bought a 95 gsx for 3000 with a bad transfer case

[Project Draven]

Well hey all i recently bought a 1995 gsx with a bad transfercase for 3000 , but it does have the 4 bolt rear everything is like new on this car, i need to know if it is indeed the transfer case it whines while driving but not at idle which i am thinking because i have the clutch in. tranny shifts smoothly, its a 5 speed by the way. and if it is the transfer case i was wondering if anyone knew where i could get a used one at a decent price.
thanks in advance
Brandon

 

[DSM90AWD]

Driveline "whine" could be many things includign your Xfer case. The lobro joint in the driveshaft and the rear diff are others.

I'd take it to a shop with a lift (can simulate driving on the road) so can better pinpoint the noise.

As for used cases.. check your local bone yards, the Tuners Classifides or DSM Trader .

 

[Project Draven]

i would also like to point out that i quit driving it because it felt like the transfer case was trying to lock up but it s=didn't now it sits and thanx for the possibilities i really appreciate it tranny still shifts nice and smooth. The guy i bought it off of says that he knows its the transfer case and i found one for 50 thats in good condition. i will have it changed and report back as soon as i can
thanx all
peace

 

[DSM90AWD]

You may be able to get a new transfer case for FREE, if your car hasn't already been cared for under the TSB transfer case recall that affected most model year AWD DSMs.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173800

 

[Project Draven]

i was just curious on something could my transfer case be low on fluid? and if so how could i check the fluid level? Could that possibly be it?

 

[DSM90AWD]

i was just curious on something could my transfer case be low on fluid? and if so how could i check the fluid level? Could that possibly be it?

The case itself would not consume fluid, so any loss would likely be thru the driveshaft yoke seal (the service point of the recall). If the fluid is low and your hearing "whine" likely the internal bearings are shot.

As for checking fluid level, with the car jacked up level, remove the service plug that is middle of the case vertically, toward front of car. The oil inside (75W90 or 90W) should be level with the bottom of the hole. When topping off, should fill until it runs out the hole. Just remember that it has to be level or you can over/under fill the case.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/wayback/BradBauer/drivetrain/trannyoils.html
http://www.tmo.com/today/faqs/xferleak.htm

 

[Project Draven]

well thanx 4 the help guys i appreciate it i am gonna call the guy with the transfer case in 3 hours he only wants 50 for it so i'll post back and let u all know if that was my problem

 

[Project Draven]

well i found the guy with the t case but he can't get it 2 me until monday. I took my car out for a spin 2nite not 2 far. and i just got back a few mins ago. when i got out i could smell the burning of oil from under the car.and i have not found any oil leaks on it. and i stuck my hand under the car and i could feel alot of heat. not from exhaust either. I am thinking its the t case? and to update on that it kinda sounds like a chatter. but when i drove it 2nite in third gear at about 2,000 rpms the noice goes away for a sec or 2. it even chatters when ur holding the clutch in. and when i slow down the sound slows down or when i speed up the chatter speeds up it sounds like my drive shaft is grinding but i don't think it is. I am convinced its the t case. someone please prove me right. I am going to get it 2morrow and put it in. no more driving it till then. i'll keep you all posted.
Peace

 

[DSM90AWD]

If your case is running dry (I assume you haven't checked fluid level yet) you are taking a HUGE risk driving it around. It WILL lock-up on you, and depending on speed, traffic, you could very well get into an accident. I've been witness to two such "lock-ups". Mine went at 70mph in on the highway leaving me stranded for a few hours. My buddies went at 50mph with me behind him almost causing a chain reaction collision.

Be sure to also check for the tell-tale indicator of the leaking yoke seal (links already provided above). If you do see oil spatter, replacing the case will not fix the underlying problem. You'll also need to replace the yoke on the driveshaft (~$40), or seal it with RTV (the cheep fix).

I'd also check/inspect the yoke u-joint and the lobro joint (360deg joint) for smooth operation replacing if bad. Also the lobro boot should not have any tears in it and should be supported whenever the DS is removed to prevent over-extension of the joint which will tear the boot.

 

[Project Draven]

well thanx for lookin out dsm i am not driving the car anymore till it gets fixed. i just hope it is just the t case and nothing more at this point i have work daily from 8 to 5 and my parents will soon be off vacation and back to work. so no more borrowing the car. and plus i don't get my paycheck for 2 weeks. but i still got the money for the t case and i will have it checked out on a lift at a shop. thanx for your help i really appreciate it. i'll let u all know how it goes and if it fixed my problem.
Peace
Brandon

 

[Project Draven]

Hey dsm i was just curious did your transfer case make any noise before it went? or your friends or any of the ones you have seen?

 

[Project Draven]

well i got my t case after work and these things are alot smaller then i pictured them 2 be but i still got it for 50 i am thinking of replacing the seals on it and i am definatly gonna drain and refill it with some fresh gear oil. the mechanic told me he is gonna put in synthetic gear oil. i am thinking it might be a little too thin of vicosity but this is coming from another certified mechanic. haha someone let me know if i should use different gear oil or not. thanx in advance all
peace

p.s.
i can't get the case put in till friday unless i do it myself but it looks like it would be a major pain to do. this is gonna be a lovely work week

 

[llahhall]

Another Question,

my car makes an audible whining sound now. I've thought it to be normal, my previous experience with 4D vehicles has been that they make a sound. My car has made the same sound since I bought it in March. I've put about 6k on it.

So, should there be any audible sound while driving?

If the above is true then:

Is the change in sound easily noticable when my T-case is bad?

 

[DSM90AWD]

Hey dsm i was just curious did your transfer case make any noise before it went? or your friends or any of the ones you have seen?

Mine didn't make noise prior to lockup but a bad humming sound after the tow home as I took it around the block (case gears broke loose).

the mechanic told me he is gonna put in synthetic gear oil. i am thinking it might be a little too thin of vicosity but this is coming from another certified mechanic.

As long as the oil weight is 90W (or 75W90) conventional or synthetic is fine. Do not use BG Syncroshift for the case as it is a lighter weight synthetic gear oil specific to transmissions.

i can't get the case put in till friday unless i do it myself but it looks like it would be a major pain to do. this is gonna be a lovely work week

Re/re the x-fer case is not hard to do (on my 1G anyway). Drop downpipe, front DS Carrier Bearing, remove (5) x-fer case bolts and drop case down with yoke still in end.

For your 2G, can reference the Clutch VFAQ or any Haynes/Chiltons service manual for specific steps

 

[DSM90AWD]

Another Question,

my car makes an audible whining sound now. I've thought it to be normal, my previous experience with 4D vehicles has been that they make a sound. My car has made the same sound since I bought it in March. I've put about 6k on it.

So, should there be any audible sound while driving?

If the above is true then:

Is the change in sound easily noticable when my T-case is bad?

"Whining" sounds that change pitch with speed are generally misaligned gears. Likely your rear differential. You're best bet is to put it on a lift and have a mechanic (or friend) try to pinpoint the source while taking it up to speed. Just because it's whining doesn't mean it's going to fail.

As I said before when the case goes it goes, very little warning. But if was damaged by a prior lockup or rebuilt poorly, you would likely hear whining from there as well.

 

[Project Draven]

well all me and my bro replaced the transer case on tuesday it took about 3 hours but it was worth it it solved my problem runs great nice and quiet total repair cost was 65 dollars transfer case was 50 quart of oil. was 15.00

i think i made out pretty well on this car for paying 3000 and a 65 dollar fix.

thanx for all ur help guys and gals i really appreciate it. i'll keep posts of what i do to it next
peace