Noisy in Drive

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 GMC Yukon XL, 2011 GMC Yukon, 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Noisy in Drive

Cause	Correction
DEFINITION: A noise heard during acceleration load.
Excessive pinion to ring gear backlash	Adjust the pinion to ring gear backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) , Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) , Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) .
Worn pinion and ring gear	Replace the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) , Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5LD Inch Axles) .
Worn pinion bearings	Replace the pinion bearings. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) , Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
Loose pinion bearings	Adjust the pinion bearings preload. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (9.5LD Inch Axle) , Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) , Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) .
Excessive pinion end play	Adjust the pinion end play. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (9.5LD Inch Axle) , Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) , Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) .
Worn differential bearings	Replace the differential bearings. Refer to Differential Bearing Replacement .
Loose differential bearings	Adjust the differential bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) , Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5LD Inch Axle) , Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) .
Excessive ring gear runout	Replace the ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) , Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5LD Inch Axles) .
Low oil level	Fill the fluid level to specifications with the proper lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (8.6, 9.5 LD Axle) , Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (10.5 Inch Axle) .
Wrong or poor grade oil	Drain and refill the system with the proper lubricant. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) , Differential Oil Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) , Differential Oil Replacement (9.5LD Inch Axle) .
Bent axle housing	Replace the axle housing. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Replacement (Hybrid) , Rear Axle Housing Replacement (Under 3500 GVW with Drums) .