Four wheel drive question...

[gunner1]

Okay, I have a 2003 Silverado with the 5.3 liter and an automatic tranny. It also has the Z71 package. My question is how much noise should I hear from the transfer case? I'm sure there should be an audible difference, but what exactly should it sound like. Also, it seems like it won't fully disengage from four wgheel drive until I practically stop. It also pulls noticeably to the right when engaged. Not a severe pull mind you, but it feels like I need an alignment. It doesn't feel that way when I'm in two whel drive. Any help would be much appreciated.

[addowner111]

You should here a very slight whinning noise(very slight). Most stock 4x4 will pull to the right because the left front tire is the one that always has power and as for coming out of 4 wheel drive every transfer case has a mine off it's own. I have had trucks you had to put in revse to get out and others that would come out very easily.

[1bj]

every chevy that i've seen and owned clicks when engaging and disengaging. their supposed to do that, almost all truck do that. even if it is a "shift on the go" transfer case, it's always better to stop before engaging and disengaging.

after it's engaged, you really shouldn't hear any other (really noticable) noises, if you are,, what kind of noise is it?

and you said its pulling to the right.... is that on a hard surface?

[gunner1]

Originally Posted by 1bj

every chevy that i've seen and owned clicks when engaging and disengaging. their supposed to do that, almost all truck do that. even if it is a "shift on the go" transfer case, it's always better to stop before engaging and disengaging.

after it's engaged, you really shouldn't hear any other (really noticable) noises, if you are,, what kind of noise is it?

and you said its pulling to the right.... is that on a hard surface?

Yeah, I was driving down the highway at around 45 mph. The sound from the transfer case is sort of a whine or mild hum. It doesn't sound like grinding or anything. I'm probably just paranoid because I've never owned a truck this new before and if there's a slight problem I don't want it to become big and costly.

[dstrick32]

Driving on a paved road in 4WD is not a great idea!! no wonder you hear noises.

[1bj]

Originally Posted by dstrick32

Driving on a paved road in 4WD is not a great idea!! no wonder you hear noises.

Exactly....
you shouldn't be using 4x4 unless ur on a loose surface. and if for some reason you should have to use 4x4 on pavement, don't take any turns.

[gunner1]

Originally Posted by dstrick32

Driving on a paved road in 4WD is not a great idea!! no wonder you hear noises.

Sooo, the auto manufacturers only make their four whell drive systems for off road use only? Odd, I don't remember seeing that anywhere in my manual...

[1bj]

yup, its just not designed to handel the pavement.

[75K30]

Because the t-case provides equal power to both front and rear driveshafts (while in 4wd), it cannot compensate for the differences in axle speed while the vehicle makes a turn, even though there are two differentials, these only allow for wheel speed differences from left to right, not front to rear. After a short period of time with 4wd engaged, and front, and rear axle speed change, (making a turn) something has to give. Sometimes a tire will "bark" as it loses traction, other times the transfer case breaks, or a u-joint will fail. Either way, it is not a good situation.
If you have to engage your 4x4 on solid dry ground, you are doing something wrong anyway.

[Hayden]

Or else he's playing Tug O War with trucks. I agree, Don't use 4wd unless you need to, Hill Climbing, Mud, Snow, or pulling someone out of mud or snow or the water hole that someone with 44's stopped in the middle of and left a 3 foot deep rut that wasnt there the previous week and you drive through and bottom out on your frame. (Personal expieriance there, Sorry for that)