What happens when the transfer case goes out?

by techplusaadmin January 31, 2019

When you look for a new car, chances are you search for the most durable, safe, and long-lasting vehicle you can find. You look for top brand names that are the epitome of power and luxury. You look for long-term customer satisfaction. However, no matter how durable, safe, or long-lasting your new or used vehicle is, it is susceptible to problems. Problems with the transmission and the transfer case in particular are very common in certain models. These are issues that are not only costly, but also inconvenient, which is why it is important to be aware of their symptoms so that you can identify when the issue arises before it’s too late. One of the issues you should watch out for is problems with the transfer case.

What is the Transfer Case?

Inside your vehicle there is a component called the transfer case. This component is located inside of the drivetrain and it is responsible for providing power to the wheels. The power in your vehicle is originally generated by the transmission, and from the transmission it has to go to the axles that allow the wheels to turn. It is the job of the transfer case to bring that power to the axles. It is also the job of the transfer case to adjust the manner in which your tires are being turned while you are on the road. Your car won’t drive nearly as well as it once did if your transfer case starts to fail. If you notice your car’s performance drop significantly, it is important to get to a professional mechanic as soon as possible in order to find out what is causing it.

What Causes Transfer Case Failure?

There can be many causes for transfer case failure but the two most common include a shaft seal failure and high mileage. As you continue to use your vehicle you put more miles on it and as this happens it simply causes all of the components in your vehicle to wear out. This is a natural progression with vehicles but if you haven’t properly maintained your vehicle you will notice that the higher your mileage, the older your vehicle, the higher your risk for transfer case failure. Additionally the shaft seal which is located on your transfer case is designed to prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking. But if it starts to leak because of a shaft seal failure it will cause a great deal of problems with your transmission and your gear shift.

What are the symptoms of transfer case failure?

Transfer case failure is a potentially serious problem but it does have symptoms that you can notice early on. You might see hydraulic fluid leaking out from underneath your vehicle. You might notice problems shifting gears as you’re driving. If your car otherwise runs smoothly and you suddenly have shifting problems, and there is a grinding sound that accompanies these problems, that can be a dangerous sign. That grinding sound is typically related to a hydraulic fluid leak. The longer this problem goes, on the riskier it becomes for the health of your vehicle.

In all of these cases, the symptoms are very easily noticed if you know what to look for. As soon as they start to manifest, you can bring your vehicle in for an inspection. If there is a problem with the transfer case, rest assured that our professionals can diagnose it and provide you with a solution immediately. This is not the type of repair you want to do on your own, especially if you have limited experience working on vehicles.

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A GM transfer case should last at least 100,000 miles. Transfer cases are built to be workhorses, but they may fail eventually. When a transfer case fails, one of these two scenarios can happen:

1. If you have a part time 4WD, the transfer case may not want to shift into 4WD. That can be a  big problem when you’re a situation where 4WD is necessary.
2. If you have an AWD, the transfer case is a full-time part within the drivetrain. When the transfer case fails, other parts within the drivetrain can get damaged.

Either way, you want to diagnose the issue as soon as possible. This diagnostic guide will walk you through the process.

Telltale Signs Of A Bad Transfer Case

Image Credit: spelunkerd

Do you have a hunch that your transfer case either has failed or is on the brink of failure? It helps to see if you’ve noticed any of the following symptoms:

• Grinding noise while shifting gears
• Difficulty staying in 4WD
• 4WD not engaging or disengaging
• Grinding, growling, or humming noises that change with vehicle speed
• Illumination of the 4WD warning light in the dash

These symptoms are good indicators that something is wrong with your transfer case. That's not always the case, though. It could mean that there's something wrong with the differential, driveshaft, or another part. That's why you want to diagnose the issue before moving forward.

Sometimes It’s The Adapter That Failed

There are many things that could go wrong with a transfer case. For example:

• Low fluid level
• Loose chain
• Bad bearings
• Damaged gears

Sometimes the transfer case is fine, but the adapter has failed. Some vehicles have an adapter which is a metal ring that serves as a connection between the transfer case and the transmission. If your truck SUV has one, check the adapter for cracks and other kinds of damage.

If the adapter is bad, you can replace only that part instead of the whole transfer case. A replacement adapter is much cheaper than a new transfer case. You can order a genuine OEM GM adapter from us for wholesale pricing.

Checking Your Transfer Case

Image Credit: spelunkerd

The best way to determine if your transfer case has failed is to slide underneath your vehicle and give it a visual inspection. You want to look for:

• Metal shavings in the transfer case fluid
• Any visual damage on the transfer case (such as cracks or dents)
• Any leaks

To do this:

1. Park your vehicle on a flat and even surface.
2. With a flashlight, closely inspect the transfer case for:
   1. Leaks
   2. Cracks
   3. Any other kinds of damage
3. Grab a container. Remove the drain plug on the transfer case and then let the fluid drain out.
4. Examine the fluid for any metal shavings. If you find metal shavings, there's an issue within the transfer case. You'd have to take it apart to find out what the issue is, but it's just easier to replace it. The issue could be a variety of things:
   1. A component within the transfer case may have broken.
   2. The transfer case may not be getting enough lubrication.
   3. It may have simply worn out.

Do you have any questions about diagnosing your transfer case? Or do you need help finding the right replacement part for your GM? Either way, you’re welcome to contact us.

Transfer case problems are common to certain car models, and this fault costs a ton of money to repair and takes serious time and effort. So, if your transfer case is still in shape, you should do what you can to keep it that way.

This post outlines all you need to know about the transfer case—causes of damaged transfer cases, symptoms of a bad transfer case, and how much it can cost to repair. Let’s dig in.

Quick Definition: What Is a Transfer Case?

A transfer case is a part of your car located at the transmission's rear in four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its primary function is to drive the wheel by transferring energy generated from the transmission to the axles.

There are three major causes of a transfer case failing, namely:

1. Low transfer case oil level

This could result from a fluid leak through the shaft seal located on the transfer case. The shaft seal is designed to prevent oil leaks from the transfer case, but this seal could break or weaken due to prolonged use or collisions while driving. 

Sadly, a seal leak can be difficult to notice unless in its severe stage. If you see a leak, the seal damage is likely already severe, so waste no time. Schedule a visit to your mechanic to replace the seal and top-up your transfer case oil.

2. Regular wear and tear

It’s normal for vehicle components to weaken and wear out after continuous use. If your transfer case is problematic, it could just be that its past its heydays. 

3. Poor maintenance

Although wear-and-tear is a normal progression for machine parts rubbing against each other, you can reduce the damage rate if you maintain it properly. Proper maintenance begins with noting how long the hydraulic fluid in your transfer case will take before it needs a change. Neglecting these little precautions and care can cost you a lot in the long run.

What Happens When Your Car's Transfer Case Goes Bad?

Nothing lasts forever. So, if you drive a car for long enough, the transfer case will probably become defective eventually, even if you give the best care in the world. Many issues will come out once your transfer case has given up, but here are the top three symptoms to watch for:

1. Difficulties in shifting gear

When the transfer case is faulty, changing gears becomes a problem. You’ll notice hesitation when engaging certain gears. Sometimes, you’ll only detect this problem when driving at certain speeds, due to the inability of the transfer case to handle hydraulic pressure properly.

Meanwhile, do well to check the transfer case oil level before concluding the transfer case is faulty. If the hydraulic oil level is not the problem, then visit a mechanic for further consultation.

2. Unusual grinding and humming noises

Another sign of a transfer case going bad is grinding or humming noises when shifting gears or increasing speed. These noises could also be a result of a damaged shaft seal over the transfer case. The shaft seal keeps fluid in the case and soundproofs the noise from the rubbing gears. Also, grinding noise could occur if the transfer case oil is insufficient or has lost its viscosity. 

3. Inconsistent 4WD performance 

Four-wheel drive systems come in three types: full-time, part-time, and active 4WD. With the part-time 4WD, the driver can manually switch between a two-wheel drive and a four-wheel-drive transmission. While with the active 4WD, the vehicle computer system changes the transmission option automatically at appropriate times. The full-time 4WD, on the other hand, always operates in the 4WD option.

This third symptom is mainly common to part-time and active 4WD systems, and the problem is of two forms. It’s either: 

• the transmission of the vehicle shifts in and out of 4WD without cause, or
• the transmission system refuses to engage (or disengage) each time to attempt to engage (or disengage)

Note that inconsistent 4WD performance isn’t always an indication that the transfer case is defective. You'll do well to check first the following indicators before you conclude:

• Transfer case oil level
• Shaft seal condition
• Front and rear axles

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Transfer Case?

A transfer case repair entails serious work and could cost you around $3000, including labour. The price point always depends on the reputation of the repair shop you choose. 

Whichever repair shop you decide to visit, always ensure you have done due diligence on them, and be willing to pay the hefty price some of these reputable shops will demand. 

Paying cheap money for delicate repairs of this sort is almost a guarantee that you’ll get a lousy job and add extra problems for your vehicle. I know you don’t want that.

Should I Repair or Replace My Transfer Case?

Whether to replace or repair mostly depends on the extent of the damage to the case. As a rule of thumb, consider replacing any auto part if it is 80% damaged or will cost 70% of the replacement cost to repair. 

You can visit the Marketplace at Carpart.com.au to get your transfer case replacement or other parts at a bargain price. A better method would be to request for the transfer case from more than thousands of suppliers and wreckers across Australia using our parts finder tool. It’s free to use - you gotta try it! 

By Damilare Olasinde