I'm getting a sort-of clicking/chirping noise in the right rear tire when I turn left. I realize that it is the truck's weight shifting to that side which is putting stress on everything; however, where is the noise coming from? I thought that maybe it was the brake caliper rubbing something, but I'm not sure. It almost sounds like if you had a leaf caught in your wheel and it was hitting the spokes with each revolution. Any ideas?

1999 Blazer LS 4x4 120,000 mi.

 

I am not sure what it is exactly but I know it is a very common problem, and I am starting to think my truck is doing the same thing except on both rear wheels. I think mine might be the brake pads or something, I am going to check them out this weekend. I am not sure if the rear wheels have bearings like the front and if maybe it is one of those going. Hopefully someone else know more.

-Lenny

 

I'm fairly familiar with what it sounds like when the bearrings go bad. I replaced one of the hubs on the front last year due to the bearrings going out on me. It's not so much a thump as that was, more of a clicking. It's a thought though. As far as brake pads, those are fairly new too. They're at about 70%.

 

Yeah mine should be pretty close to 90% cause I had them and the rotors in the rear replaced this spring about 2k miles ago. I don't know if they are just starting to wear in or what, but I plan on pulling the rear wheels off and inspecting the pads and rotors. I have no idea what to look for in a bad bearing/hub. But what else could be making this clicking noise? It is definately from the rear and the ujoints got replaced last spring as well

-Lenny

 

Another symptom is that if I drive in Reverse and hit the brakes, I get a sort-of creaking sound. Anyone else been through this?....

 

Are Lenny and I on our own for this one?

 

If you're on the forum, you're never alone, maybe you just have us stumped for ideas. I've read through the posts and I'm thinking we have to break it down to basics: a clicking sound would mean something is moving against something that is held stationary. OK, so what's moving: the tire assembly, the rear axle shafts, the rear pinion gears, the driveshaft. The stationary parts are numerous. Have you tried raising the rear of the vehicle on jack stands and putting the vehicle in drive see if you can pinpoint the sound? Does it make the sound under this condition? OF COURSE, YOU MUST BE VERY CAREFUL IF DOING THIS. Make sure those jackstands will hold the vehicle up SECURELY. Let us know of any progress.

 

Well I know it is not the u-joints or driveshaft on mine since the ujoints were just replaced in the spring. I think it is coming from the wheel assembly, but I don't what all is in there so I can't pin point if it is the brakes, some bearing, or whatever else is in there. I am going to put it in the air on friday or saturday to pull the wheel off and check the brakes and whatever else I can take apart/look at. I'll let u know how it goes.

-Lenny

 

Jacked mine up last night and got the rear wheels off. Apparently, the mechanic at the tire place who told me that my brakes were at 70% was full of ****. Barely any pad left on the right side! Anyways, a trip to Advance Auto Parts and $20 later, NO NOISE!!! How wonderful. I got a chance to grease everything under there as well, so it was a good night.

 

You know, upon further reflection, I thought about this situation: what if the rear brake shoes are so worn that the little adjuster finger that rides on the star adjuster wheel has no more room to adjust the spread of the brake shoes and is now just clicking on the star wheel because the star wheel has maxed out and is now a fixed object. Can this happen? or once the star adjuster wheel maxes out does it free-wheel? I'm not sure (any brake specialists out there)?