Cold Weather

JMACK10HAWG

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
40,000 MILES

Im hearing some clanging noises in my front end when its really cold outside. It does it when I put the truck in gear, hit a big bump, and is in four wheel drive. When it gets warm it quits. It has done it on several occasions. What could it be? 2008 Chevy Silverado 4x4

1 Reply

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

When it gets cold the bushings and suspension components contract and get tighter, which can lead to more noise from the suspension.
This also happens with the front drive shafts. They are reaching boundaries of their motion when you are jumping your truck. This will create some noises as well.
The bushings in the suspension have to be taken out to grease them. Other components such as;
Ball joints
Tie Rod Ends. Etc. Sometimes have a grease fitting to lubricate the part.
The clanging noise is probably from bottoming out and hitting the frame or some other metal. There should be a urethane bump stop on the frame at either side where the axle meets the frame when the axle or control arm hits the frame. When it gets cold the bushings and suspension components contract and get tighter, which can lead to more noise from the suspension.
This also happens with the front drive shafts. They are reaching boundaries of their motion when you are jumping your truck. This will create some noises as well.
The bushings in the suspension have to be taken out to grease them. Other components such as;
Ball joints
Tie Rod Ends. Etc. Sometimes have a grease fitting to lubricate the part.
The clanging noise is probably from bottoming out and hitting the frame or some other metal. There should be a urethane bump stop on the frame at either side where the axle meets the frame when the axle or control arm hits the frame.