transfer case making bad noises.

[1996DANGERRANGER]

so recently my transfer case has been making some bad sounds. it started right after i changed my rear brakes and for awhile the sound would stop if i hit my brakes. well now it does it all the time and its coming from right under me i think. so my tcse. my ranger has 189k and i havent had to do anything to it. now the noise itself is a bad grinding noise but it doesnt slow the vehicle down or pull it just goes and comes. whether i be driving down the highway going 80 or slowing down at 10mph. so any thoughts? should i just check/change my fluid?

 

[racsan]

well, changing the oil wont hurt it, but if damage has been done by low oil (or anything else) a oil change isnt going to fix it, might make it last a little longer.