My '01 Silverado 4X4 1500 has an ever so slight "honk" when the truck is given gas from a dead stop. I'm thinking U joints; but I always thought they "clunk" when you put it in gear, not give a slight "honk" when acceleration begins.

Experience or ideas?

Thanks!

Dave

 

Hey Clanofwolves -

Are you sure you don't have a goose hung up in the bumper? Forgive me but I just couldn't resist that.

Now, to try to make amends, does the sound change (or go away) if you back up at about the same speed? Try that & post the result.

Maybe I oughter not say who I am.

 

Hahaha, yes, my inquiry and description is easy pickings for jokes. I've made quite a few myself.

I think the honk occurs no matter the direction from a dead stop. It's easier to hear in the forward direction.

Geese.....geeeeeeze

Thanks for any assistance or jokes!!

Dave

 

Hey Dave -

Ok, OK, no more jokes (maybe) ...

Thought about this a bit later. Haven't had too many U-joints go bad but when they did it produced a click sound, or maybe a clunk if it was really worn badly (lot of slop in the drivetrain).

I'm wondering if your noise (substitute word) isn't suspension related. A couple more ideas:
1. Use a good set of jack stands & raise the whole back end up off the ground. Apply the park brake lightly - enough to simulate the torque of driving forward. Then test in forward & reverse. If nothing else while you (or somebody) is in the driver's seat someone else can be listening for the noise. If it is U-joints that should be enough to make it talk.

You'll likely hear some additional rearend noise this way but maybe not enough to overcome the other sound.

2. On a hard surface, use a 8'-10' 4x4 (or real strong 2x4 or a metal pipe) and a proper height chock to raise the front and back ends up and let them drop as quickly as possible. Just be careful where you apply the leverage. If you get the noise then, it ain't gonna be U-joints!

3. Last option ... Find some place that has a dynamometer. This would match the load/torque forces that driving produces - but being able to try to locate the noise.

When was the last good grease job done?

Fred