"Groaning" from front Diff

[ejj5875]

I just bought my 04 Z71 Tahoe about a month ago. Last night I did one of my first extended drives (~10 miles) in 4HI. No problems in a straight line, but when making slow turns, both left and right, there was a noticable groaning noise from the front diff. Is this normal?

 

[notch8]

thats funny this question popped up because I noticed the same problem with mine for the first time today.
I've got an 01 LT and noticed It also shook and lurched on the real slow turns.

 

[02tahoeindiana]

Both of those are because you shouldnt be driving in 4hi on drive pavement!
You should only use 2hi or Auto on dry pavement...even wet on wet i only use auto.
The only time you should have it in 4hi is in snow or if your stuck...if your stuck really bad or trying to pull someone out 4lo.

 

[puckhead]

You can have your truck in 4hi on dry pavement. It isnt realy a big deal. Thats why the yukons and cadis have all wheel drive. You shouldnt switch between 2hi and 4hi on dry pavement thogh because the tires need to be able to slip. I have the sam groaning noise on my 01 hoe. dont know if its normal or what. just extra strain on the front end maybe. Maybe someone else will know better.

 

[ejj5875]

Wasn't completely dry...just raining hard and I felt like trying it out. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[02tahoeindiana]

You can use 4hi on dry pavement it just shortens the life or your front diffs, the caddies and denalis have awd which is auto so the front diff isn't locked when just driving.
But when is wet out i usually put it in auto to accelerate then switch it back, and occasional i put it in 4hi to accelerate just to feel all 4 break out, i just wouldn't recommend regular driving with 4hi.