HELP! 2002 AWD Transfer Case Problems

[brody6605]

I've got an '02 Mountaineer with a V-8 AWD and 110,000 miles. I was hearing a thud and feeling a shudder randomly while driving. It is not at any particular speed or RPM. It feels and sounds similar to the front transfer case engaging on my '99 Explorer XLT w/ the V-6 SOHC. When I went to a shop, they said it most likely is my transfer case giving out.

I just got the heating system fixed about 2 weeks ago, including a new thermometer and filling a leak in the radiator, and also got new tires. I am reluctant to spend the 2-3 grand to fix the transfer case now too.

If I just leave it, will the transfer case die out and start to cause problems with the drivetrain, axle, etc., or will it become a 2WD SUV. I know that the Explorer is always in 2WD unless there's heavy snow and I engage the front transfer case. However, I know that AWD works differently from 4WD, so I'm not sure if this would cause a problem.

Any insight is much appreciated.

 

[shadowless127]

y not just diconnect the front driveshaft? That will put the truck in 2WD and would be a good diagnostic check to see if it really is the T-case.

 

[brody6605]

sounds like it would work

how hard would it be to disconnect the front driveshaft?

 

[GottaBigBlock]

Just be carefull, I have heard several reports of the vehicle drifting in park when the front driveshaft is removed. This if because it is a viscous coupling and not a straight thru to the rear wheels......acts like an open differential with one wheel off the ground.

 

[dsblk93gt]

Mine is doing the same thing! I also have a vibration at 60+mph, I'm wondering if it is the front driveshaft? I also have tranny shifts issues, so many issues I don't know where to start honestly.

 

[shadowless127]

Mine is doing the same thing! I also have a vibration at 60+mph, I'm wondering if it is the front driveshaft? I also have tranny shifts issues, so many issues I don't know where to start honestly.

the vibrations could be wheel bearings, or out of balance tires.

 

[dsblk93gt]

the vibrations could be wheel bearings, or out of balance tires.

The thing is it changes when I'm on/off the throttle...or else that would be my 1st guess.

 

[shadowless127]

Just be carefull, I have heard several reports of the vehicle drifting in park when the front driveshaft is removed. This if because it is a viscous coupling and not a straight thru to the rear wheels......acts like an open differential with one wheel off the ground.

Yes this is the correct. on AWD's the parking brakes are on the front. It wasn't meant as something to keep disconnected, I just figured disconnecting it and driving around for a bit would be a good diagnostic step to rule out the AWD system.

The thing is it changes when I'm on/off the throttle...or else that would be my 1st guess.

you have to remember, when you're on the throttle the bearings are moving faster. Do you hear any noise when your on the throttle vs. off?

 

[dsblk93gt]

Yes this is the correct. on AWD's the parking brakes are on the front. It wasn't meant as something to keep disconnected, I just figured disconnecting it and driving around for a bit would be a good diagnostic step to rule out the AWD system.



you have to remember, when you're on the throttle the bearings are moving faster. Do you hear any noise when your on the throttle vs. off?

I think I have a bad driver front wheel bearing I can feel it in the steering wheel and it gets louder when I push it hard into a right turn. I've been working on cars for along time but never had an AWD and it makes it alot harder to narrow things down it seems.

I have some shifting issues as well, I posted on that already. I think I'm going to check the band adjustment and get a new filter and probably drop the pan and replace the valve body gasket.

 

[shadowless127]

I think I have a bad driver front wheel bearing I can feel it in the steering wheel and it gets louder when I push it hard into a right turn. I've been working on cars for along time but never had an AWD and it makes it alot harder to narrow things down it seems.

I have some shifting issues as well, I posted on that already. I think I'm going to check the band adjustment and get a new filter and probably drop the pan and replace the valve body gasket.

deff sounds like something in ur front end NOT having to do with the AWD system.

As far as the shifting issues, if it's delayed shifting there's a flash you can get from the dealer for $80 that fixes delayed shifting. If it's hard shifts or slips you're looking and servos and solenoid packs.