Ex made the most awful horrible noise today!

[mjjstang]

97 SOHC 115k 4x4

Today, in around 6-8 inches of snow, I started the ex, got in it 10 minutes later, backing it out just like normal, and I had the 4x4 switch in auto like it usually is, and it was just fine driving out of the driveway.

Then as I was continuing out, while the wheel was turned, it made this horrendous screeching noise, not like a belt, not like a starter, but something in 10 years of grease monkeyin around, I have never heard. I immediately turned it off, then I started it back up, and I believe I set it to 4x4 and away I went, the rest of the day 300 miles later, nothing out of the ordinary. But I just can not figure out what happened.

When the noise started, I am very sure that the car was not responding to my throttle inputs as I was reversing out the driveway. So pretty much whatever the noise came from, was preventing it from driving. I want to say that it possibly was still moving slightly, but really didn't have much time to test since I wanted the car off ASAP as I knew whatever that sound was, it wasn't good.

The only thing I could guess, is that since the 4x4 is set at auto, then it automatically engages 4x4 when it senses it should? So could it have came from something in the trans/transfer case that would happen while going from 2 to 4x4? I quickly thought: what could this sound be, so I started thinking what the hell moves in a car when its on. Like I said, it wasn't belt, or starter, sounded way different and I was going around 3 MPH.

you could compare the frequency and get a general idea from the comparison to a belt squeal, but like I said, definitely not from the belt.
Anybody have an idea?

 

[gijoecam]

Was it a buzzing noise like gears whizzing against each other? If so, my money would be on the transfer case beginning to fail due to the shift rail bore problems.

If not, I have no idea... Can you describe the noise in more detail?

 

[mjjstang]

I think you are probably right. I just can't think it would be anything else. I haven't heard about this issue, but will certainly look into it. Thank you for steering me in the right direction.

It did sound kind of like how you describe. Although, I really can't describe in any more detail since it is beginning to fade from my memory. Again, thank you for your input. I will have to keep an ear out for any more issues.