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Clunking Noise When Accelerating
2003 Chevrolet Silverado
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.
6.6
fairly significant- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,200
- Average Mileage:
- 61,500 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 10 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (9 reports)
- install helper springs (1 reports)
drivetrain problem
Helpful websites
- No one has added a helpful site for this 2003 Silverado problem yet. Be the first!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Purchased a used Silverado with 68,500 miles on it. On delivery noticed a clunk on braking and a severe clunk and slingshot feeling on acceleration. After a lot of investigation found the problem was due to axle wrap. The rear springs are very long and relatively soft for a cushy ride, and the axle had a 2 inch lift block (4x4 model). A bad combination that just invites axle wrap.
I left the car in park and laid on the ground underneath it, and rolled the tire up and back. I could see the axle pinion rotating up and down, confirming the diagnosis.
I purchased 440 lb full length helper springs and installed them. The lift from the helper springs was 2", so I was able to remove the lift block. Ride height remained exactly the same.
The ride is a little stiffer but now I have zero clunk and a much more direct feel on braking and acceleration. Problem solved. Axle wrap is a serious issue and shortens the life of u joints and can waste the back of the transfer case. Chevy blew it on this one, engineering the springs a bit better is all they need to do. Do an internet search for "axle wrap", it is a common problem in the off-road crowd especially when trucks are lifted the cheap way with lift blocks instead of correctly arched springs.
- James M., Hollister, CA, US