Lurching and Grinding in 4WD

[JonBoy92]

I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 LTZ 4WD with roughly 93,000 miles. While in 4WD, my truck has harsh gear switching. It also lurches really badly. When I was making a sharp right turn at low speed, around 5mph, I could feel grinding, and my truck had a lot of resistance to go forward. In 2WD, it mildly shutters and shakes, but is fine when I floor it. It shows none of the issues it has in 4WD. 

 

I'm thinking that the truck may need a transfer case, and transmission flush, but I wanted to know if there was anything else I should check, as well, or if anyone knows what is going on. The truck already had 85,000 miles when I got it.

[diyer2]

It didn't do this when you got it?

IMO the fluids were never changed and now it's to late.

[Doug_Scott]

Take a good look at both front axles.  Sounds like a bad CV joint or whatever type joint they are using on 4wd front axles.  Transfer case does not care if the wheels are turned, as in going around a corner.  Same for fluid change.  Take a look at the transmission fluid on the dipstick, is it still a transparent red colour?  Does it smell burnt?  And like the transfer case, the transmission also does not care if you are turning.  

[Jsdirt]

Are you driving in 4x4 on bare pavement? I ask because this is EXACTLY what happens when you do. This time of year there's no reason whatsoever to be using 4x4 on pavement, and things WILL break if this was made a habit ... or if it was engaged unknowingly due to some other failure.

[diyer2]

15 minutes ago, Jsdirt said:

Are you driving in 4x4 on bare pavement? I ask because this is EXACTLY what happens when you do. This time of year there's no reason whatsoever to be using 4x4 on pavement, and things WILL break if this was made a habit ... or if it was engaged unknowingly due to some other failure.

Yes Good point.

[JonBoy92]

56 minutes ago, diyer2 said:

It didn't do this when you got it?

IMO the fluids were never changed and now it's to late.

aww man. don't scare me lol

[diyer2]

Didn't mean to scare you but I would change all the fluids. 

[Donstar]

1 hour ago, JonBoy92 said:

I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 LTZ 4WD with roughly 93,000 miles. While in 4WD, my truck has harsh gear switching. It also lurches really badly. When I was making a sharp right turn at low speed, around 5mph, I could feel grinding, and my truck had a lot of resistance to go forward. In 2WD, it mildly shutters and shakes, but is fine when I floor it. It shows none of the issues it has in 4WD. 

 

I'm thinking that the truck may need a transfer case, and transmission flush, but I wanted to know if there was anything else I should check, as well, or if anyone knows what is going on. The truck already had 85,000 miles when I got it.

The only normal part that I read here is the rough feel when turning while in 4wd. (if on dry pavement)   Your truck doesn't sound too well behaved in 2wd either!   I appreciate that you're trying to avoid a potentially expensive repair but you will likely save a lot of worry and wasted attempts at DIY repairs by taking it to a reputable full service mechanic.  Peace of mind c/w a guarantee  is priceless!

[JonBoy92]

24 minutes ago, Jsdirt said:

Are you driving in 4x4 on bare pavement? I ask because this is EXACTLY what happens when you do. This time of year there's no reason whatsoever to be using 4x4 on pavement, and things WILL break if this was made a habit ... or if it was engaged unknowingly due to some other failure.

Yea. I was. This is my first truck and was not fully aware of what the 4WD configuration was actually for. I appreciate the heads up.

[Jsdirt]

No problem. Now  you know! That puts HUGE amounts of stress on every part of the driveline, since the front wheels are trying to turn  at 2 different speeds from the rear wheels while everything is locked together. The components were designed with slip in mind from dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc., and will bind on dry surfaces.

Edited August 21, 2020 by Jsdirt

[JonBoy92]

38 minutes ago, Jsdirt said:

No problem. Now  you know! That puts HUGE amounts of stress on every part of the driveline, since the front wheels are trying to turn  at 2 different speeds from the rear wheels while everything is locked together. The components were designed with slip in mind from dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc., and will bind on dry surfaces.

Thank you for the understanding.