Transfer Case Noise

Good morning all!

I own a 2018 DCLB with about 11000km (8000 miles) and as you all know we've been experiencing low temperatures in the north (-22f / -30c)

Is it normal to hear the transfer case at these low temperatures? I can feel and hear the rotating transfer case under my feet above 40km/h (30 mph)

Unfortunately my drive wasn't long enough to notice if it did or would have smoothed out. This is also my first vehicle with a part-time 4x4 system.

I have about 80 miles of use of the 4x4 system.

Appreciate any input!

 

Could be normal. Nothing works 'right' in the really low temps we have been experiencing lately. Was it doing this before the artic cold blast? All 3 of my vehicles have has extra noises in these frigid temps.

 

I remember hearing something similar, but not as loud on cool fall mornings - but on those occasions, I only used 4x4 briefly for 30 seconds or so.

A few months back in November, I accidentally engaged 4x4 when my rear tires were spinning on ice (engine was at just above idle speed) and I heard a horrible grinding sound. I never experienced abnormal operation after that, but sometimes I wonder if my current noise is from my accidental engagement in November.

 

That would probably have been because at the time you engaged 4x4 the rear wheels were spinning much faster than the front wheels, so the transfer case couldn't handle the transition of power (because both axels rotate at the same speed when it's locked). It doesn't happen when you're at 40mph going steady and engage the 4x4 because both axels are already rotating at the same speed.

 

Yes! You are correct! I wonder if I actually damaged the t-case by doing that and this noise is the result of that?

 

Maybe. I don't think the noise should be there as that noise isn't present in the rear axle. I'd like an update when you figure it out.

 

I agree, you may have done some damage. There's no way of knowing until you actually have problems in 4x4 though. Best thing you can do is make sure it doesn't happen again

 

When the temps warm up again in your area, find a suitable area to test out the 4wd. Like a muddy driveway or road, wet grass, loose gravel, etc. See if it still makes racket.

 

I would change the transfer case oil and look for metal particles, perhaps even send a sample in for evaluation... then you’ll know more on the health of the unit.

 

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll run 4x4 a bit more when the weather warms up and report back.

 

Not normal.



Noise is like pain in your body, it's a warning sign.

I would check the fluid level of the axle and T/S in question, and of any sign of an oil leak. if under warranty, don't touch it, call your dealer for instructions.

Hope that helps
Cheers!

 

It would be a real shame if the t case broke that easily on such a new truck.

 

yeah, depending on how fast the rear wheels were spinning during time of engagement (and so how large the difference in axel speeds is) I could see destroying a transfer case as totally possible. You can snap a CV joint basically the same way, but on one axle and with different wheel speed.

Hopefully the OP wasn't giving the truck too much speed when it happened. They can take some abuse, but everything has its limit

 

Change the fluid in the transfer case and check for metal shavings to see if you did damage.

Edit: cheapest, fastest way to find out. There’s a magnet on the transfer case plug so you will know what damaged was caused if any.

 

Oh no! I wasn't even on the throttle. I got stuck in a icy divot and everytime I would let off the brakes, the rear tires would spin (normal automatic transmission behavior) I didn't realize the rear was spinning when I engaged 4x4. Engine rpm was no more than 800.

 

Hold on a second.... doesn't the 4X4 system in Toyota trucks connect the front driveshaft inside the transfer case BEFORE the front axle (ADD) engages?

You can see this explained on the "Weber Auto" youtube channel.

Therefore you're always going to have a difference in speed inside the T-Case when switching from 2Hi to 4Hi, and there's a synchro to take care of that upon engagement.

If anything, the sleeve in the front axle may have made that sound... sorry op, I know that doesn't help you much.

Before anyone flames me, watch the video... and forget about the old school train of thought where you lock in your front axle or hubs first.

 

That’s good news that you weren’t on the throttle. I’ll bet you’re ok then

 

Hi all, here's an update.

The noise / vibration are still present since the weather has warmed up (although not as audible)

I rode with the technician this morning and he was able to duplicate the vibration at 45km/h (in 4HI) The dealership has decided to replace the front differential.

My symptoms don't match the common needle bearing issues. I'm starting to wonder if the dealer really knows what's causing the vibration or is just throwing parts at it?
I'm feeling the vibration directly under the floor board and NOT the steering wheel.

8000 miles on the ODO

 

Thanks for the update.... I'd still like to know what happened.

 

It happens in 2wd and 4hi?

Try zip tying your front driveshaft to immobilize it and see if that helps in 2wd.