2001 Blazer LS, 4 door, V6. Since we bought new, hubs and bearings have been replaced about 3 times on front passenger side. About 1/2 way home yesterday from a 2 1/2 hour ride, the front end passenger side started making a grinding/moaning/clicking sound when slowing down and starting off. Thought it might be the hub again, but never heard this sound the last few times. Taking the wheel off this morning, I realized that it is not the hub, but perhaps where the axle joint is? I am not sure what it is called. Should the whole axle be replaced or can you replace only half? Or does anyone know exactly what this sound is and what needs to be replaced. I would really appreciate any information on this subject. Thanks, Bob

 

I think you're talking about the CV joint & yes they can be replaced individually as well as the frong axles. Are the rubber boots on the cv joint cracked or off at either end? If so then they need to be replaced. If you engage the front axle they should make more noise.

 

We replaced the CV drive shaft. This did not change the sound at all. Any more suggestions?

 

Found out that is may be this. Found on gmpartsdirect.com. Not sure, but I will repost and let you know for sure for future referrence. [ 9 ] FRONT DRIVE AXLE / DRIVE AXLES / FRONT AXLE / CONTROL CABLE control cable S-Series PART TIME, 4WD

MSRP Online Price $45.11 $26.74

 

when you engage the 4wd would the sound get worse ?

 

We did not. But it is all apart now. He got underneath again and it sounds like its in the transfer case. Not sure though.

 

Ended up being a vacuum line that was dry rotted. We replaced the axle and then a cable that went from the transfer case up to a vacuum pot that engaged the 4x4. That didn't work. So he followed the vacuum hose to the drivers side and that was dry rotted. He replaced that and it is fine.