How do I know if my transfer case is bad?
Here we look at some of the more common signs you may find when you have a bad transfer case:
- Shifting Issues.
- Hard to stay in 4WD?
- 4WD Won’t Engage or Disengage.
- Fluid Puddle Under the Transfer Case’s Location.
- Strange Grinding, Growling or Humming Noises.
- Possible Causes of a Bad Transfer Case.
- So why S&G?
What does bad transfer case sound like?
Strange noises: You may hear one or more odd sounds coming from the transfer case, or from under your vehicle. These can include grinding, chattering or clicking. Any of these can indicate a bad transfer case.
What happens if you drive with a bad transfer case?
Yes, you can drive with a broken transfer case. However, we’re against the idea of operating a car with a damaged transfer case. It is not safe, and you might cause further damage to the vehicle. You can, however, still drive in 2WD.
How do you test a transfer case?
Get a tool that will turn front output yoke on transfer case and see if it is solidly connected without slipping to rest of drive train. (jack up rear wheel first and see if you can turn it with tool on front output yoke — 4WD engaged of course.) The results will tell you if it is good or not.
Why is my transfer case making noise?
When the output shaft seal breaks or wears out, it also can cause noises to appear from under the vehicle. In many cases, these noises are caused by the reduction of lubricants inside the transfer case or metal-to-metal grinding.
Does transfer case make whining noise?
Whining noise in 4WD (Transfer Case Low Oil) Another reason for whining sounds only when 4-wheel drive is selected is a low level of oil inside the transfer case. The transfer case fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles especially if you use the four-wheel-drive off-road often.
Will a bad transfer case make noise in 2WD?
As the shaft moves in and out, it misaligns with the gears and leaves a metal-to-metal contact that is not copacetic anymore. This then results in the transfer case grinding noise that you hear any time you shift between 2WD and 4WD.