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Strange whistling noise in wheel well

Tiny
DAUST6
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 GMC ACADIA
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 73,000 MILES
When turning right on a downhill slope at moderate speed (5-10 mph), there is a brief (1-2 second) whistle noise coming form the left wheel well. I can best describe it as the noise that comes from the type of kid's whistle that looks like a small cylinder with a propeller inside. It also kind of sounds like a turbo spinning up, but only lasts for 1-2 seconds. It's not brake noise (grinding), and I've never heard anything like it before. Being the son of a mechanic, I'm familiar with brake noise/CV joint noise. It isn't one of those. Totally baffled.
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 AT 7:52 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Is there a way that you can get a recording of this?

The only thing I can think that would make sense is a wheel bearing. I would think this would be more of a squeal or squeak rather than a whistle.

Hearing this will really help us identify it.
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Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 AT 3:03 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the reply. It was cold this morning, and the noise was more pronounced. A better description would be when you shut off a faucet, and the pipes make a vibrating noise. I will attempt to capture it and post.
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Thursday, December 12th, 2019 AT 4:26 AM
Tiny
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Do you feel the vibration as well? A video will help. Thanks
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Thursday, December 12th, 2019 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
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Noise is towards the end. Thanks for the help!
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Friday, December 13th, 2019 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
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That is a strange one. Are you accelerating when this happens? It sounds like a tire but that would not do it only when turning. You are correct that is not a CV axle. They click more than whine like that.

Is it only on one side?
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Friday, December 13th, 2019 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
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Yes, only on the left side, and only when turning right. Typically accelerating when it happens. And more likely to happen when moving downhill.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 4:23 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The header on this post says it is a 4WD but this is actually an AWD vehicle correct? If that is the case, I am sure this is in the front differential or the transfer case. This vehicle is a full time front wheel drive and it applies the rear wheels when it needs to. That means that the front differential which is on the left hand side of the engine will have clutches inside the unit. When you are turning it is putting the most amount of stress on those clutches causing them to slip and they will make vibrations and noises at times.

If I am correct the only way to fix it is take it apart and replace them. Take a look at the second attachment and the last item specifically. I would not do this if all else is okay. Basically I would just drive the vehicle unless you have a warranty of some sort. With this being a 2014 you may still have a power-train warranty and if you do, then take it in to a dealer and take them for a drive to show them the issue.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
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Makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the help.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 7:38 PM

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