Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
2001 GMC Sierra V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 93,000 miles
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I am stationed in the Azores, and I noticed that driving around here that when I turn, I hear/feel some popping in the front end. I have a sneaking suspicion that the CV joints are bad. It does the same thing whether I turn left or right at just about any speed. It figures that I start having problems when I'm overseas. Does this sound like a CV joint issue, or possibly something else? If so, are they easy to fix? I have access to a self-help auto shop bay here.

Also, my "Service 4WD" light keeps popping on and off. I heard that it's an electrical problem, and that it's possibly a grounding issue. Is this a common problem? I've paid to have it looked at (twice), and nobody could figure it out. Any advice? I'd really appreciate it!!

first look at the outer cv joint boots to see if they are torn and the grease has leaked out of them. if they are sealed then i doubt its your problem. these joints are bullet proof, they can go a long time without making noise without qany grease in them. i would suspect bad sway bar end links first. look to see if they are broken or you can see rust at the pivot points(this is a tell tale sign they are bad). does the 4wd work? these trucks have a problem with the electric motor on the transfer cases going bad, usually when activating the 4wd you will not hear the motor make the clicking noises it usually makes when trying to engage, when they are bad.

mastertechtim wrote:

first look at the outer cv joint boots to see if they are torn and the grease has leaked out of them. if they are sealed then i doubt its your problem. these joints are bullet proof, they can go a long time without making noise without qany grease in them. i would suspect bad sway bar end links first. look to see if they are broken or you can see rust at the pivot points(this is a tell tale sign they are bad). does the 4wd work? these trucks have a problem with the electric motor on the transfer cases going bad, usually when activating the 4wd you will not hear the motor make the clicking noises it usually makes when trying to engage, when they are bad.

I'll look at the sway bar Tuesday after work. I can get it up on the lift. The 4WD will work...most of the time. Sometimes it just doesn't want to engage when I try to put it in 4 hi. However, it usually works when I put it in auto 4WD. It doesn't make any noise when engaging, but it sounds a bit different when engaged; kind of whiny. It's pretty odd. It doesn't snow here, so I won't have to worry about needing it too much, but it would be nice to know it's fixed. Is it expensive?

well if we do determine its the motor on the transfer case it is expensive, about 500 for the part. let us know how you make out of the noise in the front end.

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into it this week and find out for sure what's going on. I have to get the truck inspected (Portuguese law requires it) and get a fog light installed on the rear bumper (really) next week, so I'll see if I can get that looked at right beforehand. I really appreciate your time.