Transfer Case Growl or Grinding Noise

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2006 Cadillac Escalade ESV, and 2006 Cadillac Escalade. 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. Review the Symptoms - Transfer Case and perform the necessary inspections.
Planetary differential	Inspect the planetary differential pinion gears for the following conditions: Chipped, bent or deformed teeth Pinion gear bushings worn Pinion gear thrust washers missing Seized or binding pinion gears Refer to Cleaning and Inspection in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair. Inspect the planetary differential for deformation. Refer to Cleaning and Inspection in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair. Replace the planetary differential assembly if faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair.
Sun gears	Inspect the sun gears for the following conditions: Gear tooth failure Worn or galled thrust surfaces Refer to Cleaning and Inspection in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair. Replace the sun gears if faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair.
Thrust washer	Inspect the thrust washer for seizure to the planetary differential. Inspect the thrust washer for galling. Replace the thrust washer if faulty and the mating component if damaged. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair.
Planetary differential not timed properly	Inspect the planetary differential for being timed properly. Refer to Transfer Case Assemble in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair. Properly time the planetary differential gears. Refer to Transfer Case Assemble in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3 Unit Repair.