Noise Identification

[SwampCatRuss]

I have a 99 tahoe 2-door. Sounds like bb-s rolling around the tailshaft of the transfer case going to the rear end. Never made this noise in the first 100,000 miles. Now at 103,000, it starts, first I hear it backing in the drive. Cant really hear it at speed(too much road noise), so I jack it up on stands, put it in gear and listen. Distinct noise ,rattle type, intermittent. sounds like BBs rolling around in there. Definitly in the transfer case. ANY IDEAS ? THANKS SwampCat.

[RaddHazzard]

Im no expert but could the sound be the chain in the transfer case? I assume youve checked the fluid level and quality in the TC?

[jblakeney]

You have issues that need to be address ASAP. Hopefully you do not kill the case. I am leaning towards a bearing is coming apart. I dunnno if its in the transmission or transfer case...... Could also be the swing bearing if it has one (dunnno of the suv's have them or not......

 

2wd or 4wd?

 

Jbo

 

Or it could be like these pictures...... And any noise is quite possible..... And yeah who knows that those guys a thinking or saying..... Heck they may just be flat out speech/thought - less...

[Klink]

Nothing like running over a mattress and keep driving with it dragging under the truck.

[SwampCatRuss]

It seems if a bearing is shot, the sound would be constant. This comes and goes, but is getting more frequent. Its in the transfer case. Gonna dump the fluid to see if its metallic. Its a Auto Trac unit if that makes any difference.