Squealing transfer case?

[Firstimeford]

I've been hearing a squealing noise for a while starting at about 40 mph on up. It sounds to me like it's coming from the left side but I can't tell if it's front or rear. At first I thought it was the brake pad wear indicator but when I inspected the brake pads they look new. I took it to an independent shop and they said it was the transfer case. This is on a 2001 ST with 73000 miles. When the shop put it on the lift, raised the rear end and ran it up to 45 mph you couldn't hear a squeal, but there was some noise coming from the transfer case. It didn't sound like anything abnormal to me, just "mechanical" sounds, but I don't know what it's "supposed" to sound like. After they told me it was the transfer case, I drove it to 50 mph so I could hear the squeal and shifted into 4WD. It made no difference in the sound whether I was in 2WD or 4WD. The noise doesn't change whether turning right, left or while touching the brakes. Does this sound like a transfer case problem to you guys? BTW, the transfer case looks new compared to the rest of the undercarriage.

 

[ncranchero]

Hard to diagnose over the internet but I'd be looking somewhere besides the t-case from what you've said.

 

[Firstimeford]

Thanks Ranchero. I'm thinking the same thing. I'd hate to fork out 1500.00 up for a new transfer case and that not fix the problem. I replaced upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends over the weekend, not that it had anything to do with the squealing, but while I had it torn down I was able to inspect the hubs and they looked to be in good shape and turned smoothly. Could the sound be U joints?

 

[ncranchero]

U-joints are a possibility. Also look at the inside or your front wheels. You say you thought it was a wear indicator for the pads but plenty of pad left. Well it regularly comes up, though usually in the winter after a snow, that the pad clips slip down and rub the wheel. Check THIS and the associated threads and you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Firstimeford]

Thanks again man. It's in the alignment shop right now, but when I get it back this afternoon I'll check out the clips. It looks like everyone who had that problem had 15" wheels though. Mine are 16".

On another note: This forum is the greatest! I never would have been able to tackle the balljoints without you guys. Ya'll also helped me diagnose a brake light/turn signal issue before I was even a member. It was the notorious wire that pulls loose from the multifunction switch when the steering wheel was tilted down. I hope someday I can return the favors!
Great forum!