2003 Chevy Suburban Rumbling Noise when Decelerating

Tiny
MBERGM1
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 92,000 MILES
When driving at +30 MPH and I let off the accelerator, I hear a rumbling noise that sounds like I'm driving on those wake-up grooves on the side of the road though not as loud or vibrating. Any clues?
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 1:05 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,858 POSTS
It sounds like a bearing noisie. Can you tell aprox where it is coming from on the vehicle?
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
MBERGM1
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The sound diminished when I listened outside (window rolled down) so I would imagine passenger side. Is there something I could check to confirm? Would you be able to hear the noise when the car passes by?
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
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Try a little test. While driving straight down the road, (make sure no one is coming toward you) weave left to right just enough to see if the sound chances. Please don't swirve hard enough to cause an accident.

Let me know what happens. If there is a change in sound, my first guess is a wheel bearing. If there is no change, we need to check transfer case and differential bearings for play.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
MBERGM1
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There might have been a slight change but I cannot be for sure. I did notice when I was going through a curve in the road, the noise came and went. The thing is, it only happens when I am decelerating after reaching 35-40mph or more. I didn't try the curve from the other direction. Should I? What are the checks for the other two issues you mentioned?
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
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If the sound changed when turning, chances are you have a bad wheel bearing.

As far as the other test, you need to get under the vehicle and check for play where the drive shafts connect to the differential and transmission. If you try that, make sure the vehicle is in neutral, the park brake on securly, and block the wheels so the vehicle can't move. It needs to be in neutral so there is no tension on the drive shafts.

Let me know what you find. Also, when turning, if you tell me what direction turn made the noise go away, I'll tell you on what side the wheel bearing is bad.

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
MBERGM1
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Well, I took it into my local shop. It turned out to be the U-joints. Thanks for your help.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I'm glad you found it. We were close, if you would have checked the driveshaft for bearing problems, you would have found it. Next time we'll get it.

Regardless, thank you for using 2carpros. Com, we appreciate your business.

Thanks again, and let us know if you have trouble in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010 AT 1:02 AM

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