Noisy in Drive

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 GMC Acadia, 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2016 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Cause	Correction
Inspect for the proper transaxle and gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Transfer Case Fluid Replacement .
Low gear oil level	Inspect the transfer case for leaks, repair as required. Refer to Transfer Case Leak Diagnosis , and Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers .
Incorrect gear oil in the transfer case	Replace the gear oil. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers .
Water or contamination within the lubricant	Replace the lubricant and flush the transfer case of the contaminated fluid.
Loose propeller shaft mounting bolts	Inspect the bolts and replace and tighten as required. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
Worn propeller shaft constant velocity joints	Replace propeller shaft assembly. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
Worn axle shaft constant velocity joints	Replace the constant velocity joints, as required.
Worn bearing in the driveline torque tube assembly	Replace the driveline torque tube assembly.
Loose driveline torque tube bracket or a worn bracket bushing	Tighten the bracket bolts or replace the driveline torque tube assembly as required.
Overheated rear drive axle clutch A chatter type noise during hard or heavy acceleration and/or low speed turns may be within the rear differential.	Rear drive axle clutch overheated or axle low on fluid. Refer to Symptoms - Rear Differential Carrier .
Worn bearing in the differential assembly	Repair or replace the assembly.
Bearing noise within the transfer case A grinding noise that occurs at a specific engine speed, regardless of transmission gear, is not within the transfer case. A grinding noise that changes as a transmission shift occurs is not within the transfer case. A grinding noise that changes as vehicle speed changes may be also caused by worn wheel bearings. A grinding noise that changes as the vehicle turns may also be caused by worn wheel bearings and/or tires.	Test drive the vehicle to verify the noise is transfer case or wheel bearing related. Duplicate the noise with the vehicle fully assembled and on a hoist. Using a stethoscope or CH-39570 chassis ears, determine if the source of the noise is within the transfer case. NOTE: The removal of the right side axle shaft will stop the front axle and both front wheels from spinning. Remove the right side axle shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Run the vehicle on the hoist to confirm the noise is present. If the noise is present, it is transfer case related. Replace as Required If the noise is NOT present, the noise is wheel bearing related, repair as required.
Gear set whine noise within the transfer case A whine noise that occurs at a specific engine speed, regardless of transmission gear, is not within the transfer case. A whine noise that changes as a transmission shift occurs is not within the transfer case. A whine noise that changes as vehicle speed changes may be also caused by worn wheel bearings. A whine noise that changes as the vehicle turns may also be caused by worn wheel bearings and/or tires.	Test drive the vehicle to verify the noise is transfer case or wheel bearing related. Duplicate the noise with the vehicle fully assembled and on a hoist. Using a stethoscope or CH-39570 chassis ears, determine if the source of the noise is within the transfer case. NOTE: The removal of the right side axle shaft will stop the front axle and both front wheels from spinning. Remove the right side axle shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Run the vehicle on the hoist to confirm the noise is present. If the noise is present, it is transfer case related. Replace as Required If the noise is NOT present, the noise is wheel bearing related, repair as required.