2002 Tahoe Transfer Case Vibration

[Westlotorn]

I have a vibration I have been chasing in my 2002 Tahoe for 20,000 miles. I believe it is in the Transfer case. I have ruled out, Drivelines, Tires, Front and Rear Diff. Ruled out Engine balance.

It is there with the wheels off running on Jack Stands. I feel it the most at the tail shaft of the Transfer case when running it on stands.

 

This vibration has started getting worse. It used to be consistent at 62 mph. Now it can start at 60 and is still there at 75.

 

It is a soft vibration that I can feel in the floor board. Vibration is the same in 3rd or 4th gear if the speed stays the same.

 

Could this be the chain wearing on the inside of the transfer case? No leaks so far at 111,000 miles.

 

Is there a simple bearing replacement for the tail shaft on these. I think this is a NVG246 Transfer Case NP 8 option but I don't have numbers off the case yet.

5.3L, 4.10 gears, I have rebuilt Engines and Differentials but never a Transfer Case.

 

This is a mellow vibration, my wife did not even notice it while we were on a 2000 mile trip last week but I know things like this eventually leave you stranded and broken so I want it fixed.

My MPG seems to be down by 1mpg or so and I suspect there is drag in the system.

 

Thanks for any advice/experience available.

[BrockwayMT]

Could be the rear output bearing in the transfer case. Those are known to fail. That bearing was updated in 2003 or 2004. PN 88962351

[Westlotorn]

Could be the rear output bearing in the transfer case. Those are known to fail. That bearing was updated in 2003 or 2004. PN 88962351

 

Thanks for the idea. I appreciate the thought.