Noise when moving... transfer case?

s1ngletracker · 01-22-2006

Hey all,

So I had to swap out my shift cables today because one of them decided to kink. But anyway... I had all the center console stuff out of the car, and this noise ive been noticing was a lot louder, I believe its just because the center console and all the carpet pieces were muffling it.

The noise could be described as a bandsaw type noise, a spinning, metallic whirring noise. This happens when the car is moving, whether or not it is in gear, whether or not I have the clutch pushed in or out. It doesn't vary with engine speed.

So i'm thinking its my transfer case. I had a dealer look at it for the recall, they told me all I needed was a drain and fill plug, but i'm positive they didnt do any serious diagnosis, just looked at it and saw it was leaking. At that point I didnt bring the noise to their attention because it wasnt that loud. Now it seems pretty bad.

Is this indeed transfer case noise? Anyone have this sort of noise before?

Info on the car: 15k miles on a rebuilt tranny, and has a lower mileage JDM 6 bolt engine swap. Transfer case I believe to be original.

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

and actually, now that I think about it, maybe the noise wasnt just muffled. I just leave this a bit more open. Could this be in relation to the adjustment of my new shift cables? Should I tighten/loosen them? Could being too tight/loose cause transmission noise? For safety's sake i'm gonna leave her parked today.

**Goat Blower** · 01-23-2006

Transmission cables have nothing to do with tranny or xfer case noise. Adjust them according to whatever tech manual you're using, it's very simple. It could very well be your xfer case. See if it's due for a recall.

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

well, i was just thinking that if the cable wasnt allowing the car to get all the way into gear (even though it seems its all the way) that it would cause noise. Or if the cables are pushing too hard on the levers. Hell, I dont know. Just asking. I'm paranoid.

As I mentioned in my post, I had the dealer look at it, but I dont think they did a serious enough diagnosis. I'm going to take it back for a better inspection.

Basically all I'm asking, is based on when/how this noise happens (while i'm moving no matter what gear or whether clutch is in or out) would this be the transfer case, or is it more likely to be the transmission?

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

I'm thinking it wouldnt be the input shaft, because it isnt dependant on engine RPM, and it wouldnt be gears or synchros because it happens when its not in gear, so if it is a tranny problem its either output shaft, front differential, or center diff. I know not very much about the internal functioning of the transmission though.

joem · 01-23-2006

You can get a noise if the cables are not adj. right.
Joe

sleepydsm · 01-23-2006

You should pull the transfer case and visually inspect it your self (or have someone else look at it) and take it to the dealership by itself. Explain to them as politely as possible you are aware of he recall, and would like to have a technician take a look at it. That would also be a good time to change the fluid, and fix that leak (assuming its not recall based). Oh and tis really easy to remove the transfer case. Take your downpipe off, and there are 5 bolts holding it on. You can then gently pry it away from the transmission. If you dont feel like working your arms, have a jack ready to "catch" the xfer case when you slide it off.

joem · 01-23-2006

There is no need to pull the downpipe.
Joe

**Goat Blower** · 01-23-2006

Explain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joem

You can get a noise if the cables are not adj. right.
Joe

joem · 01-23-2006

Next time your driving your car pull on the shifter a little with the clutch out and in gear it will make noise.
Joe

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

ahhh, so maybe it does need adjustment.

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepydsm

You should pull the transfer case and visually inspect it your self (or have someone else look at it) and take it to the dealership by itself. Explain to them as politely as possible you are aware of he recall, and would like to have a technician take a look at it. That would also be a good time to change the fluid, and fix that leak (assuming its not recall based). Oh and tis really easy to remove the transfer case. Take your downpipe off, and there are 5 bolts holding it on. You can then gently pry it away from the transmission. If you dont feel like working your arms, have a jack ready to "catch" the xfer case when you slide it off.

Ive heard that dealerships sometimes give you trouble if you jsut walk in with the transfer case itself... have you personally done this?

**Goat Blower** · 01-23-2006

Pulling on the shifter and having the cable misadjusted are two separate things. The only problems I've ever solved adjusting cables in mine or anyone else's cars have been problems with going into gear and grinding.

Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by joem

Next time your driving your car pull on the shifter a little with the clutch out and in gear it will make noise.
Joe

joem · 01-23-2006

If the cable is tight on one side it will put pressure on the gear.
joe

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

any other experts wanna chime in? niterydr? Jet?

**Kracka** · 01-23-2006

I'm with Steve (goatblower) on this one, the cables would have to be awfully misadjusted for them to create noise within the gearbox. With cables that misadjusted it would be highly unlikely you could even get the car in gear. First and foremost, call the dealership with your VIN# to see if you car has had the Xfer recall performed yet. Have you checked the level/condition of the fluids in the tranny/xfer/diff?

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

Ive recently drained and refilled transfer case, within the last week (i sure hope it doesnt leak that fast) and the rear diff, which doesnt leak. I'm doing the tranny tonight.

I was thinking that, how would i even be able to shift, but honestly i'm really wondering about this...

cudvig · 01-23-2006

haha bringing the transfer case to the dealership reminds me of that guy that got reallly pissed at the dealership. He got so upset at them that he threw the transfer case through the window of a brand new EVO.

just a story

Have you actually looked for a leak? or just refilled it?

s1ngletracker · 01-23-2006

it doesnt leak out the yoke seal, thats already been replaced. However its been leaking some out the drain and fill plugs. It still is almost full of fluid.

but regardless of how much fluid is in it right at this moment, could it have been damaged through its life, however long thats been, to where it makes noise now?

slowbubblecar · 01-23-2006

wheel bearings?