Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transfer case vibration

[kess]

I have been chasing a vibration/noise for a while. It is most audible at 65-70 mph either in overdrive or not. Although very soft, you can still hear the noise even when coasting at low speeds. Thought it was tires (had those balanced), thought u-joints (changed all of those), and thought it was driveshaft (had it balanced). Now I have noticed more and more that a vibration in the shift lever of the T-case has occured, especially when lugging the engine. The other thing is that I get a lot of movement in this lever when the gears in the automatic change. Such as the shift from 1-2 the lever will go forward (almost like pressure is taken off), then when 2nd gear engages the lever moves rearward (movement from back to front might be more than 1 inch). The vibration is not bad, but I can feel it on the floorboard and of course in the lever. The noise at 70 comes and goes and is not really related to going up hill or pulling hard. It could come and go at any time. Fluid in all gear boxes appear OK. Anyway, I was starting to wonder about the C-clip failure on the 241HD T-case. What are the symptoms of this failure? I am just wondering if this may be my problem. The other complexing thing is that even after a long trip nothing on either axle gets really hot. I thought I had a bad bearing in the axle shafts, but I would think it would get hot to the touch. I don't know, just guessing. My truck has 67K. Thanks in advance.

Kess

 

[Mactruck]

You should see my post of the same name "Transfer case vibration"



I'm going to be dropping it this weekend (I hope) to find out what the deal is.



It sounds exactly like the same problem. I suspect the tailshaft bearing is worn causing it to be out of balance. Read the post for the details



If you find out before I do. Let me know

 

[kess]

Mactruck,

Yes, it is your thread(s) that have lead me to this hypothesis. I will not be able to work on my truck this weekend, so I will depend on you. You are right, it does sound like we have the same problem. At 70, does your sound come and go? Just wondering. Also can you feel any vibration in the steering wheel? Thanks so much,

Kess

 

[Mactruck]

Yes I feel it in the steering wheel. And Yes the vibration came and went but now it's pretty constant on the Highway. If I drop the MPH a little it may suside but it comes right back. On the local roads it doesn't happen because the speed is too low for it to vibrate.



I have to work this weekend (I know it's a holiday) so I'll see if I have the time as well.