Transfer case problems are common to certain car models, and this fault costs a ton of money to repair and takes serious time and effort. So, if your transfer case is still in shape, you should do what you can to keep it that way.
This post outlines all you need to know about the transfer case—causes of damaged transfer cases, symptoms of a bad transfer case, and how much it can cost to repair. Let’s dig in.
Quick Definition: What Is a Transfer Case?
A transfer case is a part of your car located at the transmission's rear in four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its primary function is to drive the wheel by transferring energy generated from the transmission to the axles.
What Causes a Transfer Case to Go Bad?
There are three major causes of a transfer case failing, namely:
1. Low transfer case oil level
This could result from a fluid leak through the shaft seal located on the transfer case. The shaft seal is designed to prevent oil leaks from the transfer case, but this seal could break or weaken due to prolonged use or collisions while driving.
Sadly, a seal leak can be difficult to notice unless in its severe stage. If you see a leak, the seal damage is likely already severe, so waste no time. Schedule a visit to your mechanic to replace the seal and top-up your transfer case oil.
2. Regular wear and tear
It’s normal for vehicle components to weaken and wear out after continuous use. If your transfer case is problematic, it could just be that its past its heydays.
3. Poor maintenance
Although wear-and-tear is a normal progression for machine parts rubbing against each other, you can reduce the damage rate if you maintain it properly. Proper maintenance begins with noting how long the hydraulic fluid in your transfer case will take before it needs a change. Neglecting these little precautions and care can cost you a lot in the long run.
What Happens When Your Car's Transfer Case Goes Bad?
Nothing lasts forever. So, if you drive a car for long enough, the transfer case will probably become defective eventually, even if you give the best care in the world. Many issues will come out once your transfer case has given up, but here are the top three symptoms to watch for:
1. Difficulties in shifting gear
When the transfer case is faulty, changing gears becomes a problem. You’ll notice hesitation when engaging certain gears. Sometimes, you’ll only detect this problem when driving at certain speeds, due to the inability of the transfer case to handle hydraulic pressure properly.
Meanwhile, do well to check the transfer case oil level before concluding the transfer case is faulty. If the hydraulic oil level is not the problem, then visit a mechanic for further consultation.
2. Unusual grinding and humming noises
Another sign of a transfer case going bad is grinding or humming noises when shifting gears or increasing speed. These noises could also be a result of a damaged shaft seal over the transfer case. The shaft seal keeps fluid in the case and soundproofs the noise from the rubbing gears. Also, grinding noise could occur if the transfer case oil is insufficient or has lost its viscosity.
3. Inconsistent 4WD performance
Four-wheel drive systems come in three types: full-time, part-time, and active 4WD. With the part-time 4WD, the driver can manually switch between a two-wheel drive and a four-wheel-drive transmission. While with the active 4WD, the vehicle computer system changes the transmission option automatically at appropriate times. The full-time 4WD, on the other hand, always operates in the 4WD option.
This third symptom is mainly common to part-time and active 4WD systems, and the problem is of two forms. It’s either:
- the transmission of the vehicle shifts in and out of 4WD without cause, or
- the transmission system refuses to engage (or disengage) each time to attempt to engage (or disengage)
Note that inconsistent 4WD performance isn’t always an indication that the transfer case is defective. You'll do well to check first the following indicators before you conclude:
- Transfer case oil level
- Shaft seal condition
- Front and rear axles
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Transfer Case?
A transfer case repair entails serious work and could cost you around $3000, including labour. The price point always depends on the reputation of the repair shop you choose.
Whichever repair shop you decide to visit, always ensure you have done due diligence on them, and be willing to pay the hefty price some of these reputable shops will demand.
Paying cheap money for delicate repairs of this sort is almost a guarantee that you’ll get a lousy job and add extra problems for your vehicle. I know you don’t want that.
Should I Repair or Replace My Transfer Case?
Whether to replace or repair mostly depends on the extent of the damage to the case. As a rule of thumb, consider replacing any auto part if it is 80% damaged or will cost 70% of the replacement cost to repair.
You can visit the Marketplace at Carpart.com.au to get your transfer case replacement or other parts at a bargain price. A better method would be to request for the transfer case from more than thousands of suppliers and wreckers across Australia using our parts finder tool. It’s free to use - you gotta try it!
By Damilare Olasinde