5th gear noise

[cgohdes]

I have a '97 with a 5 speed with 104k and recently noticed a buzz from thr transfer case shift lever. I saw the overview of TSB 21-12-97 that address this by adjusting the spring load on the lever but I think the problem is more serious. I removed the 2 shift boots and in 4th gear no real noise. In 5th gear and light load,a noise that sounds similar to a bad bearing. As load is increased the noise gets louder and has more of a knock. About 15k ago I switched everything to Amsoil (including gear lube for the transmission). Do I have a real problem or did the buzzing of the lever lead me to discover a "problem" that has allways been there and is normal? I just received my 3k gov. spring kit and #11 plate from Peirs and I'm worried the transmission will self destruct with any power upgrades. Thank you.

 

[THerman]

You've probably eliminated this, but I've had that same noise from a bad joint on the front driveline...



Just a thought.



Tod

 

[JTeague]

Hey cgohdes mine does the same exact thing. I am going to tear it apart in hopes of finding the problem. I will post my findings. It will prolly be a couple of weeks before I pull it out.

 

[Deezul1]

Several members have posted on hearing a rattling bearing sound prior to 5th gear nut coming off, hope thats not it.

 

[bighammer]

Mine has the same kind of "grindstone dressing wheel" sound in 5th. OK, that's exagerated, but it does sound like a bearing or something spinning more loosely than it should. It's not under load, but more when coasting. It seemed to get worse after my clutch replacement. Changed the oil (Chivas Regal of gear oils) in hopes that it would improve. Of course no such luck.

 

[JJW_ND]

The noise could be related to 5th gear getting loose. THis is not a major repair issue and the fix is better then factory. Send a sample from your trans fluid to be tested. Even 15K miles will show lots of Iron if 5th gears is loose (speaking from experience).



IMO... If it shifts great in all gears or atleast no worse then it did from the start, I would drive it until the 5th gear backs off. You would be surprised how many miles (hard miles included) it might be before the nut comes loose. Most of the time the nut backs off, 5th gear goes away with little if any noise. Then fix it!



If you need a clutch or have a good reason to pull the transmission, then get it R & R with the mainshaft and new nut especially at 100K + miles.



I have a brand new replace NVG4500 in my 96 and it makes a little noise in 5th at very low rpms and slow speeds when coasting.



jjw

ND

 

[CumminsPower98]

Same here

I have the same sound in 5th gear. It sounds like a loose or dry bearing and is most noticeable at lower speeds under light to no load. I have driven it close to 15,000 miles this way and it's still haning in there. I'm not looking forward to the day it falls off.

 

[Bug Out]

I get a BB ratling sound out of my 5th gear under load or not.



I have the Standerd trans rebuild with the updated splined shaft. .



If my 5th gear stops working, you can be sure I'll be jumping around like a raped ape. . Oo.