Possible transfer case noise

[Douglas Friedberg]

2006 Yukon xl 4 wheel drive with auto button 250,000 miles 5.3
While taking off in 2 wheel drive once in a while I hear a sound from system that sounds like a chain slipping on a bicycle derailed 10 speed switching gears. Something getting sloppy ? That sound is telling me something is going
To go wrong.

 

[Scottydoggs]

might be the rear diff going bad.

 

[Bill 1960]

Could be the chain hitting the case. That happens with excessive wear or loose chains.

Do you feel any jerkiness or hesitation, or is it just a sound?

 

[Fless]

You could get it up on a lift or jackstands and use a mechanic's stethoscope to narrow it down.

 

[Douglas Friedberg]

You could get it up on a lift or jackstands and use a mechanic's stethoscope to narrow it down.

J

Could be the chain hitting the case. That happens with excessive wear or loose chains.

Do you feel any jerkiness or hesitation, or is it just a sound?

 

[Douglas Friedberg]

Just like a bicycle chain derailer chain skipping the sprocket during gear changes on a bike. Yes jerking and slight hesitations then goes away. Doesn’t happen all the time. Domes traction code flashes on dash panel then goes away. Was afraid of this outcome. So there’s a chain in transfer case. Like old olds front wheel drive trans shit out of luck time i guess.
Bad part about 250,000 miles I guess.

 

[Douglas Friedberg]

Just like a bicycle chain derailer chain skipping the sprocket during gear changes on a bike. Yes jerking and slight hesitations then goes away. Doesn’t happen all the time. Domes traction code flashes on dash panel then goes away. Was afraid of this outcome. So there’s a chain in transfer case. Like old olds front wheel drive trans shit out of luck time i guess.
Bad part about 250,000 miles I guess.

How much time do I have left ????

 

[Douglas Friedberg]

How much time do I have left ????

Is this chain problem what causes the transfer case leaks I’ve been reading about???

 

[Bill 1960]

It might be worth paying a shop to put it on a lift and diagnose it, as @Fless recommended.

Going by the noise you describe, and the mileage, a worn chain would be expected. And yes, it can wear through the case and cause a leak, or it may just break and break the housing.

But- it’s possible it’s something in the rear end. There should be no pressure on the chain in 2WD.

Draining the oil from the transfer case would give you some idea of it’s condition. Likewise it’s an easy driveway job to remove the rear differential cover for an inspection. Or a few minutes on a lift with a stethoscope.

I wouldn’t drive it at all or minimally until it’s fixed. Could go bang at any minute and leave you stranded.

 

[Douglas Friedberg]

been

It might be worth paying a shop to put it on a lift and diagnose it, as @Fless recommended.

Going by the noise you describe, and the mileage, a worn chain would be expected. And yes, it can wear through the case and cause a leak, or it may just break and break the housing.

But- it’s possible it’s something in the rear end. There should be no pressure on the chain in 2WD.

Draining the oil from the transfer case would give you some idea of it’s condition. Likewise it’s an easy driveway job to remove the rear differential cover for an inspection. Or a few minutes on a lift with a stethoscope.

I wouldn’t drive it at all or minimally until it’s fixed. Could go bang at any minute and leave you stranded.