Oh boy. This can't be good....

[drock87]

Ok...so was driving on the freeway at about 60 mph and I start to hear a vibration...then bad noises, turn off the radio, bad noises louder, and I freak and switch the 4x4 off (I had it on because of the rain...after hydroplaning once, 4x4 becomes really nice in rain)

I still hear a light grinding noise, but the car was now driving fine and I thought it could have just been the rain splashing underneath the car.

Well, I got out about 3 miles down the road, and oil was POURING from what looked like the T-Case.  I checked my engine oil and tranny oil to make sure that it was neither of those.

Ok, so first of all, any of you who have responded to my posts know that I am not very mechanically inclined. I am getting better, but transfer cases are far from any expertise or experience. First, what should I look for? Second, is it ok to drive in 2wd at least to get home (15 miles). And third, and obviously worst case scenario, what would be a reasonable cost to have the transfer case replaced? 

Ugh. I just replaced the rear end. I was really hoping to not have a major repair for a little while. Money is a bit tight right now. Probably my biggest problem is that I love my car 

Thanks everybody in advance.

[rollguy]

Yes, sounds like the T C.  The chain could have stretched enough to wear a hole in the case, or a bearing has gone bad. I am sure someone here has a replacement T C that they would sell.  They are not that hard to replace, other than being a little heavy...Rich

[eaglebeek]

I'm thinking along the same lines as Rich.

First off, can you tell exactly where oil was pouring from? Was it from an area to the left of the transmission or was it directly behind it?

As far as driving it 15 miles to home, it depends. I'm guessing a bearing in the transfer case failed, and that's why it became less noticeable when you took it out of 4-wheel drive. The leak...if I'm guessing correctly...is coming from a seal that got knocked out due to the bearing failure. If you can put some more oil...actually you should use transmission fluid...in the transfer case and it can contain the oil long enough for you to drive it the 15 miles, you may get lucky and make it without further damage. Please understand that I can't guarantee it. Your chances of getting it home may be better if the failed bearing is on the output shaft to the front axle, and that's why I'm asking you to determine the source of the leak.

The other option...particularly if you're going to replace the transfer case and are not concerned about trying to repair it...is to take your chances, drive it home as-is and keep your fingers crossed.

Before you condemn the transfer case, be sure the drive shafts...u-joints, slip yokes and other parts...are OK.

[drock87]

Thank you for the help. Before I leave where I am, I'll try to look underneath.  It has been raining all day, so I was making an honest attempt to not get wet. It certainly looked like it was coming straight under the tcase though. Like right through the skid plate I think.  I will take it to my mechanic tomorrow to assess this. If it was what you thought, such as a bearing, chain, etc., better just to replace the tcase or fix it? Obviously if the case is toast...well there is one option there.....I have no idea on the labor costs on these things are.

[rollguy]

I believe that with help from the folks here, you can replace it yourself once you have one in hand.   If you are not at all mechanically inclined, I understand.  Is there a 'Nest member nearby that can assist you?  For me, I don't like to pay a mechanic to do something I could do myself.  Replacing a transfer case is not as hard of a job as it may seem....Rich

[eaglebeek]

I believe that with help from the folks here, you can replace it yourself once you have one in hand.   If you are not at all mechanically inclined, I understand.  Is there a 'Nest member nearby that can assist you?  For me, I don't like to pay a mechanic to do something I could do myself.  Replacing a transfer case is not as hard of a job as it may seem....Rich

Rich is right...and no special tools are required. The transfer case is not that heavy so you don't need a jack.

[drock87]

Thanks guys. Maybe I will just try to tackle this myself. Do you guys know if there is a fellow Nester in NE Ohio?  I think there is, but I'm not sure.  My other thought is if I can pay one of the techs at work (I sell Mercedes) on the side to put it in for me.  Hopefully this is not a huge hickup; I need her for the winter!

[eaglefreek]

Thanks guys. Maybe I will just try to tackle this myself. Do you guys know if there is a fellow Nester in NE Ohio?  I think there is, but I'm not sure.  My other thought is if I can pay one of the techs at work (I sell Mercedes) on the side to put it in for me.  Hopefully this is not a huge hickup; I need her for the winter!

Honestly, it's not too difficult. The top nuts that hold it to the transmission are the hard part. A stubby ratchet wrench works wonders there. However, if you can get a guy to do it on the side for a fair price, it may be worth going that route if you don't have all the tools and equipment to tackle it. It will be easy for a tech who is used to working on today's cramped engine compartments.

[drock87]

Well...there is no saving this thing....it cracked pretty bad. I had a tech put it up on a lift. They are figuring what they will charge me as a side job. Nice thing...I've worked here in some capacity for 8 years since I was 16, so the service manager even told me she would just recommend me paying them cash 

Anybody know of one for sale??

[carnuck]

Yes, but it's in Seattle for $150. Your other option is one from an FSJ (bonus is low range) Which part of the case is bad? Max98059 has one for parts.

[drock87]

As I said, I don't know a ton about these things, and I have not taken it apart yet; however, the plate facing rearward (kind of oval shaped?) is ALL busted apart.  I think there may be a yard in Ohio with one; I would rather help out a fellow nester though if possible. A fellow nester has PMd me though with one from a parts car. Fingers crossed! Oh, and one of my techs at work said he'd put it in for me...just deciding how much, but he's a good kid, I think he'll take care of me.

[carnuck]

flexplate?

[drock87]

No the actual case cracked around the seal, I think. I was very warped or cracked.

[carnuck]

So it's thje tcase and not the trans (I think I got this and another post confused earlier) I posted a NP129 for sale for $150 (originally from my wagon I'm selling with the 727 and NP229 upgrade)