H3 I think my transfer case has problems

[telemike]

I have 4:1 transfer case. Plastic shift fork most likely, early 2007 model made in 2006. I am hearing a noise while driving, maybe shift fork rattling? Or maybe a bearing? Sun gear?

Maybe I should trade this money pit in. Just did a front axle shaft.

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[Zach]

I don't think the shift fork would be rattling. They make a popping noise when going. Check to make sure your skids are tight and other obvious things

 

[telemike]

Any bearings that might go bad?

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[alrock]

Many drivetrain noises could be possible in the front end - pinion bearing, u-joint on propshaft, cv on propshaft, etc. What's the noise? Does it only appear in motion vs. with engine speed? On acceleration/deceleration or at a constant speed?

A six year old vehicle - any six year old vehicle - is going to have wear and tear items. I just did a front axle shaft on my other ride, a 2006. Snapped in a parking lot. It's the burden of owning a vehicle vs. the joy of taking the bus every day.

 

[telemike]

Just did front axle shaft. Not related to engine. Happens even coasting in neutral.

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[alrock]

Need more description of the noise - grinding, rattling, high pitched, metal on metal, banging, changes when the accelerator is pressed, changes on braking? Does it sound like pebbles in a coffee can, or something more substantial? Does it occur on smooth roads or with bumps?

 

[LagunaH1]

Is the sound loud enough that you could record a youtube video and post it here so we can hear it?

 

[poncho1965]

My Tcase noise was very distinct. Popped loudly while under load climbing and even descending steep terrain. This only happened in 4-low.


Mike

 

[Steve #1]

I had a rattle that came from the front drive train. Only happened after it had warmed up some and more noticeable when not under power. As I recall it turned out to be either the front propshaft or where the shaft goes in to the case. If this sounds like your case, I can look up the records to see what exactly it was.

 

[4speedfunk]

Front driveshaft.

 

[telemike]

How can I check front driveshaft?

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[4speedfunk]

Pull the front driveshaft and inspect the rubber boot on the rear end of it. Inside is a 6-ball CV joint (similar to the front axle half-shafts), and if the boot has been ripped, the joint will be dry. They make a helluva racket when they go bad. Shake the shaft and see there is any excessive looseness or noise in the CV joint. You can probably grab a flashlight and shine it up near the front end of the t-case to see if there is grease flung everywhere. If so...its probably a ripped boot.

Pulling the front shaft is easy...

Chalk your wheels
un-bolt the front end from the axle (via the four bolts at the U-joint straps).
un-bolt the rear end from the t-case (via the four bolts at the CV flange).
Sometimes they need some gentle prying to separate from the t-case.

 

[telemike]

No ripped boot on front driveshaft. Did not have time to unbolt it though. I need to look at the front diff bushing next. Transfercase doesn't have any leaks that I could see. Just changed out fluid and filled thru the speed sensor to about 1.8 qt

 

[telemike]

Just did a 1400 mile trip over Christmas with no issues other than the noise I hear underneath, it's not loud you have to listen for it. Could be the other axle shaft CV's, driveshaft or the xfercase. I'll wait until it gets real loud or something fails.

 

[alrock]

Glad the trip went well. I probably went about 5000 miles once with shim pieces flying around my front diff, including a trip to Moab. I too thought it was a t-case, and I was going to run it until it blew up. Only figuredit on a trip to the dealer for other stuff.

 

[telemike]

My gut says cv axle or driveshaft cv. Just put fresh dexron in xfer case before trip. About 1.8qt thru speed sensor hole

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[alrock]

I've heard the driveshaft CV can take a while to go out and makes the noise for a while. Mine was sudden as it went from no noise to sounding like ball bearings in a coffee can. It worked for 200 miles (I as in the middle of nowhere) but it was LOUD. Glad that yours is gradual.