pickup is driving in two-wheel drive, while the sound will go away once the truck is put into four-wheel drive. The issue may be caused by the left-side front axle output shaft, but critically, the issue does not affect the durability or operation of the affected GMC Sierra 1500.
To address this issue, GM technicians are instructed to test drive the vehicle to confirm that the clicking (or squeaking) sound is coming from the front of the vehicle. The report notes that the sound may be duplicated most easily in warmer ambient temperatures after 30 miles of driving.
Once GM technicians can confirm that the sound is coming from the front-left axle seal area, they are instructed to next replace the left-side front axle shaft (or front-wheel drive shaft). Technicians should install a new part that includes a slinger and retaining ring, both of which are single-use parts. The report also indicates that technicians should refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal Replacement – Left Side or Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement – Left Side (SU4) in the appropriate Service Information.
Finally, the report indicates that the repair with a new part number differs from previous repair attempts. Any GMC Sierra 1500 with a previous repair attempted and / or the condition has returned before January 27th, 2022 should perform the repair with a new part number.
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Comments
I have this issue. I was told to drive the vehicle in auto, the noise would go away. Not acceptable answer. Or remedy.
Is this issue covered by warranty? I have the exact problem and called the dealer. They play dumb and act like they haven’t ever heard of this problem. Maybe they’re not playing. 🥴🤷🏻♂️
Brought my 2022 in for this issue. Dealership states they cannot hear the clicking noise. Said that everything is structurally sound and the vehicle passes inspection. To make the “noise” go away suggested that I try a new wheel bearing at $700.00.
The squeaky noise coming from the front end is the hub assembly bolt slowing working its way out.
I have a 2021 GMC Denali and the hub assembly bolt came loose while I was on the highway at 65-70mph.
The steering wheel shuttered pretty bad and it tore the axle boot.
Took it into the shop a few times and they could never find the issue.
60k miles later I found out it was the hub assembly bolt the whole time.
Get it checked out!!