Man 4x4 Shift Noise

Weeds · November 23, 2004

New 2004 Chevy 2500HD

This truck has the manual 4x4 shift setup. The gears in the transfer case seem noticeably noisy - described by passengers as "rice rattling in a plastic jar" or "metallic crackling". Is this normal? Is there anyway to soften the noise? Truck is nice and smooth otherwise. This noise drives me crazy!

Weeds · December 2, 2004

Am I the only one with this problem??!!! It's a metallic crackling, subtle grinding noise coming from the 4x4 shifter. The noises changes as you apply pressure to the shift lever.

mdub · December 3, 2004

I have the manual 4x4 shifter on my 1/2 ton, and experienced a similar noise. Of course, at first the dealer "couldn't hear it", and later insisted it was just normal mechanical noise.

I was mainly concerned that the transfer case had a serious problem. To prove the problem was in the linkage, and not in the transfer case, I actually removed the complete shifter mechanism (surprisingly easy). The noise disappeared. Eventually I went back to the dealer and a very determined mechanic built spacers from small rubber tubing to better isolate the linkage. Worked great, and the noise was only very slight after this modification. With miles and wear, the noise now seems to be completely gone.

If you're concerned about a bad transfer case, you might ask the dealer to remove the linkage and let you take it for a drive to ensure the noise disappears. With the peace of mind, then you can re-install the linkage and hope it gets quieter with some wear.

citydriver · December 3, 2004

Am I the only one with this problem??!!! It's a metallic crackling, subtle grinding noise coming from the 4x4 shifter. The noises changes as you apply pressure to the shift lever.

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Are you on dry pavement when it does this?

tryn2lrn · December 3, 2004

Do a search for shift noise or rattle as I remember reading about the same issue in the last 4-6 weeks and it was something to due with the shift mechanism for the transfer case similar to mdub. It's here I just can't find it.

Weeds · December 9, 2004

I have only noticed on Dry pavement. Only when in 2 wheel drive.

citydriver · December 9, 2004

If you can do so safely, try puttng your hand on the transfer case shifter and apply slight pressure to the handle to see if the noise softens or goes away.

I agree with mdub, your descriptions seem very similar....good luck

roadiemanchild · August 28, 2007

New 2004 Chevy 2500HD
This truck has the manual 4x4 shift setup. The gears in the transfer case seem noticeably noisy - described by passengers as "rice rattling in a plastic jar" or "metallic crackling". Is this normal? Is there anyway to soften the noise? Truck is nice and smooth otherwise. This noise drives me crazy!

I have a noise also in my 04 GMC five speed. The noise is under load in all gears. It also is driving me CRAZY!!!!. I reported it to GM when it was under Warr. but they said this is normal. I don't think so. Ithink GM is not recognizing the problem so they don't have to deal with it.