San Diego Auto Repair

Click here for Part 1 of this article: About your transfer case problems A list of some more of the basic problems, and some solutions Your transfer case is noisy, or "jumps" out of the 4×4 low range: Your transfer case may not be fully engaged. Stop your vehicle, shift into Neutral, and then engage 4L (4×4 low gear). Your shift linkage may be loose, worn or binding. Tighten, repair or lubricate the linkage as necessary. The shift fork may be cracked, the inserts worn, or the fork binding on the rail. Disassemble the unit and repair all problematic parts. It's also a good idea to Inspect the bushings on the linkage; they may need to be replaced. There are lubricant leaks from the vent, or the output shaft seals: The transfer case may be overfilled. If so, you need to drain it until the fluid is at the proper level. The vent may be clogged or ja ... read more

If you drive a four-wheel, rear wheel or all-wheel drive automobile, you will need to perform regular maintenance on the transfer case. For many cars, increasing mileage means that you may run into some common transfer case problems. For example, are you hearing strange sounds coming from the engine or have you noticed that the transmission is not shifting very smoothly? Both could be the result of a problem within the transfer case. Before you encounter a transfer case problem, however, the folks at TransMasters Transmissions & Auto Care recommend you bring your car in for regular checks. Two of the things we'll be looking for are making sure that the fluid inside the case is not leaking and checking that the pump inside the transfer case is not rubbing against the side. This can result in a hole through which the transfer fluid may leak. It's particularly important to note that this can happen even if you haven't seen any leakage under the vehicle. Diagnosing the issue ... read more

The function of the transfer case in a 4-wheel drive vehicle is to redirect power from the transmission to other systems. For example, it transfers power to the front and rear axles when you shift into 4-wheel drive mode, enabling all four wheels to drive the vehicle. And, the transfer case is what gives you the ability to choose between 2 and 4-wheel drive. Even if you don't regularly use the 4-wheel drive option on your car, you still need transfer case maintenance because, if this component stops working, your car won't run. Making sure to follow your vehicle's regular service recommendations is vital to the health and longevity of your engine. That service should include the transfer case because it plays an important role in rotating and reserving power whether or not you use the 4-wheel drive option. And, transfer case problems, if not addressed, can result in a costly replacement. On the flip side, regular maintenance such as changing out the oil and fluids is relatively ine ... read more