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2021 Tahoe Front End "Clinking" Noise

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20K views 24 replies 8 participants last post by  Joena456  
#1 ·
About a month ago I started hearing somewhat subtle clinking/chirping noise coming from the front of my Tahoe.

This sound only starts after the vehicle has been driven for awhile and warms up well, and is heard from about 25 mph and faster.

Took it into the dealer for service, they said it was a "known issue", and that engineers were working on it. Asked if I heard it in 4WD.

So this weekend when the the clinking noise started I engaged 4WD, and when it engaged with a "clink", the repetitive clinking sound disappeared.

Anybody else hear this sound or have it addressed?
 
#2 ·
About a month ago I started hearing somewhat subtle clinking/chirping noise coming from the front of my Tahoe.

This sound only starts after the vehicle has been driven for awhile and warms up well, and is heard from about 25 mph and faster.

Took it into the dealer for service, they said it was a "known issue", and that engineers were working on it. Asked if I heard it in 4WD.

So this weekend when the the clinking noise started I engaged 4WD, and when it engaged with a "clink", the repetitive clinking sound disappeared.

Anybody else hear this sound or have it addressed?
Yes!! I do have the exact same noise and it does go away I discovered when putting the vehicle in AWD or 4WD. I got my truck back in December and noticed it a few months later after I started driving more in 2WD. I’m in Wisconsin so was in AWD most of the time. I mentioned it at the dealer at my first oil change and asked they take a look at that front transfer case because I can literally hear once last “clink” when the vehicle shifts from 2 to AWD and then it goes away. They of course said they didn’t see anything and didn’t mention they were aware of any issues with other vehicles. So it is good to hear that they are now aware at least! I’ll bring it up again at my next service! It’s got to be something spinning free in that front transfer case. Hate to say I’m happy other people are having the same problem, but it means they are aware at least and will come up with a fix! Let me know if you make any progress and I will do the same. At least for now when it’s annoying the hell out of me AWD doesn’t seem to really change the MPG so I can live with it. Really can only hear it when I have nothing else running, AC/radio.
Thanks!
 
#9 ·
Yes!! I do have the exact same noise and it does go away I discovered when putting the vehicle in AWD or 4WD. I got my truck back in December and noticed it a few months later after I started driving more in 2WD. I’m in Wisconsin so was in AWD most of the time. I mentioned it at the dealer at my first oil change and asked they take a look at that front transfer case because I can literally hear once last “clink” when the vehicle shifts from 2 to AWD and then it goes away. They of course said they didn’t see anything and didn’t mention they were aware of any issues with other vehicles. So it is good to hear that they are now aware at least! I’ll bring it up again at my next service! It’s got to be something spinning free in that front transfer case. Hate to say I’m happy other people are having the same problem, but it means they are aware at least and will come up with a fix! Let me know if you make any progress and I will do the same. At least for now when it’s annoying the hell out of me AWD doesn’t seem to really change the MPG so I can live with it. Really can only hear it when I have nothing else running, AC/radio.
Thanks!
Funny, I told the dealer when I took it in: "Please don't tell me to turn up the radio."

I have only tried 4WD, not AWD. Have to try that next time the clink returns.
 
#3 ·
About a month ago I started hearing somewhat subtle clinking/chirping noise coming from the front of my Tahoe.

This sound only starts after the vehicle has been driven for awhile and warms up well, and is heard from about 25 mph and faster.

Took it into the dealer for service, they said it was a "known issue", and that engineers were working on it. Asked if I heard it in 4WD.

So this weekend when the the clinking noise started I engaged 4WD, and when it engaged with a "clink", the repetitive clinking sound disappeared.

Anybody else hear this sound or have it addressed?
Just had to have my 2021Yukon AT4 with 7k miles towed in for the same exact issue. Service department called me this am. It is a faulty lifter. It's a known issue and GM has already redesigned a new part to replace it. Complete different part number. 4-5 weeks is the estimated time frame. Not sure if it's due to getting the part? Service department said they have 114 vehicles in front of me. I'm in Central Texas so I'm not sure if this is just in my area. Called around to see if another dealership could get me in sooner and they are all having the same problem. According to them it's unsafe to drive and gave approval for loaner car through the warranty dept. Here's the kicker...they don't have any. Called GM warranty and they will reimburse me up to $ 47 dollars a day if I rented through Enterprise and has to be a GM vehicle as well. I would have to pay the full amount to Enterprise up front and then submit paperwork to GM to get reimbursed. The cheapest car to rent from Enterprise is an economy car which with tax is $ 101 per day. GM said they recognize there is a shortage and rental prices have risen and that If I rent a car for over the allowed amount hey will view case by case to determine if they would approve and reimburse the difference, but can't guarantee. I'm livid. You pay over 70k for a new vehicle and already have engine problems, weeks to repair and the customer is expected to rent a car and hope to get reimbursed, when it was a manufacturing issue on them. Sorry or the rant.
 
#4 ·
Ugh…. Sorry to hear that…. I think your issue is different than the noise I’m hearing though. Mine is definitely in the transfer case for the 4WD. I have had lifter problems in a previous 5.3 in my ‘15 Yukon. I can tell you that I would go ahead and rent something and that I’m confident they’ll take care of you. At least I hope so…. GM always took care of me when I’ve had issues in the past. That’s a real bummer though. They extended the warranty on my Yukon to 175k when I had the lifter problem. Definitely not cool to be without your new Yukon for that long. I’d go rent a Yukon if I could find one and just send them the bill if I were you.
 
#15 ·
About a month ago I started hearing somewhat subtle clinking/chirping noise coming from the front of my Tahoe.

This sound only starts after the vehicle has been driven for awhile and warms up well, and is heard from about 25 mph and faster.

Took it into the dealer for service, they said it was a "known issue", and that engineers were working on it. Asked if I heard it in 4WD.

So this weekend when the the clinking noise started I engaged 4WD, and when it engaged with a "clink", the repetitive clinking sound disappeared.

Anybody else hear this sound or have it addressed?