Worrying noise on the highway

[icepenguin]

Lately I've been hearing a soft, high pitched noise coming form the driver's side of my '05 trailblazer when at highway speeds for at least 20 minutes. It's on and off. I can pretty much guarantee that the sound will go away when I go on a drive with a Chevy mechanic and piss me off :mad: .

Anyone have any ideas what it might be?

[Sentinel]

I have the same noise on my 06 SS need to go to the dealer and get it checked out. maybe theres a TSB on it?

[icepenguin]

agh... you have an SS. I hate you :mad:


sooo jealous :D

[Dave]

It sounds like a bad seal. Does it happen when it is windy? My TB has a good amount of wind noise when the wind is blowing from the left side. The seal is now considered wear and tear since I'm into the extended warranty.

[blkz06]

My SS is doing the same thing.

[bmm354]

Not sure if this could be it or not, but last winter I noticed a nasty whistle at highway speeds coming from the front passenger side area. After putting Scotch tape over suspected areas and then driving at hwy speeds as a test, I finally isolated the cause: the mirror housing. In my case part of the housing had contracted in the cold just enough to create an area between the two halves that would whistle. The colder it was the louder it got. It was really nasty around 15°F. I used some black sealant to fill in this gap and no more noise.

Later I learned there's a service bulletin about this:

Wind Noise from Outside Rear View Mirrors - whistle (05/28/2003)

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

Condition/Concern:
Wind noise at either outside rear view mirror.

Recommendation/Instructions:
While experiencing the wind noise condition, roll down the window and fold the mirror of concern in.

If the noise goes away, the concern could be from wind rush over the mirror head (skull cap). To repair, run masking tape right next to the parting line. This parting line separates the mirror base and the skull cap on both sides. Apply black RTV in this joint. Smooth RTV even, allow to dry and then remove tape.

If the noise does not go away, it could be from wind rush at the mirror base to door gasket surface.

The mirror base gasket may have been misaligned before the bolt attachment tightening process. Test by taping off at the mirror base with masking tape. If noise is gone, re-position the mirror base gasket.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

[Sentinel]

Its not wind it happens as low as 10 mph as fast as 60

[custmjunki]

Whats up guys. I had the same problem on the highway. It was the inner fender well right behind the front bumper(it was rubbing against the tire while i was driving). The whole bottom half melted away. Check and make sure none of the clips broke.

[h0tr0d]

check out the brake shield on the suspect side its been said on this site somewhere that is deflects at speed and rubs.

[icepenguin]

It doesn't seem like wind noise. It only happens beyond 60 MPH and crosswinds have no real impact on the noise. It definitely isn't the side mirror housing.

I'll check out those two ideas but I really hope it's not anything like that.

[h0tr0d]

any update on the noise hunting?

[icepenguin]

well... since then the weather has gotten colder and I've noticed that the noise happens less often and is much quieter. Maybe it means that whatever it was rubbing against just wore out :(

Haven't had time to check the fender/wheel areas. Definitely will get to that this weekend.

[double10x]

If you have an AWD or 4 WD truck, here is your problem and solution:

While moving, if the squeaking does not go away with the application of the brakes, you have Front Axle Seal squeal. There is a GM Technical Service Bulletin descibing this issue. Have you service writer find it.

To fix Front Axle Seal squeal, have the dealership service tech pull the axle halfshaft out and then carefully install them back in. Tell the mechanic to watch the seal lip so that it does not get bent under. That should eliminate the noise.

If this does not solve the problem, seal replacement will correct this issue.

[icepenguin]

It is a 4x4 capable trailblazer, and pressing the brakes and slowing from 70 to 60 doesn't seem to affect the noise. I guess it's time for a trip to the dealership.

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll update when I can.

[double10x]

Technical Service Bulletin for Front Axle Seal squeal:

Squeak, Squeal or Whistle Noise from Front Axle (Replace Intermediate Axle Seal and/or Differential Carrier Seal) #03-04-19-002B - (Apr 4, 2005)

Squeak, Squeal or Whistle Noise from Front Axle (Replace Intermediate Axle Seal and/or Differential Carrier Seal)
2004-2005 Buick Rainier
2002-2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4WD
2002-2005 GMC Envoy 4WD
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD
This bulletin is being revised to change the Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-04-19-002A (Section 04 - Driveline/Axle).
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1642071&psdid=839&evc=sm#ss1-1642071">Condition

Some customers may comment on a high pitched squeal, squeak or whistle noise in the front end of the vehicle. This noise usually occurs once per wheel revolution. This may be more common in cold weather below 5°C (40° F). The noise may be coming from the right front axle intermediate shaft housing outboard seal or the left outer differential carrier seal. For testing purposes, spraying a lubricant on the seal should temporarily reduce the noise. This noise should not be mistaken for a wheel bearing issue.
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1642071&psdid=839&evc=sm#ss2-1642071">Cause

A lack of lubrication in the seal may cause this condition.
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1642071&psdid=839&evc=sm#ss3-1642071">Correction

Replace the right front axle intermediate shaft housing outboard seal or the left outer differential carrier seal using the following procedure and part number listed below.

Part Number Description Qty
12479302 Seal Assembly, Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft 1
12471618 Seal Assembly, Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft (Left Hand) 1