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Screeching When Turning

cdarveaux

Well-Known Member
Messages
544
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
So this is something new that has developed over the last couple months. When I turn to the right going over 5mph there is this "nails on chalkboard" type of screech coming from somewhere up front and it only happens when I turn left. Any ideas? Thanks.
 

Ghostbuster

Well-Known Member
Messages
862
Location
United States
So this is something new that has developed over the last couple months. When I turn to the right going over 5mph there is this "nails on chalkboard" type of screech coming from somewhere up front and it only happens when I turn left. Any ideas? Thanks.

Which one is it?

How many miles on your H3T?

It could be the steering rack.

It could be the front diff.

It could be a axle hub.
 
Last edited:

cdarveaux

Well-Known Member
Messages
544
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Which one is it?

How many miles on your H3T?

It could be the steering rack.

It could be the front diff.

It could be a axle hub.
Wow completely missed that can't believe that. I meant left and just rolled over 70k. And I'm pretty sure it's not the diff cause it blew up less than a year ago but those other two seem reasonable
 

Ghostbuster

Well-Known Member
Messages
862
Location
United States
Wow completely missed that can't believe that. I meant left and just rolled over 70k. And I'm pretty sure it's not the diff cause it blew up less than a year ago but those other two seem reasonable
When it is hard to determine what the true cause of the problem is.. just go ahead and start replacing parts lol.

Steering racks usually need replacing/repair around 80k-100k+ or - miles and to keep your steering fresh. So You could go ahead and put a new rack in, but make sure you keep the old one. $258 shipped off http://www.ebay.com/itm/Factory-OEM-New-2006-2010-Hummer-H3-Rack-and-Pinion-with-Outer-Tie-Rods-/130744852757?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AHummer%7CModel%3AH3&hash=item1e71002115&vxp=mtr#vi-ilCompebay

Hopefully that will solve your problem, if not... you will have a brand new steering rack that is good for awhile.. and a spare.

Then move on to replacing the hub... $110 shipped on ebayhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/1-NEW-Front...e:Hummer|Model:H3&hash=item232ede641a&vxp=mtr

H3/H3T's front suspension usually needs some TLC around the 100k mile mark... but it wouldn't hurt to do it earlier if you feel the need.

I hope this helps.
 

alrock

El Diablo
Staff member
Messages
10,663
Location
Scottsdale
Not sure why the rack itself would make such a noise; sure, it can fail but I'm not used to hearing sounds associated with that failure. The power steering pump would but that would be either direction. Your "nails on chalkboard" sound makes it sound like metal on metal - is that correct? If so, I would lean towards the hub issue. I would also have someone walk beside your truck and try and duplicate the sound. Which side is it from, from what area of the truck? I think you'll get a lot of troubleshooting accomplished if you use a partner.
 

cdarveaux

Well-Known Member
Messages
544
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Not sure why the rack itself would make such a noise; sure, it can fail but I'm not used to hearing sounds associated with that failure. The power steering pump would but that would be either direction. Your "nails on chalkboard" sound makes it sound like metal on metal - is that correct? If so, I would lean towards the hub issue. I would also have someone walk beside your truck and try and duplicate the sound. Which side is it from, from what area of the truck? I think you'll get a lot of troubleshooting accomplished if you use a partner.
It's definitely metal on metal and I agree I wouldn't associate that with the rack and as you said I'm looking more into the hub. I know for sure it is coming from the front and it only happens when taking a left but I'll have a buddy come out with me to see if we can narrow it down. I'll keep yall posted.
 

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,250
Location
Tardville
Pop the front diff cover and check for chunks and/or metallic dust. Take a close look at the spider gears and the cross pin that runs through the center of the diff. When you turn a corner the outer wheel travels farther and the diff is supposed to activate and freely spin to allow the difference in wheel speed. I have seen spider gears freeze up and seize to that shaft...it can cause that symptom.
 

Airborne

Just a regular dude
Messages
294
Location
Utah
Can I vote power steering hamster cage? Mine will squeal like that every once in a while. But turning right. The caps are known to be faulty and will let air in the system. Try burping that and topping off the reservoir. Works for me...
 
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