Transfer case problems???

[Suzi]

All of a sudden there is a very strange noise coming from underneath my '84 Eagle sedan.  It happens whenever I apply the brakes but doesn't do it when driving.  My husband thought a brake hang-up or loose muffler but that is not the case so now he's guessing the transfer case (please, no).  It sounds like a bucket of mashed up hunks of metal.  Shes home now and waiting for hubby to start on her but I told him I was going to attempt to pick the member's brains on here and see if you can come up with anything.  You guys have helped me before and I"m sure hoping you can help me now.  I also have a junk '83 AMC wagon which is hanging around to supply parts.  HELP ......   BTW - I leave it in 4WD year 'round (probably something I shouldn't do, huh?).  Suzi

[eaglefreek]

It should be fine leaving it in 4WD rear round but it does put extra stress on the chain. It could be the transfer case chain is stretched and you hear it banging on the case when decelerating. When coming to a stop, put the car in neutral and then hit the brakes to see if there is a difference. Also check your engine and transmission mounts.

[txjeeptx]

You said "happens when you apply the brakes but doesn't do it when driving" ---> Look at the brakes. Grinding sounds from brakes usually means the friction surfaces have worn down to where the rivets that attatch the friction material to the metal backing of the shoes and pads can make contact with the drum or disk. Did you actually look inside the drums or up front at the rotors, or did you just jack up the car and check to see if the wheels spin freely?

Mud/gravel inside a brake drum from recent off road activity could also make some grinding sounds when the brakes are applied.

[Eagleearl]

Not likely the transfer case if it happens when braking,they usually make noise when accelerating. As txjeeptx said it is likely the brakes are worn out or falling apart. Need to pull the tires and check and the rear drums.

[Suzi]

Thank you all ------ tomorrow is supposed to be a lovely day (although HOT) so rear wheels will be pulled and thoroughly checked.  Will let you all know if something is found in there.  I'm too afraid to take the car out on the road again because this noise is LOUD, and the noise won't duplicate while the car is up on jacks and spinning the wheels.  Thank you for your suggestions ...........

[IRON HORSE]

 

     Check front CV joints too ... ya just never know.     Let us know what you find  !!

                                           Regards, Iron Horse

[Suzi]

     Check front CV joints too ... ya just never know.     Let us know what you find  !!

                                           Regards, Iron Horse

Wheels pulled, rear end opened and checked out - transfer case was a bit low on grease - hubby can't find any problem.  Maybe tomorrow will take her out on the road for a short drive 'cause she won't make the noise going back and forth on the driveway (and it's 1/4 mile long).  I sure know I didn't imagine this because hubby was with me at the time and he stopped the car and was out in a flash to check muffler system and feel hubcaps for heat.

Will let you know when he finds the problem   .... ........... thanks for the suggestions!

[HappyPappy]

Check the front rotors and lining!!

[carnuck]

If there was a bunch of brake dust in the rear drums, it can make noises like bad brakes.

[SNOWMAGEDDON]

Hi
Does this post really end with Carnuck? I wanted to know the outcome

[IowaEagle]

She has not logged on since July and the part about grease in the transfer case worries me.