I had the same issue with mine but it turned out to be normal. The way I convinced myself it was normal was by test driving another similar truck from a dealership (which made the same noise).

The transfer cases in these trucks are much heavier than those in half tons for example, and therefore tend to make more noise. If both your trucks make the same noise, odds are everything is normal and you are just hearing what the case produces normally. If you wished you could take the extra step and test drive another similar truck to satisfy yourself, but since you have two already making the same noise, odds are it is OK.

 

I should have mentioned that this is not my first Duramax. I had a 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013 and now a 2015. It is my brothers 2nd. His first was a 2006, now a 2015.

None have made this noise before.

Armus - what year is your truck?

 

So I read this yesterday and took the truck out this AM for a highway test.

2wd - no noises

4wd - that high pitched whine you described is gear whine in the center of the truck - mine makes it on decel only once the drive train is loaded back up it stopped.

I have about 3K on my 2015 GMC 3500 HD Denali - to hear the noise clearly, I needed to get in between some jersey barriers (2 lane wide) and hit gas and let off, hit gas and let off.

I'm here to confirm mine makes this noise in 4wd(hi) only - I tried 4lo on a side street and it makes no noise, other than the motor.

 

I have a 2015 ltz , mine has 800 miles slight wine in 4hi

 

What is this? I wonder if GM knows something? Should we be concerned?

 

My 2013 3500 makes all kinds of growling and whining noises at lower speeds, especially when you turn the wheels. Going down the road it only whines when I let off the gas....

 

Hello Ryanjb01,

Sorry to hear of the concerns you are experiencing with a noise in your new Silverado. We'd like to discuss this further with you! Please send me a private message with your full contact information and VIN if you're interested!

Andraya
GM Customer Care

 

2015 drivetrain noise - one more to chime in, mine does it too. Add noise in 2wd.



******
Greetings all,

To Ryanjb01 with CC to "GM Customer Svc" (signature Andraya)

Been meaning to update my profile (just did it now) / post a pic or two in the "Introductions & New Trucks" section along with a summary of the new ride - too darn busy last couple of months.

Mine was so hot off the assembly line it came with a completely blank window sticker and what looked to be some sort of build sheet with a bunch of codes - I'd have to look but build date was sometime in September I believe, must have been right after the apparent wheel/mirror changever.

Truck is a 2015 3500 LTZ CC SB, put money down sight unseen as the truck was still in transit from Flint but had the options and color I wanted. Pleasantly surprised to see it had the new wheels and chrome mirrors.
******
Took delivery in mid-October and am experiencing the drivetrain noise you describe since the first time I ever put it in 4wd.

I'd take it a step further and suggest there is a slight "hum" in 2wd that is most noticeable on smooth asphalt and at speeds of say 30mph - 50mph, seems to be coming from right front, particularly if you let off the pedal you can hear it sort of "winding down" (before it downshifts and engine noise drowns it out). Definitely not tire noise and none of previous trucks exhibited this.

In 4wd there is definitely a noise that sounds to me almost like geartrain noise, transfer case or ???

If on smooth asphalt and switch from 2wd to 4wd there is a couple of seconds delay where there is no noise (all previous trucks this quiet in 2wd and 4wd) and then the geartrain noise starts up. Same thing going from 4wd to 2wd.

Made a 60 mile drive this past Sunday on snow covered interstate in 4wd, speed between 40-55 and as others mentioned this "whine" or "geartrain" noise is most pronounced under load or when you back off the throttle i.e. create reverse load "decel" condition. With cruise control set on level road or let's say drivetrain barely under any load, the noise all but disappears.

As noted in my signature, previous trucks include a 2005, 2007.5 and 2011, all HD Duramax's and NONE of them ever exhibited this noise, wet or dry pavement.

These trucks have only gotten quieter over the years so I find it hard to believe this is normal.

Is it possible GM or supplier neglected to put oil in the transfer case or front differential? Seems odd that the noise seems to be emanating from right front.

Truck going in this Friday for dealer to have a listen as the noise has only gotten worse.

R/

Todd

 

My 2010 is loud in 4 but its always be that way. My 13 is quite I forget I put it in 4 at times.

 

My 2015 gmc sierra 2500 does the same thing in 4Hi between low and hi speeds.

Just another thing I will have to add to the list when I get my first oil change.

 

They will all make the noise in 4 hi when driving on pavement. I have had four wheel drives since 71. Really should not drive in 4 hi on pavement especially dry pavement. The older four wheel drives would not survive this. To bad the 2500's didn't have the auto 4 wheel drive like the 1500's

 

The owners manual says it won't hurt anything but your fuel mileage to run 4 hi....

 

And it must be 100% factual, I read it in the owners manual! LoL

 

And it must be 100% factual, I read it in the owners manual! LoL

What good would an owner's manual be if it is just lies????

 

Hi Todd,

We recognize your frustration regarding the drivetrain noise in your truck and apologize. It's good to hear that you're taking it to the dealer Friday. Please don't hesitate to send us a PM if you'd like to for us to reach out on your behalf. Feel free to keep us in the loop as we'll be looking out for any updates.

Sincerely,

Eddie A.
GM Customer Care

 

In my 06 I was on some mud trails last summer in michigan and put it in 4hi. I then drove 400mi on I75 before I realized I was still in 4hi. Was quiet the entire time and I only noticed when making a sharp turn in the gas station when I filled up.

I havent been in a newer truck yet but my buddy had an 05 and now an 08 and both seem pretty quiet. Wonder if GM made a change with the new t-cases?

 

Thanks for the reply Eddie,

One more comment: friend of mine got a 2015 2500 Duramax about the same time I got mine. He says his is as quiet as can be, same as the 2011 he traded in, no difference whether in 2wd or 4wd.

To my knowledge, the 2500 and 3500 drivetrains are the same. Correct?

Will see what the dealer says tomorrow - I'm hoping they find something rather than tell me it's normal - I don't believe it is.

R/

Todd

 

Thanks for the reply Eddie,

One more comment: friend of mine got a 2015 2500 Duramax about the same time I got mine. He says his is as quiet as can be, same as the 2011 he traded in, no difference whether in 2wd or 4wd.

To my knowledge, the 2500 and 3500 drivetrains are the same. Correct?

Will see what the dealer says tomorrow - I'm hoping they find something rather than tell me it's normal - I don't believe it is.

R/

Todd

Yep other than different springs, badges, and possibly 4 wheels in back, they are the same.

 

TMG Update 02-06-15

- Upon arrival at dealer yesterday morning they had their lead Duramax tech hop in with me for a spin a couple miles around the block - switched to 4wd and back to 2wd numerous times at various speeds and he concurred the "gear train noise" in 4wd does not sound normal and also mentioned he could feel a slight vibration through floor on passenger side. After finding some smooth asphalt, the tech also concurred there was definitely a brief period of quiet when switching from 4wd back to 2wd for a few seconds before the hum started back up as we were coming to a stop sign ("quiet" as in: all my previous trucks this quiet, all the time).

So at least I'm not imagining this.

******

- Dealer called late yesterday and said they can't find anything wrong hardware-wise but requested to keep truck over the weekend so they can call GM Tech support on Monday, they also want to compare mine to a similar 2015 truck or two on the lot - fingers crossed they drive a quiet one and not happen to find another one with same issue.

- As I was driving with the tech I had asked what his knowledge was of how the GM 4wd system works. His description was that there are "fork" assemblies internal to the transfer case (1) and axles (2) that engage/disengage via external actuators.

- Just my own thought if all the hardware works as it should (actuators) the only thing left that I can see possible would be bearing bores not machined concentric somewhere in the axles/ front diff./ or transfer case: Misalignment = noise = vibration.

- Also just came across Stockrex's post from March last year including scanned image of repair details stating "front pinion bearing races mis-machined".

******

To recap for the benefit of GM Customer Service:

- In 4wd, noise (what I would call "gear train" noise) is present under accel or decel load and on a scale of 1 -10 with 1 being all previous D'Maxes and completely quiet, I'd rate the noise at >5 at this point and seems to be getting worse.

- In 4wd, when throttle backed off to no load / almost coasting the noise almost disappears.

- The hum in 2wd is quite noticeable on smooth asphalt and as mentioned in first post and above description of dealer visit this morning, it goes away briefly when switching between 2wd & 4wd or vice versa.

- Both noises seem to come from right front.

******
Disregarding a few that don't have signatures as to year/model, we have by my count:

Myself: 2015 Silverado 3500 SRW build date September-ish somewhere right after the wheel/mirror changeover
Ryanjb01: 2015 Silverado 3500 Dually
Ryanjb01's brother: 2015 Silverado 3500 SRW
NachO GMC: 2015 3500 Denali
blunova71: 2015 GMC Sierra
bigred74k20: 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 2500

That's quite a few experiencing same issue with 2015 models, how many more owners out there not on this forum having same issue?

Then there's the friend of mine who picked up his 2015 2500 right around the same time I picked up mine and say's he can't tell if it's 4wd or not it's so quiet - same as my previous trucks.

Will keep you all posted with outcome on Monday.


R/

Todd

 

Check the level in the transfer case.

I changed the fluid to TrynSynd at the recommended interval and it is quieter. I'll change it sooner next time.

 

Norskeole,

Thanks for input, the thought did occur to me to check the fluid levels in both the transfer case and front diff as I generally like do things myself for my own satisfaction.

I shudder to think what the effects are of low or no oil in either (can't be good - raised the question "Is it possible GM or supplier neglected to put oil in the transfer case or front differential?"in my first post to this thread) but with just under 4k miles on the clock it shouldn't be my problem.

Due to the cold this time of year in WI (unheated garage and no time to fool with it - would have taken several hours for the kerosene heater to warm up garage to tolerable, run the truck up on ramps etc.) I put my faith in the dealer and assume this was one of the first things they checked this past Friday.

The fact they requested to keep it over the weekend so they would have it in the shop first thing Monday morning when they call GM Tech Support suggests they are equally perplexed.

******
I see by your sig you have just about the same truck that I traded in - just curious, has yours been noisy from day 1? As mentioned in previous posts, all three of my previous trucks were as quiet as a mouse or let's say comparable to any sedan or SUV drivetrain-wise whether in 2wd or 4wd - the only real noticeable difference is ride quality but that's a given with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

R/

Todd

 

My 2015 LTZ 4WD makes the same noise while on the throttle in 4wd..Let my foot off the gas and it goes away..My 2009,2011 and 2013 did not make this noise. I did drive a 2014 2500 4x4 gasser that made the same noise.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Update from TMG 02-17-15

Well folks,

Here's the lowdown.

Sorry for the delay, been busy with jobs away from home - truck currently sitting in an airport parking garage.

Picked up truck last Thursday after dealer can't find anything wrong and further provided me a copy of PIP5245 (see attached pdf).

Also attached is the service writeup from the dealer.

GM claims "normal".

I call BS on the statement in first paragraph of PIP: "One of the many advantages of the new 2015 MY pick-ups is the cabin is quieter compared to previous model years..."

I traded in a 2011 and have owned a 2007.5 and 2005 and none of these previous trucks exhibited this noise condition - they were all as quiet as could be with no noise difference between 2wd and 4wd.

Further, I haven't noted any considerable cabin noise difference as the PIP suggests - this seems to me to be a means for GM to just CYA. (their own)

A.) What bothers me first and foremost is GM's instruction to dealer to drive a "like truck" to compare: Was this a controlled and/or fair test? I didn't have time to chat with the dealer service manager as I was on my way to airport for a job but what I want to know is was it the very first truck they drove that was noisier than mine or did they drive 6 and the first 5 were quiet and only the 6th one noisier than mine?

B.) Friend of mine as mentioned previously took delivery on a 2015 2500 (ordered - practically same truck) about the same time I got mine and he can't tell if it's in 4wd or not it's so quiet - no noise whatsoever. He also traded in a '11 so pretty much apples to apples comparison.

C.) Can't help but wonder since only a handful of folks on this forum have brought this issue up perhaps isolated to certain build dates (x lot number transfer cases or front diffs) - something OOT machining-wise or otherwise bad parts.

Note to self and hard lesson learned (having shelled out close to $60k) this will be the last time - if I ever buy GM product again - WITHOUT TEST DRIVING IT FIRST AND TO MAKE SURE I AM SATISFIED.

Next step is to talk to salesman (dealership also sells Ford) and as much as I hate admit this may be one of my last post's as a Duramax owner - will be looking to trade in a 2015 Silverado with barely 4k miles on it and maybe opt for a Ford.

I completely get that a dealership does what it is told insofar as the GM-dealership hierarchy but GM's response to dealer of "drive like truck off the lot and compare", given that friend of mine has a brand new 2015 2500 and zero noise, is BS.

I don't see that the GM Customer Service reps Andraya (respondent to OP) or Eddie A. (respondent to my followup post) have made any effort to respond.

This is what you get when you have an entity bailed out by our tax dollars, aka "Government Motors".

To GM Customer Service: You clearly have an issue here given that some trucks are quiet and others exhibit this whining or grinding noise. Whether the problem manifests itself in terms of a failure at 10k, 20k, 40k, 60k or whatever miles remains to be seen. I'm not going to stick around as a GM owner long enough to find out.

One last update, I've done quite a bit of testing/listening and I'm absolutely convinced that the medium pitch hum in 2wd (heard especially on smooth asphalt) - is somehow related to the 4wd grinding/gear whine - and furthermore that it occurs intermittently - can switch back and forth 2wd to 4 and back to 2 and sometimes the hum is there, sometimes not.

Disappointed with GM and maybe time to move on...

R/

Todd

 

i also own a 2015 Chevy 3500 DRW that i noticed making this noise today. heading to the dealer tomorrow to see what they can find out. almost sounds like the ring gear is not shimmed correctly so on decel its back seating on the opposite side of the gear. im not sure that is the case but i definatly dont think the noise is "normal". my luck is that it will come apart at 36001 miles and not be covered. hope i didnt make a mistake not spending the extra 10 grand for the 70 thousand dollar 2015 dodge 3500.

 

Picking up my new truck this weekend I will test out and try to see if it makes the same noise.

 

Stop being paranoid you guys- don't drive your trucks on dry hard pavement in 4 wheel drive or you will continue to hear all kinds of terrible noises.There will be binding and associated noise due to the drivetrain having no slippage.4wd designed only for slippery road surfaces only unless you have an all wheel drive rig with a built in wet clutch .

 

Not at all paranoid...

If something breaks that's what the warranty is for.

Noise is a nuisance at this point but ok just turn the radio up I suppose.

Still aggravating though having paid close to $60k for something that seems to be defective and GM's stance of it being "normal".

Purpose of forum is to share information/help others out.

Just pointing out that there seems to be an issue with this model year truck as compared to previous 3 trucks I've owned - and it appears that some have this condition and others do not.

As user zpitty mentioned above - as did another friend of mine after describing the problem - it certainly sounds plausible that the ring gear isn't set correctly. For all we know the GM front diff supplier had a run of parts that were right at the limit of being within tolerance or perhaps a little bit out of tolerance. Could be any number of things.

Noise is even more amplified driving on snow as the tire/road noise is then muffled out.

Last but not least, the intermittent hum in 2wd was never present on previous 3 trucks either.


R/

Todd

 

Has anyone had any resolution with this issue? I have a 15 silverado 2500hd crew cab gasser & have been having this problem since new. In 4wd it sounds like a baseball card in bike spokes when I take my foot of the gas. In 2wd it's a whine when accelerating at lower speeds. Mine is an early build date too. Dealer told me last winter that it was "normal". (but couldn't explain why it was doing it.) I have two friends with the exact same truck and they don't have this issue. So how is this normal? They bought theirs in late spring of 2015. I bought mine in early dec of 2014. It makes the whining noise randomly in 2wd. Seems to happen in 2wd the most after towing my work trailer. And it makes the ticking/whining/slapping noise all the time in 4wd during snowy winter condition and wet condition too. So it's not just on dry pavement. I agree with zpitty it seems like gear backlash. I now have close to 20,000 miles and it seems to be getting worse. I am also experience what seems like the transmission slipping when coming to stops. Also after I accelerate from a stop and let off the gas between 15-25 mph it randomly makes a jolt & clunk noise. Is that just a slip yoke issue? Anyone else get that too? I've had the BCM updated and nothing has changed. Any help would be appreciated. My dealer continuing to tell me this is normal without an explanation is aggravating.

 

Just bringing this back up. Mine is pretty loud in 4wd. Just took it in for the first service today and had them check it out. Oil level was good and they compared to another new truck. It sounded the same. My biggest concern was the oil level. I am just going to drive and see if anything changes. I am going to research the oil they are using in it as I have no idea. Maybe it should have a heavier oil. I have lots of warranty on it but we will see how winter goes.