I've only owned my 02 Suburban 2500 w 8.1 for a few months, so I'm still getting used to the sounds it makes. I use it mainly for towing our travel trailer. I've noticed lately after towing for a bit, the fuel pump becomes pretty loud and whines. I'm going to try and post a short video clip of the sound. Fuel level is rarely below 1/4 tank and it will make the noise on Full tank too. I know these pumps make noise, but also that they fail. I've got 108,000 miles.

Just trying to decide how urgent it is that I replace the pump and filter or if this is normal. How to replace is another post I guess.

Thanks!

 

The noise may well be because the fuel filter is clogged and making the pump work too hard to push fuel thru it. I also always consider fuel level at 1/4 to be empty. The pumps in the tank like lots of fuel there to keep the pump cool. Replace the filter and see if noise diminishes, otherwise, do the pump as well. I always like to do the fuel pump relay when I do a pump and filter.

 

2x on the filter first. And if it doesn't get better you probably needed a filter change anyway. I think it's a 30k mile service item.

 

Since this vehicle is "new to you", unless you have it in writing (receipt) that it was done recently, I would change ALL the fluids and filters. Now. That's what I do.

 

I recently bought my 2005 Z71. I did not get any records with it. Having been in the industry for many years I wanted to get to a baseline. I have done front and rear brakes and rotors and park brake shoes, all belts and tensioners and idler, ALL fluids, all cooling system hoses, all 4 oxygen sensors, did all 4 rear axle locating arms because found one lower one was bent from some idiot using a floor jack on it, new tune components, no fuel filter because the filter is in the tank, new third brake light, new outside driver's mirror, new thermostat and new trans filter and seal, new transmission cooling lines, new air filter......etc. Will get it where I can depend on it and go from there.

 

So far I've done the oil, both differentials, and the trans fluid. Going to do the fuel filter for sure to see if that makes a difference with the noise. Think I'm gong to pickup the $20 fuel pressure kit from harbor freight too. I checked the transfer case fluid and it came shooting out of the fill hole, so it's overfilled or leaking from the transmission into the transfer case. I'm planning to take off the transfer case and do the pin hole pump rub fix this winter, so I guess I will address that at that time. Going to do the brake and fluid this winter too.

Is there anything else you can think of that you would suggest?

 

When I bought a 1998 Frontier in 2004 for my daughters to drive, and to learn stick shift with, it had 100K on it and zero history. I had my older daughter change all the fluid and filters on it before she could learn to drive it. After my daughters drove it to high school, their jobs, their sports, and took it to college, my youngest returned it to us as she lived where she needed 4WD. Currently the 1998 has 254K miles....

 

Wow that's a lot of work, I just saw your post. I've done a few things, probably the hardest so far were the rear leaf spring shackles. One was all seized up, had to grind it off. One side took me about 8 hours! The other side less than 1. Go figure.

 

I don't live in the rust belt and it is not as hard here to dismantle things. I still need to do the front oil pan gasket oil seepage leak repair and will do the oil pickup tube o-ring at the same time. There are other wear items I watch closely, like the water pump and front suspension and steering components that will all be replaced when needed. It is a paid for low mileage rig that I love. I like the 2000-2006 NBS Tahoe's because of their handling and roominess inside. The seats are more comfortable than the newer models and don't have near the problems the newer AFM engines have. The best years of the NBS are the 2005 and 2006 years. I forgot to add that I also installed the Corvette servo at the trans for the firmer shift. If anyone is interested in that contact these people: https://www.oregonperformancetransmission.com/