Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

...upon heavy braking.

This is being rephrased....
The problem will be worked on Today, on my vehicle.
Appears to happen only with warm brakes and a heavy stop. Light stopping does not seem to cause the groan.
I'll keep you guys/gals informed.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

:clapping: Thanks F5.
Sounds like the same as mine,
funny thing this wekend on a 800 mile (total )upstate trip It was not that noticable,It could have to do with few complete stops but it wasnt as bad as last week with regular driving.

Remember I had my rotors cut and rear brakes replaced at 12K noise started again at 18K(dealer said normal) Im now at 20,000 miles.


Also Its not always a hard stop more of a consistent full stop

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

I groan when in stop and go traffic too!

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

X2!! Except I'm around 16.5 K with mine right now. My groan just came back .. intermittently. Now I come to a rolling stop .. I'm afraid to listen to that groan again. f5fstop .. what you have described is EXACTLY as I had described it ... EXACTLY! Can't wait to hear what you find out. I'm sorry your H3 has it, too, f5fstop .. but at least I(and fourfourto) will finally know the REAL reason once you get your answer!! :clapping:

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Ok, here it is and some may not like it......
Not the rear brakes, we checked them today, and all is well. Thought it might be the rear sway bar...Nope. Rear axle....nope.
Installed chassis ears*, drove around and we discovered an interesting thing; something we all know, but forget about...sound travels.
For some reason we don't know yet, when slowing down and suddenly stopping, and the trans downshifts into first, a metallic sound (sometimes a groan) is emitted from the transfer case and travels to the side, making it sound like the rear brakes are making a noise.
The vehicle is currently up in the air w/o a transfer case, waiting for a new one to be delivered. Once replaced, we will drive around some more to see if this is the noise.
If it was the noise, the case goes back to BW to root cause the problem...if there is a problem other than noise. This root cause will take time. In fact, it may take till next Monday to see if this solved the problem.
Now, was my noise the same as all other noises reported? Don't know, and really can't tell. I will say my noise this morning was more of a scrapping sound than a moaning sound, and that sound sure appeared to be coming from the t/case when using the chassis ears.

A regional rep has reported a groaning sound repaired on a vehicle by applying silicone lube to the stainless steel shims on the rear brake pads.

I'll keep you guys informed, but right now I have to suffer since the only vehicle available to drive was a yellow corvette convertible, and the temps are going to the 40s; so what good is it! I believe Friday I will switch it for a Crimson 2007 H2 that will be available that is in the test fleet, and they need more miles on it, plus some opinions on how it drives....:jump: (Hear that DRTFYN?????)

(*A box with a rotor switch to tune into different circuits, has a head phone, and six leads that connect to different parts of the vehicle. So you can pinpoint a noise.)

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Thanks for the update, f5fstop. Am anxiously awaiting the outcome of your transfer case test. Thanks for explaining exactly how the chassis ears are hooked up. I had suggested to a dealer service mgr (upon your suggestion to me) that he use chassis ears on my H3 to pinpoint the sound. Do you know what he said? "With that type of noise, we couldn't put a mechanic under the vehicle while driving to hear the sound you're talking about!" OMG!!!! (:giggling:) :rant:

Back to topic .. let us know as soon as you find out!! Thanks!

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Tell them that's why H3s have a high ground clearance, to allow techs to ride underneath.:fdance: That's why chassis ears were designed. Hard to have a mechanic ride around under a Corvette while checking for undercarriage noises. :jump:

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

If it is the tranfer case making the noise the only way a dealer would replace it would be to do the sound test.
Do all dealers have this available to them.
If yours was bad will there be a record of the fix for the dealer to see.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

But .... if the groan is coming from the transfer case, does it mean that there definitely IS a problem where it needs to be replaced? I can just hear the Service Manager telling me, "It's not a safety hazard and doesn't affect the performance of the vehicle". But, fourfourto, how does that explain the feeling in the brake pedal that I get (and you, too, I think) as the groan is occuring? Yesterday I had the radio up high and when I came to a stop, I 'felt' it in the brake pedal. :eek: SO, I turned off the radio and brought it to a similar stop a block up. Sure enough, I heard it. :mad:

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

What we cannot determine is that your groan and my groan are the same. My groan actually started to turn into more of a metallic sound. The main reason GM is taking mine out in the service garage is to make sure nothing it tinkered with, and the entire unit, with fluid is sent to BW for teardown by their tech in their research lap.
I never felt anything in the brake pedel, but I heard this sound only when doing a heavy braking.
I guess time will tell, as of right now, it is still sitting in the garage and waiting for a new case.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

I don't hear mine as I roll to a stop or softly come to a stop. Mine happens (example) when I'm almost at the signal light and it suddenly turns red. I go, "WHOA! Red Light!" and hit the brakes. OR, as I'm going down hill and the light turns red at the base .. and I'm going 60-62 mph and have to hit the brakes. Just as I'm ALMOST at a complete stop from the hard brake, it groans. The problem is that you can't just drive along and brake when you have to leisurely ... you ALWAYS have the possible groan on your mind. I don't think that should be part of the H3 package, you know? (:mad:)

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

you ALWAYS have the possible groan on your mind


:crying: I know exactly what you mean :beerchug: :jump: :iagree: :jump:

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Just picked it up with a new t/case, and the groan/metallic sound is totally gone. Had plenty of chances to test it on the way home (MI stop/go traffic) and it is quiet as a mime in a mime contest.:jump:

I'll let everyone know when I hear what the results were on the teardown of the case.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

F5 will there be any record of noise being related to the transfer case that a dealer could view.
Should I ask the dealer put a mechanic ear on my 3 to see were noise is comming from.
I dont think I will be making a appontment with the dealer for a couple weeks so maybe there will be some more info by then.

Im still not sure If its related to my brakes,
I will try to get a video /sound file from my camera this weekend and post it to see if it sounds like yours.
Thanks

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

I would suggest the tech put some ears on the rear of the brake shield where the park brake mounts, on the axle, on the spring (possibly a loose shackle) and on the case. He can then drive and switch between the different circuits to help locate the noise.
If it is found there are more like this, chances are a bulletin will be produced. However, they have to locate more of these and if it cures the problem, then likely a bulletin will be issued.
Mine might be the only one that has this problem with the t/case. Best way for me to describe is it starts out as a moan, turns to more of a metallic sound.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

f5fstop ... yours was a moan/groan that eventually turned into a metallic sound, as in metal on metal? Is that what you mean by metallic? So, the groan eventually disappeared, but turned into the metallic sound? I hope fourfourto can post a sound link .. I'm curious if it's the same sound as yours and mine.

I think I need to drive mine normally now and not be afraid to hear that groan. I've been pampering it at stops because I just don't want to hear that groan sound. I'm so tired of it. Maybe it needs to break down before someone will take it seriously. Thanks for the update!!! Let us know what happens after the t/case breakdown!! (Ohhh, congrats on having a quiet drive now! :D )

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Hmmm3 try to also get a sound file of yours and list it on putfile.

I will get a sound/video clip tommorow afternoon and list it tommorow night.(Ive been waiting to take a day video)


That groan gives me chills right up my spine:eek:


F5 My brother said he might be able to borow a mechanic ear ,If he can get one I will inspect the noise befor going to the dealer.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Well I took 5 sound/videos.:confused:

Not really a groan from the outside more of a rattly springy vibrating type noise.

Let me know what you think :grouphug: opinions


:shhh: :rant: the dealer said noise is normal :mad:


http://media.putfile.com/down-hill-r...de-brake-groan

http://media.putfile.com/downhill-left-side-brake-groan

http://media.putfile.com/brake-groan-tire-1

http://media.putfile.com/brake-groan-tire-2

http://media.putfile.com/brake-groan-tire-3

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Could that noise be the anti-lock system?

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Im not hitting the brakes hard enough for the anti locks to kick in.
Also I think the pump is up front.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

fourfourto .... THAT'S IT! Mine is more of a groan sound when INSIDE, more like your #1 sound clip. Your others are like my outside sound .. groany, springy. What in the world is this about?! I'm hoping f5fstop listens to your sounds soon. I wonder if this is what his groan had sounded like, too. (I was at the dealer today .. my battery died at the gas station. :mad: They gave me a new one.)

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

By the way, nice rig!!! Great backdrop ..nothing like the great East in the fall! :D

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

It does sound a little different from the inside.
It also was louder then I thought on the outside.
It must sound like a POS comming to a stop:o :( :crying:


Took video 1/2 mile from my house on the north shore at calahans beach.
Thats connecticut across the LI sound.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

They had checked my anti-lock system when it had been in at the dealer for that last long haul. It checked out fine .. no noise or problem. Good thought, though.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

To me, mine sounded more metallic, especially when the pickup was on the t/case. But it could be something ratching inside the t/case.
First of all, when was your vehicle made? (Manufacturing date.)
Mine was very early...

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

The sticker on the door says 06/05 (is that the manufacture date?)my vin is 5gtdn136668111776 I took delivery on 8/12/05. Im almost at 21,000 miles.

Assuming its not the tranfer case what could cause that kind of noise?

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Your actual build date is: 06/22/2005.
It sounds like something is ratcheting. Again, my suggestion is have the tech drive it with chassis ears on the t/case and see if that is actually where the noise is coming from.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Does all the dealers have chassis ears ?

Im either going to bring it in this friday or next friday.
I think Ill stick around dealer and wait.

Do you recomend I email him a link to sound file before going in.
Maybe send one to the salesman that sold me the h3 also ,he was very nice.He also remembers my name when I see him at the dealer.:D

Hmmm3 when are you bringing it in

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

I'm debating whether I should take it to the dealer who last told me "It'd be better if something breaks down so we can tell what's going on" .. and that "It's normal for all H3's", or, should I take it back to the dealer who said my rotor was warped and replaced my brakes. That kept the groan away (for some reason) for a couple of months. I'm going to wait a week, at least. They know the sound that mine makes. Even when hearing it, they kept a straight face. :mad: Don't forget, I went through the whole "GM" thing with a case history. I just began to brake normally yesterday, without pampering the brakes ... so the groan will begin building up again. That could take a day or a week.

f5fstop ... my build date rubbed off the side door. How can I find out what it is now? Can I tell through the vin#?

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

I'm pretty sure that f5fstop had told me long ago that each service dept should have at least one set of Chassis Ears. I guess it depends if they know how to use them, too. (:giggling:)

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

That, and if they know where they are in the tool room.:jump:

Hmmm3: Send me the last eight digits of the VIN and I can tell you the build date.

442: Just tell the dealer you had a friend who had the same type of noise, and the dealer used chassis ears, fixed the problem by replacing the T/case.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

I just did some investigation and here is a PI that was issued:

Subject: Internal Transfer Case Noise - keywords grind growl rattle #PIP3467B -



Models: 2006-2007 Hummer H3




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PI is being updated to add model years. Please discard PIP3457A.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Any type of internal transfer case noise.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Engineering is conducting an investigation on internal transfer case noise. If the abnormal noise can be isolated to the transfer case using conventional methods, please contact the Technical Assistance Center for further instruction and diagnosis.

Note:: Remember do not operate the vehicle in unlock (4hi) mode on the hoist as damage to the planetary gear set may result due to an over speed condition.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair 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.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Hummmm.... Mine does this too. 14k miles. Thought it was just rust on the rotors or something. Seemed like it went away with a really hard brake for me... But it does/has come back on and off. I'll be watching this thread to see what you guys find out.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Note:: Remember do not operate the vehicle in unlock (4hi) mode on the hoist as damage to the planetary gear set may result due to an over speed condition.


Does that mean you can operate it in 4 hi lock or 4 low lock up on the lift?
I would think it will also due damage.


:rant: when I go to bed and shut my eyes and its all quite. I hear grrr grrr grrr

Its stuck in my freekin head:eek:

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Believe me, if it was the t/case, the noise would not go away with a very hard stop. Rust on the rotors will do this, but once burned off, the noise will go away. Rotors are cast iron, so rust while sitting in a rain storm is normal. But applying the brakes will burn off the rust on the firepath.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Won't cause an overspeed condition. Besides, the sound is not noticeable on a hoist. Has something to do with the dynamic weight shifting during heavy braking. My guess, it might be a shift fork...

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

:iagree: I know exactly what you mean.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

f5fstop ... the last digits of my vin# are:68111746. :D

Thanks!

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

06/22/2005 :clapping:

Damn, you have had more rear brake pads replaced in that vehicle, than I have ever replaced since disc brakes were installed.:dancingbanana:

Go tell the dealer to put the chassis ears on the t/case, or have a technician strap himself to the bottom of the vehicle with tie straps with his ear on the t/case and listen to see if the sound is coming from the case.

Take that bulletin I posted, and tell them to fix the damn thing right. Tell them you know someone who had the same noise, and the noise went with the t/case.

Good luck.

Re: Rear Brake/Axle Groan...
 

Hmmm3 has the same built day as me
F5 when was yours built?

Im going to call the dealer and bring it in on friday. grrr:mad: