99 - Transfer Case/Drivetrain "Shudder"

[99LX470]

So I just turned over 180K and had the F/R Diffs drained and refilled and also the transfer case. Got it back from the dealer and noticed this "shudder" when turning from a stop sign or traffic light. Doesn't happen going straight or down highway at speeds and it typically only happens in the initial take off, so b/w 2 and 5mph I would say. Pretty much identical sensation to this thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/286266-transfer-case-lx470-99-questionable.html

Initially I thought they didn't put in the additive for the LSD so I took it back and was given the response of, "The fluid we use has some additive in it, but we went ahead and added more...." Not sure what to take from that.

It seemed to help a little, could just be my imagination.

When putting it in 4lo, it definitely happens to a greater extent, almost constantly while turning in 4lo.

The center diff lock button seems to work fine. Light turns on and off when I push the button and it comes on when in 4lo. I am assuming it's actually engaging and disengaging the center diff lock.

At this point I am wondering if they used the wrong fluid in the transfer case? There was no "shudder" before this.

What should I take a look at tomorrow?

 

[AimCOtaco]

Sure does sound like the center or rear diff is locked.
[STRIKE]No LSD on a US '99 though so LSD additive doesn't come into play... shouldn't the dealer know that?[/STRIKE]
EDIT: There I go posting bad info again. LX not LC so yeah, LSD, my bad.

 

[OregonLC]

Didn't the LC get the optional locker and the LX get the LSD?

I agree, sounds like the center is locked. Did the button get bumped?

 

[99LX470]

Yes I think your right, LX got the LSD.

The button turns the light on and off, but do you think it isn't actually disengaging the center lock?

 

[OregonLC]

Yes I think your right, LX got the LSD. The button turns the light on and off, but do you think it isn't actually disengaging the center lock?

The light is activated by the position not by the switch so if it's going on/off the it should be cycling correctly.

 

[99LX470]

Well I drained and refilled transfer case over the weekend and still noticing this "shudder/vibration" when taking off from stop and wheels slightly turned. Don't notice it going straight or turning at speeds above 5mph. Nothing on the drain plug magnet either. Could I have a bad connection to CDL? Whats the best way to clean the connector?

 

[ENGINE er]

Remove the rear (or front) driveshaft and lock the center diff. replicate the conditions. This will help isolate the issue.

If it goes away with CDL locked and no rear driveshaft, its either center or rear.

Then remove the front driveshaft. If its the same, then you know you have a center/rear diff issue.

If it goes away with front removed its either center or front. And if it doesnt go away at all then you dont have a driveline issue, its something else.

Could also put it on a lift, and try and replicate the sound with the tires in the air.

 

[2001LC]

When was last time wheel & axle spindle bearings/bushings were serviced?

 

[99LX470]

Both front wheel bearings were replaced back at 90K. Not sure on the other bushings. I also read somewhere of someone cleaning the connector for the CDL because it was fully disengaging. Where is the connector located? On top of transfer case? I'll see if I can do the driveshaft tests this weekend.

 

[2001LC]

Front Wheel Bearing & Propeller Shafts servicing

Both front wheel bearings were replaced back at 90K. Not sure on the other bushings.

For some reason you decided to change gear lube, which is a good thing. You may have just notice sometime that was already going on, because you were looking now.

This may or may not have anything to do with you issue, regardless your should have serviced front wheel bearings three time since last done. Schedule maintenance calls for every 30K miles in my 2001 LC.

Owners manual calls for Synthetic oil and Lithium soap base NLGI # 1 grease in front drive shaft thrust bushings (AKA axle bearing & bushing, AKA needle bearing, AKA spindle bearing). I've never found a shop that carries this, they all have NGLI # 2. No big deal, but a shop foreman has told me that you'll just hear groan/creak on cold mornings (under same condition you've described a shutter) when not using #1. So I can imagine not servicing for 90K miles may give you some issues. Also on side note; propeller shafts front and rear both need greasing every 5K miles under normal driving condition.

I'm of the opinion and currently testing; FSM is wrong on torque spec for Wheel Bearing. So if I'm correct and yours were set at FSM spec, you may have bearing issue.

 

[99LX470]

OK, I'll see what I can get into this weekend. Any particular grease for the shafts?

 

[2001LC]

Synthetic M1 NGLI #2 with moly is easy to come by. If seals really tight use #1 until loosened up, Amsoil is only place I found #1 available in my area.