whining noise in 4 hi and 4 low.

[1idahoan]

So here is what is happening. I have a 1990 Ranger XLT with the 2.9 L, 5 speed, and the bw 1350 manual shift transfer case, and manual hubs. when in 4x4 hi or low range, there is a distinct and signifigant whining sound that appears to come from the forward transfer case area. The whining is quite loud under acceleration but stops when lifting off the gas. When in 4 hi or low with the hubs turned out (free) the noise is very faint. When in 2 hi with the hubs locked in the whining does not occur. The sound is not grinding but almost has a gear drive whining sound. The fluid was a bit low in the front diff but in my estimate not enough to make such a racket. Any help diagnosing would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[adsm08]

Check the t-case fluid and change it if it is low or dirty.

You may just have gear whine from the drive side of the front gears.

 

[1idahoan]

ya I changed the fluid a few months ago with ATF that is supposed to meat dexron and mercon requirements. I also rechecked it and it looks clean and is topped off. My chiltons manual calls for dexron II and my owners manual calls for mercon hence I went with the valvoline dex/merc combo. Not sure if this could be the problem but seems unlikely.

 

[martin]

check the fluid in the front diff.

 

[azhrei]

fluid related

the last time I had whining, my tranny went and I know I was low on fluid...

 

[1idahoan]

I talked to a mechanic who says it sounds like a bearing going out in the transfer case, probably the one near the front of the transfer case front output bearing. Just wanting to know if anyone has had this bearing go out and how extensive the bearing is to replace.

 

[Jspafford]

I talked to a mechanic who says it sounds like a bearing going out in the transfer case, probably the one near the front of the transfer case front output bearing. Just wanting to know if anyone has had this bearing go out and how extensive the bearing is to replace.

Probably easier to snag a whole transfer case from a junkyard. The 1350's are far from rare, although the manual shift may be harder to find. Could just swap out the front half of the case I suppose, but if it were me I would just get the whole case.

When I did my push button to manual shift swap about 8 years ago I snagged my manual 1350 case for $29.95!! Still running it almost 80K later with no issues.

 

[1idahoan]

I think that will
be exactly what I'll do once I get a little extra time.