Thought it was the shift motor, now I don't know, need help diagnosing the issue

[mbuchan8]

So last night as I was leaving work I was making a right turn and when I depressed the brake pedal I felt a slight vibration. Upon further exploration I found that when I turned the wheel completely either direction I get that binding/vibration. However, I could go from lock to lock which is challenging when four wheel drive is engaged which gave me doubt about it. I proceeded to jack the right front tire up and with the emergency brake set I shifted into reverse then into drive back and forth and so on. The front right tire would spin begin to turn then stop. I then took the transfer case shift motor off, tested it which it was fine, and the pin coming out of the transfer case was in the 2H position. I then went for a drive around the block and was able to shift in and out of 4WD but I still had a vibration/shutter (no clunking or anything during this whole issue). Now I'm at the point where I am not sure what the issue is. I appreciate any and all help.

 

[mbuchan8]

Alright so time for an update! The problem is getting worse, the car is under a lot more strain, when turning, to the point it is lurching forward. I have heard a number of things that it could be. One person suggested that the transfer case fluid might be incorrect? not sure if that could cause the issue. Another suggestion was that the front differential is having issues, something to do with an actuator?? Maybe someone knows more about that. I looked at all the CV joint housings and they look okay. Could it be a bad bearing? I wish that I could take the front drive shaft out cause that would be really helpful in this whole process of figuring out the issue but I do not have the tools to do so.

 

[DementedChild]

I wish I could give you some great advise, but at this time.. I'm still trying to figure out mine too. If I have the front drive shaft in, mine clunks, bangs, grinds and barely turns in either direction. I had it to the transmission shop, they fixed/replaced the transfer case seals & gaskets, took it for a test drive and when he made a hard U turn.... he broke it!!! They are still trying to figure out what is wrong. They flushed the front differential and put in new gear oil w/ additive. That helped a tiny bit. I take it to them again tomorrow and he is going to keep it for a few days to see if they can come up with some other ... possibility besides replacing the front diff. Told him I wasn't paying for them to try this and that and it not fix the darn problem. SOOOO.. saying all that, if I can get some kind of answer in the next few days, I'll post what I find out. If you hear or come up with anything.. please let me know also!

Good luck Dude!!

 

[METALLICA]

I had thesame problem, my mechanic said my transfercase needs replacing, so instead of replacing it, i converted it to 2 wheel drive by not putting my front axle in order for my front wheel to not engage into 4 wheel.... until i save enough money to buy me a transfer case.

 

[K5rnt]

Try pulling fuse 104 under the hood. That fuse gives power to the magnetic clutch for the awd. I know you said you were in the 2wd position but just try the fuse and see what happens.

 

[DementedChild]

OK. This is what I found out about mine. I haven't picked it up yet from the shop so I cant swear on this!

Anyway. I was told that there is a rod in the transfer case. I'm not sure if it attaches to the front drive shaft, but he said that the rod had broken and that is why I couldn't run in a4wd.

He replaced the rod and tells me that my truck runs just fine with the front driveshaft in.

its worth a shot....

Good luck

 

[mbuchan8]

Thank you all... Fortunately it stopped the other day and hasnt acted up again so instead of trying to tear it apart I am just going to wait and see. I think it might have been the actuator in the front diff but i really dont know.