1998 GMC Jimmy Front Passenger side tire

AJB438

MEMBER
1998 GMC JIMMY
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

While driving in 2 wheel drive, once I get on the highway or get going decent speed I can around 55-60 mph I can start to hear a noticeable noise coming from the right front tire. It sounds like a grinding noise then once I go to slow down(usually on the exits) around 45 mph and lower it just gets louder and louder just like a loud grinding noise maybe a 4 wheel drive problem? Anyway, It stops whenever I come to a complete stop then it like resets or locks into something and it is all normal again until I start going 55 or 60. What could this possibly be? Please and thank you!

2 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

I would be checking the wheel bearing, check for a miss aligned brake, check drive shaft, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 AT 3:19 PM

SWILLIAMS

MECHANIC
597 POSTS

If it's a sound like gear clash (like shifting a trans without the clutch and grinding it in) I would check the vacuum switch on the transfer case for a problem. They start to stick a bit and allow enough vacuum through to shift the actuator enough that the interlock grinds. The easy way to test it is to disconnect and plug the vacuum line that goes to the 4WD actuator. If it goes away replace the switch on the transfer case.