Transfer Case Noise? Tailshaft seal replacement.

triplexbullies · July 13, 2012

My tail tail shaft seal had been leaking about a year ago on my 2003 Z71 168k. It didn't leak very much, I thought not even half a quart total... Then it stopped leaking. I figured that the level got low enough to where it wasn't leaking, but hadn't lost a lot.

On my way back from vacation last week I started hearing a fairly loud noise. It didn't really sound like it, but I figured it was my brakes because I had heard a slight squeel at full turn in reverse. I took the wheels off and realized that my hub was shot. That seemed a much more likely source of the sound.

I got the hub replaced and it's still making the noise. I'm fearing that my t-case is dry and it's chains or gears grinding. That actually seems a much more likey source of the sound. Hopefully with a new seal and fluid it can recover.

Do I just pry the old seal out and tap the new one in after I the the driveshaft out?

00Silverado4x4 · July 13, 2012

No insult, but have you checked the current level of fluid in the transfer case?

triplexbullies · July 13, 2012

Just by sticking my finger in barely. I didn't feel any. Yes, I know it needs some.

I guess question 1 - has anyone else every heard of a t-case rattling... because I'm hoping I've pinpointed the problem.

question 2 - Do I just pry out and tap back in the seal?

00Silverado4x4 · July 13, 2012

I can't help you on either of your questions as the equipment I work on don't have drive trains, they're towed around. However, personal suggestions I have once you get the seal replaced:

Drain some fluid from the t-case (if any fluid left) to check condition of fluid then if:

1. Fluid looks like burnt motor oil, t-case "may" be done already.

2. Fluid still looks "good" then refill and see if your noise goes away (hopefully), changes, gets worse (move to #3).

3. Not sure if you want to take on the job (this is where I would be), take truck to good shop to have the whole case looked at and fixed as necessary.

triplexbullies · July 13, 2012

I'm actually going to just add one qt of fluid first and see what happens. I don't want to completely mess up the seal trying to take it out first. I don't think the tcase is shot yet.. I don't think it's empty.. just too low. The last time I saw the fluid it was fine.

BlackZ71Silverado · July 13, 2012

Should have added fluid when you first discovered it was low, not waited until it started making noise. Sorry but kind of your fault for not taking care of it before. Probably going to cost you a ton if money now.

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triplexbullies · July 13, 2012

Did I infer anywhere that I thought it wasn't my fault?

BlackZ71Silverado · July 13, 2012

Not at all. I have done things like this before and it sucks, live and learn I guess.

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triplexbullies · July 13, 2012

I opened the filler plug and nothing came out. I opened the drain plug and good looking blue fluid gushed out so I stopped it. I didn't let much out. I added almost 1 qt and then an allen key was showing it on the end when I put it in... This makes me thing it isn't the t case making the noise... Tranny is shifting fine...

I couldn't find where to get the pry under to seal and I didn't want to break anything.. So I left it. It doesn't really look bad. I have more fluid.

triplexbullies · July 13, 2012

Still making noise. It doesn't start until about 40mpg. It seems to be louder when I let off the gas but that may just be because the engine isn't masking it. IT almost sounds like it the tone of the noise changes with the wind... Maybe it has to do with the belt or the fan??? The sound seems to be coming from under the truck though....

gmtech4 · July 14, 2012

you are making me crazy ,just take the shaft off with the wheels chaulked and replace the seal ,if it is to much ,have a shop do it ,just change the seal already !!!!! holly crap ,,,,have a shop listen to the noise ,you have zero mechanical experience ,,stop trying thru the internet ,,you wont get what we are saying to you

my god man ,

rant off !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

triplexbullies · July 14, 2012

Right... that's it. I have zero mechanical experience. I took the driveshaft out. The seal didn't want to come out and I didn't want to damage anything around it.

Stop trying to spell you're horrible at it. HOLY CRAP! Get some internet stress tolerance bud....

BlackZ71Silverado · July 14, 2012

Be careful when taking that seal out so you don't scar anything. Since you don't have a seal puller, you can take it out with a regulat screw driver. Wrap a rag around the tip so there is no way you can scratch anything. Carefully pry it out. Take your time, you'll get it.

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triplexbullies · July 14, 2012

EXACTLY.. I was using a screw driver and a rubber mallet. I wasn't trying to get in there and jack everything up. I just couldn't get it under anything around the outside. Do I need to try to get it out from the inside?