I searched around the net for this problem, but never really found any consolodated list of pointers and I figured this was the best place to look. Did a Search here and came up with some stuff, but not enough and was hoping to create a new thread and let everyone throw out their experiences (if any) with this problem.

One of my Dad's trucks, a 2006 crew cab, half-ton, Z71 4x4, 5.3, auto, is making what he is calling a grinding noise from the front end of his truck, best he can tell it is coming from the front right side. His hearing is kinda, well, eh... but he can hear it so it must be loud. I have not drove the truck around yet to experience the noise for myself, but likely will today or tommorow. Note this truck has never seen much 4x4 use, and mostly highway miles under a very light footed driver, so it must not be something broken from abuse, but rather, something loose, something worn out, etc.

Since this seems to be a common problem (judging by my search results with Yahoo and Google) there must be a common solution or at least a checklist of what is "most likely" the problem before I even start messing with the truck would like to be armed with some good info. So if you have had this problem, please do tell what fixed it in your case, and troubleshooting tips to help figure out exactly which problem it is, if you have any tips.

Thanks in advance!

 

I just replaced my bearing/hub assy, because it was doing the same thing, but the axle shafts can do it too.

 

Is it making the noise all the time or when it's in 4wd?

 

Wheel bearing/hub assemblies are a very common failure on these trucks.