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2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 24, 2012, 7:47 AM
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2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Hope everyone is doing well. I still haven't gotten around to the Venture's transmission but plan on keeping it and getting it rebuilt. It's gonna get put off a little bit longer.
I just bought a 2003 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton ext. cab 4x4. It only has 80k on it. I got one heck of a deal on it. I just wish it had the 5.3 instead of the 4.8. The only issues it has is the service air bag light stays on and a problem with something in the rear drive line. When taking off or stopping there is a loud "chirping" noise. It just chirps once or twice everytime I start or stop. It almost feels like there is some slack in the drive shaft back there. You can just feel it.The guy I bought the truck from said he took it to the dealership and they said the rear wheel bearings were offset. (never heard of that one) They said it was causing the gears in the diff to move or something like that. I just don't see it but I haven't messed with rear ends that much. (I'm sure I'll get some wise cracks over that one) I did come across some info about a nickel plated slip yoke. Has anyone ever done this repair? If so, did it fix the problem? Any other ideas before I start tearing into it?
Thanks in advance for the replies. I don't know what I'd do without this forum!
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Hammer Time
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Aug 24, 2012, 8:14 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Look it over good for any metal on metal grounding out in things like u-joints, trans mount, loose yoke, suspension arms, exhaust movement, etc.
PS, does this have an aluminum driveshaft?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Aug 24, 2012, 8:15 AM)
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 24, 2012, 8:54 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Thanks for the reply. Yes, it does have an aluminum driveshaft. I'm gonna take it off to my buddy's farm this weekend and put it on the hoist.
I googled the symptoms and there seem to be many others with the exact same thing. For most it ended up being too much slack in the slip yoke. There were some who pulled the driveshaft, put one of.those rubber bouncy balls in the rear slot of the transfer case and then reinstalled the shaft. It fixed their problem! I'd be too afraid of that rubber ball breaking up and ending up with chunks of rubber in the t case. Have you ever heard of anyone doing this? I'm going to fix it right but just curious. The things people.come up with.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 25, 2012, 2:59 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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That driveshaft consists of 2 pieces. It has an inner shaft that I have seen become unattached from the outer and make a chirping noise every time it is put in gear.
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Tom Greenleaf
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Aug 25, 2012, 3:28 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Watching this and now with HT's note I think this driveshaft is the inner/outer casing with rubber like motor mount or harmonic balancer rubber to dampen shock and vibrations. Can't imagine quite how but they are sold as "reman" shafts - just know the exact length.
If all this then I'm guessing that rubber isolation has let loose and shaft inner and outer can turn but only so far and bet you could see that (careful of course) just shifting forward to back with helper with shaft indexed that it didn't just re-center well or at all such that it would be able to both clunk and give that chirp of rubber squeaking against one of the shaft parts it is still adhered to.
Quick check showed whole replacement was about $300 w new u-joints. The basic idea isn't new. Haven't noted one chirping away or continued clunking if so and all guessing is that would move in your hands, vehicle not even running, in park just twisting on shaft watching??
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 25, 2012, 3:48 AM
Post #6 of 46
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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I've never cut one open to see what is actually inside but I have changed a couple for a chirping noise that we were able to track down to the shaft as the source of the noise.
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 28, 2012, 8:11 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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It doesn't chirp when it's put into gear. It only chirps when you stop. It's only one chirp each stop and one chirp each takeoff. So, just one quick chirp. When I say "when you stop" I mean the last split second before the truck comes to a complete stop. It's not when you're slowing down but at about the same time the truck stops. It doesn't chirp at all while moving except right when you take off. It's like you feel the "slack" when you take off and it's followed by one "chirp". It's almost like it chirps when there is, what's the word I'm looking for, torque(?) on the rear components. If I come to a rolling stop and take off a split second before coming to a complete stop it you don't hear the chirp or feel a clunk. You only feel the "slack" when there's "torque". Hope that all makes sense. If it were the rubber inside the driveshaft would it do it more than what was explained above?
I did decide to take it in to the dealership yesterday to have the diagnose the problem. I talked to the mechanic and said it's just normal wear and could be a combination of everything in the rear end causing it. He said not to worry about it and keep driving it. With the "chirping" noise it's making it's hard not to worry about it. He said he dropped the driveshaft where it attaches to the diff and everything feels fine with the driveshaft.
I went ahead and picked up a diff kit that has the pinion and carrier bearings. I also picked up the rear u joint. I figure I'll start there and see what happens. Have to head out of state to see the sister in laws new baby so I'm not sure how soon I will get to it. I've never messed with pinion or carrier bearings. Is it something I should be able to do? The kit also came with shims. I've got a buddy who can give me a hand if you think I'll need some help.
Thanks!
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nickwarner
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Aug 29, 2012, 5:02 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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You'll need a pinion depth gauge, a hydraulic press, a dial indicator and a torque wrench that can read in inch pounds as torque is applied to it. Its not a simple swap like a wheel bearing, as the correct pinion depth, pinion bearing preload, carrier bearing preload and backlash (the depth of engagement between the ring and pinion gear teeth) must be correct to the .000 of an inch. If it was a carrier bearing or pinion bearing it would make a growling that would steadily increase with speed and load, and would eventually chew the teeth off your ring and pinion gears (go boom at the worst possible time). I'd leave the guts of the carrier alone. If you want, pop off the rear cover and visually inspect the ring gear for damaged teeth. Just have some black RTV to seal the cover back up with and fresh gear lube to refill the diff.
On the upside things could be much worse. You could be doing the intake on a Venture.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 29, 2012, 5:21 PM
Post #9 of 46
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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He already has. Most be getting old and the memory is slipping, Nick.
http://autoforums.carjunky.com/...king_Coolant_P111840
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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nickwarner
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Aug 29, 2012, 8:18 PM
Post #10 of 46
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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I do remember, all 3 pages in fact. Figured it would make this seem better in comparison to all the fun he had on the van.
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 30, 2012, 5:45 AM
Post #11 of 46
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Ha! That does make me feel a little better! I talked to my buddy who's a mechanic for Altorfer Cat and he said he has rebuilt a few diffs so will have him give me a hand. From the sounds of it it seems like something I probably shouldn't tackle on my own especially since I've never really messed with it before. If the gears are in fact worn should I just pick up a used rear end or get a new one? Or, is it best to replace all of he guts?
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 30, 2012, 3:39 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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I changed the u joints, poured a little autotrak fluid on the slip yoke, and that took care of the chirp and "slack". I read that sometimes the slip yoke will kinda stick. I guess lubing it will sometimes help the problem for about a month so I should know soon if it was the u joints or the slip yoke.
I then decided to change the diff fluid. After pulling the cover and inspecting one of the gears has some chips on the tip of each tooth. It's the small gear that is on top on the inside of the cylinder deal. (Sorry for the poor explanation, don't know much about diffs) Can the gear be purchased separately or do you have to buy the whole kit? How difficult is it to change? If I replace the gears should I go ahead with carrier and pinion bearings?
Thanks!
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Hammer Time
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Aug 30, 2012, 4:09 PM
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Sounds like you're talking about the spider gears. The kind of damage you are describing indicates some serious issues and it likely has extensive damage. Short cutting this would be a big mistake.
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 30, 2012, 5:28 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Thanks Hammer.....I definitely don't wanna shortcut. Could there be something besides the diff that caused this? What do you recommend? Do you think I should rebuild the diff or buy a used one? I have the kit for the carrier and pinion bearings already so would just have to buy the gears. I saw a kit online for around $250. I do have a buddy who has rebuilt diffs who will be able to help if need be.
This truck only has 80,000 miles and I got it for $4200 so I don't mind putting money into it. Used or rebuilt? What do you think? Any other recommendations? I will take it to a mechanic if that's what you think needs to be done.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 30, 2012, 5:38 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Does this have governor locking differential?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Hammer Time
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Aug 30, 2012, 5:47 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Rebuilt is always better but it depends on what you can afford. I'll let DS take this. He can get more specific than me.
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 30, 2012, 6:50 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Thanks to both of you....DS....yes, from looking at your picture I would say it does. The gear that has chips was in the area towards the top of the picture where that little squiggly line is but the gear on mine looks different. The teeth are point straight out. My diff looks a little different but i'm guessing the picture was to just show me the governor locking..um...thingy? 
Thanks again....really appreciate the help.
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MarineGrunt
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Aug 31, 2012, 9:05 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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What do ya think DS? Should it be completely rebuilt or should I pick one up from the junk yard? Any idea what caused the chipped teeth? If I do rebuild is there anything else that should also be replaced at the same time such as wheel bearings, carrier bearings, pinion bearings, etc?
Thank you for your time!
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Double J
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Aug 31, 2012, 9:51 PM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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There is a TSB on the noise
Clunk, Bump or Squawk when Vehicle Comes to Complete Stop or Accelerating from Complete Stop or Accelerating from Complete Stop (Replace Rear Drive Shaft Nickel-Plated Slip Yoke) #01-04-17-004B - (Jan 5, 2005)
1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade (Old Style)
2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV
1996-1999 Chevrolet 1500 Series Extended Cab Short Box Pickup (Old Style)
1996-1999 Chevrolet 1500 Series Regular Cab Pickup and Utility Models (Old Style)
1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Box (New Style)
1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Series Regular Cab (New Style)
2000-2004 Chevrolet 1500 Series Avalanche, Suburban and Tahoe
2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 Series Regular Cab with Long Bed or Extended Cab (New Style)
2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Series Crew Cab, Short Box (New Style)
1996-1999 GMC 1500 Series Extended Cab Short Box Pickup (Old Style)
1996-1999 GMC 1500 Series Regular Cab Pickup and Utility Models (Old Style)
1999-2002 GMC Sierra Extended Cab Short Box (New Style)
1999-2004 GMC Sierra 1500 Series Regular Cab (New Style)
2000-2004 GMC 1500 Series Yukon, Yukon XL
2001-2004 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Series Regular Cab with Long Bed or Extended Cab (New Style)
2001-2004 GMC Sierra 2500 Series Crew Cab, Short Box (New Style)
2003-2005 HUMMER H2
with Four Wheel Drive (4WD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD) and One-Piece Propeller Shaft ONLY
This bulletin is being revised to add Cadillac Escalade (Old Style) and HUMMER H2 to the Models section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-04-17-004A (Section 04 -- Driveline/Axle).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a clunk, bump or squawk noise when the vehicle comes to a stop or when accelerating from a complete stop.
Cause
A slip/stick condition between the transfer case output shaft and the driveshaft slip yoke may cause this condition.
Diagnostic Tips
There are several resources in the electronic Service Information System which can provide the technician with information on diagnosis and repair of clunk conditions, and fix the customer's vehicle right the first time without unnecessary parts replacement. Some of the documents available in SI include:
• Symptoms - Propeller Shaft (SI Document ID #697266)
• Knock or Clunk Noise (SI Document ID #697290)
• Rear Drive Axle Noises (SI Document ID #700580)
• Launch Shudder/Vibration on Acceleration (Replace Propeller Shaft and Install a New Pinion Flange/Seal), Bulletin #02-04-17-001
• Information on 2-3 Upshift or 3-2 Downshift Clunk Noise, Bulletin #01-07-30-042
• Driveline Clunk When Stopping (Reprogram Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Bulletin #03-07-30-028
Correction
Replace the rear drive shaft slip yoke with a new nickel-plated slip yoke. See the parts table below.
Parts
12479383 Yoke Asm., Prop Shf Slip (without u-joint) , Nickel Plated. Must Be Ordered With U-Joint Kit P/N 12479126 - 4WD/AWD 1500 Series Suburban, Avalanche, Yukon XL, Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV with AWD (New Style)
12479126 U Joint Kit: 4WD 1500 Series Suburban, Avalanche, Yukon XL) (Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV with AWD (New Style)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 1, 2012, 3:26 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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All the bearings should be automatic in a rebuild.
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MarineGrunt
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Sep 1, 2012, 5:02 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Thanks Double J...Ya know I read about that nickel plated slip yoke before I took it to the dealership for them to diagnose it. After they looked at the truck they said it was normal where and tear and could be multiple things causing it. I then spoke with the mechanic myself. I mentioned about the aftermarket nickel plated slip yoke and he said "nope, I checked the slip yoke and it was fine". I saw him pull the rear section of the driveshaft so I know he checked it. When I replaces the u joints the other day I also lubed the slip yoke which I've heard that will temporarily take care of it. I almost wish I would've waited on the lube just to see if the u joints took care of it. I kinda think it was the lube. I think after I take care of the diff I'll go ahead and replace the slip yoke so I don't have to worry about it. I heard the lube on the slip yoke only lasts about a month so I guess I could wait and see. I have to get the diff taken care of before I do anything. I'll probably take care of it next weekend.
One more question, how do I know what gears to buy? Is the rear end labeled somewhere?
Thanks!
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nickwarner
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Sep 1, 2012, 5:04 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Teamwork is paying off it seems. I think J is onto your chirp fix, and you had another issue about to rear its head that you didn't know about. As HT said, all bearings must go. I do the wheel bearings as well because pieces that have chipped off are suspended in the oil and travel all over, just like in an engine. You've got a friend who does these a lot and will have the right tools. Rebuilding a rear end isn't hard if you know what you're doing, and with your appetite for learning I'm sure you'll be watching him do it and explain it to you. If you get a junkyard rear end you'd be rolling the dice. With a friend helping you its not costing you the labor of a regular shop, nor the parts markup and you'd be better off investing in the rebuild and never worrying about it again. When all is said and done fill it up with a quality synthetic gear lube and drive it. There is no break-in period on a rear end like a rebuilt engine would have.
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MarineGrunt
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Sep 1, 2012, 6:42 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Thanks Nick....this forum is great! Are all rear ends the same on 2003 Gmc Sierra 1500with ext. Cab 4x4 4.8? Just wondering how to figure out which gear kit I need.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 1, 2012, 7:52 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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I'm just surprised that this rear end is worn out enough already to warrant an overhaul. When carrier bearings or pinion bearings go bad, you usually hear grinding or droning noises. How many Dodge Ram Pickups with corporate rear ends have you seen whining going down the road...lol. When ring and pinion gears wear out you get excessive backlash. Excessive backlash causes the clunking noises when you put it into gear. You can check for excessive back lash with a dial indicator. You can also check the tooth contact pattern with persian blue.
When you start replacing ring and pinion sets, you have to set it up using special tools to determine pinion depth. Then there is the hassle of carrier bearing preload and you need special shims because you can't reuse the cast iron ones that come in the rear end from the factory. Setting up rear ends is an art and I don't know too many people that do it correctly.
If it were my rear end, I would definitely make checks to be sure it is worn out. Some differential pinion/side (spider) gear chipping at the edges is normal. if it was a tooth chipped off, heavy scoring, or cracked, it is definitely time for replacement. Has your friend that does rear end work looked it? If you really want to replace pinion and side gears in the differential, I am sure you can order them from the dealer. I personally haven't had a gov lock apart before, but you really should get the service information and review it.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 1, 2012, 8:06 AM)
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MarineGrunt
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Sep 1, 2012, 10:08 AM
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Re: 2003 Sierra Chirping and Clunking when stopping and taking off.
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Thanks DS....when driving it feels fine. The clunking and chirping.went away after I replaces.the u joints and lubes the slip yoke. My buddy has not looked at it yet. I called him this morning and he's gonna be out of town for a month for some training. When we get home Tuesday maybe I'll see if I can get a good picture and post it. I'm not so sure you'd call them chips but rather chunks. Maybe 1/8"-3/16" or so. They are not tiny by any means. I do have a pinion depth gauge that I got when my grandpa passed away but never have used it. I think I will take your advice by reviewing the service manual and see if it's something I think I can at least attempt. Worst case scenario is that I'd have to wait for my buddy to get back in town or tow it to a shop. Actually, worst case is I screw something up and I ruin the new gears I put in. I'm always up for a challenge so we will see. Time to do some reviewing.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
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