2003 Suburban 1500 4wd, 5.3 V8. I have a clicking or popping noise up front at highway speed. It is inconsistent and seemingly random, does not coincide with bumps or turning and I do not notice it at low speeds, typically 50 MPH plus. Just every now and then while driving in a straight line a "clack" sound probably best to describe, similar to a loose something banging into a fender well or kicking up a rock into a piece of sheet metal, sometimes only once, sometimes several in succession, Could this be a CV joint, differential issue, balljoint, steering linkage? Loose mount?


I just changed the left wheel hub and brake pads two weeks ago. both appear to be fine. I had two shops inspect the front end, first to determine it was in fact the bearing was bad. and again after replacing the hub and brakes later to see if there was another problem. no issue found. they did not road test the truck just pry bars , etc. to test play.


I drove 600 miles yesterday and aside from that occasional noise the truck ran fine. Really bugging me. oh, the speedometer gave out on my after 400 miles. I assume the stepper motor because it is the 4th gauge to fail but seems to be working this morning.


Concerned about the differential. Can't have that go bad....

 

My 2008 5.3 4x4 215k Silverado is making the exact same noise you describe something randomly popping past 50mph no rhythm ...di you ever figure it out ?

 

if you look in the column to the left, it says he hasn't been to the forum in 5 years.

You need to check your CV joints.

 

turned out to be one of my tpms gizmo's broke lose inside the tire and was popping around ...so glad I didn't spend all kinds of cash on stuff I didn't need

 

thanks for following up