Transfer Case Growl or Grinding Noise

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Yukon, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Correction
DEFINITION: A faulty internal transfer case component that causes a growl or grinding noise in the transfer case while the vehicle is turning or in a four wheel drive mode. Review the Symptoms - Transfer Case and perform the necessary inspections.
High/low planetary carrier assembly	Inspect the high/low planetary carrier assembly for the following conditions: Chipped, bent, or deformed teeth Planetary gear needle bearings worn Planetary gear thrust washers cracked or missing Seized or binding planetary gears Refer to High/Low Planetary Carrier Cleaning and Inspection . Replace the high/low planetary carrier assembly if any of the above conditions exist. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble .
Input shaft	Inspect the input shaft in the planetary carrier assembly for excessive thrust end play. Inspect the input shaft teeth for the following conditions: Damage Worn or galled thrust surfaces Excessive wear Chipped teeth Metal embedded in the root of the teeth Refer to Front Output Shaft and Input Shaft Cleaning and Inspection . Replace the input shaft if faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble .
Thrust washers	Inspect for missing or damaged input shaft thrust washers. Inspect the thrust washers for galling. Replace the thrust washers if faulty and the mating component if damaged. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble .
High/low internal gear	Inspect the high/low internal gear teeth for the following conditions: Damage Chipped teeth Excessive wear Metal embedded in the root of the teeth Refer to Transfer Case Front Half Cleaning and Inspection . Replace the front case half if the high/low internal gear is faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble .