transfer case problem?
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Sunriver, Or
transfer case problem?
a year ago (15k miles ago) i replaced the transfer case fluid with fresh ATF. today, i noticed a rattling sound only when in 4wd and when on the gas. the only reason i heard it was the radio was off. having a 2000 ranger without pvh, i figured it to be the transfer case. i checked the fluid, and it is a pinkish brownish color thin in consistency. it doesn't smell burnt. 1. what happened? 2. how can i prevent this from happening again? 3. could i have caused permanent damage (i don't know how long it's been like this) thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia
Ok, I have got to ask the obvious question, and "NO" I don't have a newer 4x4 but...... Are you sure about putting ATF in a transfer case???? Now I know that some of the main transmissions on a 4x2 (like my 5sp Mazda trans) took ATF, but I thought ALL transfer cases and differentials took gear oil. I could be wrong.This may also explain why you hear it only in 4wd since the t-case is not doing much of anything when it isn't engauged. As far as damage, well if you are supposed to have gear oil in there and you have run it with ATF, then all I can suggest is go for the easy solution first. IE - change the fluid and cross fingers. My inital thought would be yes it is damaged, but you can hope for the best.
I am sure a 4x4 guru could give you more info.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Sunriver, Or
no, it's stamped ATF on the case, and specs for mercon 3. i think somehow?? i got water in through the vent tube. after changing fluids, the sound is still there, but only on acceleration. i'm going to check the front end next.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Indianapolis, IN
I kinda doubt it is the t-case. Ratteling dosen't really sound like something a tcase will do when it's got something wrong with it. Usually it is pretty obvious when that mgoes bad. My guess is, that you have a loose heat sheild on the exhaust or something else that has a metal to metal contact. It is pretty common for these to come loose and rattle around. Now why it would do it only in 4wd, I have no idea. Maybe thats just some kinda fluke. But I'd say check that first. Its easy and free.
And yes, the t-case takes ATF. I used to do my co-op at borg warner in muncie indiana where they are made. They went through a lot of atf. Thats why I am fairly sure its not the t-case. I don't remember any that failed or broke (while I was doing reliability testing) making a rattleing sound.
And yes, the t-case takes ATF. I used to do my co-op at borg warner in muncie indiana where they are made. They went through a lot of atf. Thats why I am fairly sure its not the t-case. I don't remember any that failed or broke (while I was doing reliability testing) making a rattleing sound.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by CowboyBilly9Mile
My ol' 94 used ATF in the transfer case. This was per Ford.
wire4money - have you been able to check anything under the truck yet? Things like U-joints, axles, etc....?
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Grand Junction Colorado
no sweat
yes you will defininately know when good cases go bad.Ihad an old heap beater ramcharger years ago .it told me for years with an intense harmonic vibration and nasty noises ,and one fine day at 35 mph a huge boom and bang bang, the lid on the console flew up into the bikini top and the pile stopped.the front drive shaft twisted off at the case and flailed the road and underside of chitty chitty bang boom.i removed the shaft kicked it into low lock(only thing that allowed it to move) and drove to the wrecking yard pinned in drive(30mph) good riddance to rusty!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Grand Junction Colorado
and
I just changed the muffler on the wife's expedition.the heat shield was rattling only when the a/c was on (3 positions on climate control,def,mix,a/c) intermitently.and it was broke inside,causing intermit.low idle and setting up a rattling resonance that was embarassing at stoplights.it was hard to find i suspected and hit the area with fist to see if loose but did not rattle/vibrate at that time.a vacuum gauge reading told me restrictive cut off.no more noises
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