So I have a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 SLT 5.3, 8 speed.
I hit a pothole yesterday and shortly there after I had a "Service 4WD" message come on. I drove home, roughly 2 blocks, went to turn in my driveway and it was grinding/howling while turning. Only did it while turning. Definitely binding in the front diff. It has 2WD, Auto(AWD), 4WH, and 4WL. I turn the dial and it doesn't change to any other selection.
What I've done so far:
CVT joints inspected for damage, same with the front suspension, balls joints, tie rods, etc. Doesn't seem to have any damage.
CVT joints loosened but haven't been removed yet.
I checked fuses just in case, nothing wrong there.
Didn't throw any code, and none pending.
I know it could be a few things:
Transfer case
Short driveshaft stuck in differential
Broken CVT (still have to check)
Front Differential broke somewhere
Transfer Case Emulator motor broke
Am I missing else I can check?
No visual outside damage to anything anywhere.
I don't want to have to rebuild the front diff.
Other question:
If I unplug the transfer case and disconnect the drive shaft to the front diff and maybe even remove both CVT joints, even though it's still in AWD, could I still temporarily drive my truck without damaging the transfer case/tranmission. Or can I just remove the driveshaft from the T-case to the front diff and drive that way?
Anyone have any suggestions?