Noisy transfer case, Gen2 Tundra

Just put the tundra up on a hoist to diagnose the high pitched whine. Source is transfer case. Fluid is up and looks clean. Getting prices on remans. Considering options. 165,000 miles. Anybody been down this path?

 

you're talking abut the front transfer case? this happen only in 4wd?

 

It does it all the time in 2wd. 4wd does not effect it. Also does it in neutral when coasting.

So far it appears remans are not available. New is 3,000.00. Found one used for 1,000.00 with 72k on it. The shop I use says the book shows 10 hours labor to remove and replace but they won't split the case. Only RnR. Gonna give the dealer a call and see what I can find out.

 

Not sure what you mean by "front transfer case". If you're referring to the front diff noise after disengaging 4wd, yes mine does that too. I've learned over time that if you switch in and out at just the right moment it doesn't do it. I haven't exactly pinpointed what just the right moment is but it kind seems like a light throttle at low forward speed works best. Sometimes it seems like the same in reverse. IDK? I have also noticed it goes away after a long trip. There is a TSB on the front axle noise for the first year gen2, kind of a wub-wub-wub noise noticed at low speeds after disengaging 4wd. The bulletin says an interference problem may exist, disassemble differential and if nothing is found then replace it. I read forums where guys had this noise and kept on driving up to 200 or 300 thousand miles without failures.

 

Just heard from service writer at dealer. He says high pitched whine is not common but when it does it comes from transmission not tcase. Got an appt at my favorite shop to get it on a hoist on Thursday. Waiting to hear back from dealer to see if we can get it on their hoist same day. Might just come home with a new payment. LOL

 

Did some more diagnostics today. It is definitely the transfer case. Sounds to be the rear output bearing. Also from what I've learned it sounds like a common issue but not an epidemic issue.

Remans don't seem to be out there.

One shop will put in used for 1200.00 labor, plus cost of used tcase, fluids, gaskets,... won't split it apart or rebuild.

Service writer at dealer actually suggested finding a used one to put in. He also offered the option (for around 1600.00 plus parts and materials) to pull it, split it, replace what's needed.

I've got one guy I've used in the past that guarantees the work for 12 months and he's always been reliable. He is saying around 1400.00 parts, materials, and labor.

Book labor to pull and rebuild is like 14 hours. Dealer is 115 per hour, other guys are 78 and 80 per hour.

Unable to source any rebuild kits. Only individual components.

As a professional mechanic (last 20 as a marine electrician and mechanic, couple prior years in automotive, and before that about ten in recreational vehicle repair, plus a degree in automotive service technology in between the cars and boats) I could certainly do it myself, but there are a variety of reasons I don't want to. No time and no hoist being the primary reasons.

I'm on the schedule for the 17th to get it pulled and repair defective parts at the shop estimating 1400.00. I've used them in the past and have confidence in the work. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Thirteen hundred dollars later and I have a quiet transfer case. Rear output bearing was the source of noise.

 

I think I have the same issue. It started 2 months ago. Around 5mph you can hear it, more high pitched at speed and louder in the cold

 

I have a noisy transfer case as well. Anyone know if the rear bearing can be pulled without yanking the transfer case out?

2012 Tundra 5.7l

I have replaced the rear ring and pinion, added an Auburn limited slip diff, new bearings(from Alcantara Gears, in California). U-joints and center bearing all good, installed ECGS drivers side bushing, new driver's wheel bearing.
Noise is there from any speed, worse at about 90k or 55 mph. Finally narrowed the issue down to the transfer case.

 

Pulling the transfer case is not all that difficult of a job for a mechanic with a lift and a transmission jack. Even splitting the case isn't too hard and the bearings are standard items. I doubt you can remove the rear bearing without splitting the case though.