Need some help here- My 2002 Tahoe 5.3 Z71 makes a whining noise.

Noise doesnt happen at low speeds or when I have the gas pedal pressed at all. But when coasting above 20 mph if I take my foot off the gas i get a whine.

Not a wheel bearing- got a buddy thinks it could be the front deferential but would that happen in 2wd?

Any thoughts?

 

FWIW, if it hasn't had them replaced yet, put new CV shafts in it. They're only $65.00 ea. aftermarket and I just replaced them in my '05 in about 2 hours with no special tools. I had a intermittent noise and even though the shafts felt OK, they were the problem.

 

There is no Front Differential in/on a 2WD Vehicle IF that's what you're asking. Or do you have a 4WD, and are speaking of when it's not in 4WD? There are some 2WD Z71's out there, not sure which you have.

In either case, it may be helpful to get your Hoe up on a Lift, with someone inside and below. When run at the concerned speed, it should be a lot easier to ID or eliminate the source that way !

 

hi I had the same issue with mine and the noise was driving me nuts I replaced the front deferential and shocks and the annoying sound went away

 

Whines seem to be rather popular with our rides...
A few months after I got mine, I had to have the Rear Ring/Pinion replaced because it was noisy.

I've "tried" to do that myself back when I was working, but, it seems as though one has to have a knack AND the proper tools for differential work to get it right.

Though I support DIY in most all cases, Pros do have their value.

 

check the power steering pump. sometimes they make a whinng sound when low on fluid or going bad.