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Hello, I have an '02 Chevy Z71 truck with approx. 28,000 miles. So you are aware for wear & tear reasons the truck towed a 5th wheel before I purchased it. I have started experiencing a clunking noise in the rear (right side I think) that sounds like the rim lug nuts are loose and the the rim is slipping back and forth when I turn. (Usually when turning on an angle up or down). I'ts at the dealer right now but they tell me it's normal. It's a new noise so I know not normal, but I understand it might be new because of wear. Any ideas on how to fix since they say it's normal? I hate noises! Thanks a bunch. John
Answer -
If it's a DUALLY (4 wheels in the back) This would be normal . If it has 2 wheels in the back this could be caused by the spider geras being worn or if it has POSI-TRACTION this could be simply a need to change the fluid and add the special posi-traction fluid to it.
without actually hearing the noisse it is hard to tell.
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Thanks for responding. It's not a dually but does have posi-traction. The dealer replaced the pinion bearings and axle clips but that didn't help. They said the fluid was also replaced during this process. They gave up then and said sorry, it's documented and we'll fix if something related breaks... I can make the clunk by grabbing onto the bed rail and push the bed side to side. Once it's rocking a bit with the tire motion it will start clunking and I can feel it clunk as well as hear it. Dealer said it's normal but couldn't replicate on a new truck as of course it's not normal. Is there anything behind the wheel like the bearings or something that could be worn enough to allow movement?
AnswerOK, Now I know what your referring to and YES it is quite normal. What happens usually is that the end of the axle where the "C" clips insert into the grooves in the axles in the differential is that the axle stub that is just to the inner portion of the axle toward the differential tends to wear as well as the axle bearings begin to become looser on the wheel ends of the axles also and this IS normal and should NOT concern you in anyway.
the ONLY resolution is to replace both axles, Both "C" clips, Both outer and inner wheel bearings and reshim the spider gears in the differential.
Naturally a NEW vehicle will not make this normal noise due to everything being new and tight.
It can be fixed but it will only return 20,000 miles or so later. It is just NORMAL wear.
Go to any used car lot and find a truck like yours with some mileage on it and you will experience the identical sound.
Don't worry about it.
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