GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

  1. Inspect the high/low planetary carrier planetary gears for the following conditions:
  2. • Chipped, bent or deformed teeth
    • Planetary gear bushings worn
    • Planetary gear thrust washers missing
    • Seized or binding planetary gears
  3. Replace the high/low planetary carrier assembly if any of the above conditions exist. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble.

Input gear

  1. Inspect the input gear teeth for excessive wear or damage. Refer to Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection.
  2. Replace the input gear if faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble.

Thrust washers

  1. Inspect for missing or damaged thrust washers for the input gear.
  2. Inspect the thrust washers for galling.
  3. Replace the thrust washers if faulty and the mating component if damaged. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble.

Annulus gear

  1. Inspect the annulus gear teeth for the following conditions:
  2. • Damage
    • Chipped teeth
    • Excessive wear
    • Metal embedded in the root of the teeth
  3. Replace the front case half if the annulus gear is faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble and Transfer Case Assemble.