Transfer Case Whine or Rumble Noise

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Cause	Correction
DEFINITION: A faulty internal transfer case component that causes a high pitch whine or low pitch rumbling noise in the transfer case. A high pitch whine or rumble noise with the vehicle in 4LO is to be considered normal. Heavy duty NQH transfer case applications are noisier by design in 4WD mode than are lighter duty applications. Compare the noise to a similar vehicle to see if a normal condition. Identify the source of the noise using chassis ears and refer to the appropriate service manual section. Note specifics such as when the noise is present (2HI, 4HI, OR 4LO). Note if the noise relative to vehicle speed, is noisy on turns, or other specifics. If the source of the noise is the transfer case, inspect for the correct fluid level. Inspect the drain plug for large metal deposits. Small metal flakes and fine metal dust on the plug magnet are to be considered normal. Review the Symptoms - Transfer Case and perform the necessary inspections.
TIRE NOISE	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as vehicle speed increases may be caused by tires that are, unevenly inflated, unevenly worn or have an aggressive tread pattern. Rotate or substitute tires and retest. Refer to Tire and Wheel Inspection .
Propeller shaft center support bearing worn (as applicable)	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as vehicle speed increases may be caused by a worn center support bearing. Replace the center support bearing as required. Refer to Symptoms - Propeller Shaft .
Propeller shaft universal joints worn	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as vehicle speed increases may be caused by worn universal joints. Replace the universal joints as required. Refer to Symptoms - Propeller Shaft .
Front or rear axle bearings worn	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as vehicle speed increase may be caused by worn axle bearings. To determine if the noise is front axle related, remove the front propeller shaft and retest. Repair or replace the axle as required. Refer to Symptoms - Front Drive Axle , or Symptoms - Rear Drive Axle .
Transmission rear output shaft bearing worn	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as transmission output shaft speed increases may be caused by a worn transmission output shaft bearing. Repair or replace the transmission as required. Refer to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission .
Transfer case fluid level low	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as transmission output shaft speed increases may be caused by a low transfer case fluid level. Fill the transfer case to the correct fluid level and retest.
Transfer case input shaft bearing worn	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as transmission output shaft speed increases may be caused by a worn transfer case input shaft bearing. Replace the bearing as required. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble , and Transfer Case Assemble .
Transfer case rear output shaft bushing worn	NOTE: An excessively worn bushing may be indicated by a leaking rear output shaft seal. A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases as vehicle speed increases may be caused by a worn transfer case rear output shaft bushing. Replace the rear output shaft bushing and propeller shaft slip yoke as required. Refer to Rear Output Shaft Bushing Replacement .
Transfer case front or rear output shaft bearings worn	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases with road speed may be caused by the front or rear output shaft bearing. Replace the bearings as required. To Transfer Case Disassemble , and Transfer Case Assemble .
Transfer case planetary carrier gears worn	NOTE: A high pitch whine or low pitch rumble noise that increases in 2HI only may be caused by worn or damaged planetary gears and ring gear damage. A whine noise that occurs in either 2HI or 4HI may be caused by worn planetary gear needle bearings or shafts. A high pitch whine that occurs in 4LO may be caused by worn planetary gears or annulus gear. Repair as required Inspect for the following: Chipped, bent, or deformed teeth Planetary gear needle bearings worn Planetary gear thrust washers cracked or missing Seized or binding planetary gears Replace the planetary components as required.