OT Chevy 4wd

Joe Pro · Nov 1, 2008

Alright guys you have been great help to me so here is another question,
On our new 1999 Chevy Silverado 4wd the 4wd pumpkin has a leak at the seal. My uncle who is a professional mechanic looked at it and said there was water in the oil. Ok it engages - dis eng fine. But when you put in it 4 high and turn on pavement it makes a grinding noise. He says that the water ruined the bearings and the whole deal needs replaced just shy of 1000 bucks.

Is it suposed to make a sort of grinding noise when you turn?

I don't know much about 4wd and am trying to get as many opinions as I can.
So you think that I can just change the oil and the seal?
Can you replace the bearings?
And lastly if the bearings are bad can they hurt anything when your in 2wd.
I'll try to tell you as much as I can

Thanks
Joe

Anonymous-0 · Nov 1, 2008

Not doubting anyone, but it's hard to determine water (or anything else) in the oil without at least sticking your finger in it, or opening things so you can see. Change the seal and oil. the noise you hear when you turn on hard ground is normal and you shouldn't be turning on a hard surface while in 4x4. When you turn, the inside wheel doesn't turn as fast as the outside one so there will be binding and something will eventually give and be expensive. If on grass or in mud, the surface gives and you don't have the grind/binding. As for bearings, do things right and see if you still hear anything. If so, post again and we'll see if we can help.

Dave

jose bagge · Nov 1, 2008

i don't buy it...change the diff lube and take a good look at what comes out. All my 4wd make funny noises when in 4wd on dry pavement- exactly why you SHOULDN'T DO THAT. Those noises re usually the only way I can tell my 2 year old was playing behind the wheel, pushing buttons.

The only real way for water to get into the diff unless it was introduced by human hands would be through the vent, and that would take some pretty serious stream crossing...and it doesn't sound like you are the stream crossing type! Change the lube, use it in 4wd only in low traction conditions and drive it till it breaks- that's one way to find out, and cheap right up until it goes kablooie

RayP(MI) · Nov 1, 2008

With a few exceptions, putting any 4wd in 4 wheel on hard dry ground/pavement, etc. is asking for disaster. As one of the guys below says, the wheels turn a circle of different radius, which causes binding of the components, and great stress on components. DON'T DO IT!

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Nov 1, 2008

As a Chevy dealer tech I can say most of the time just change the fluid, replace the seal and run it. Part time 4wd vehicles have a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels so it "crow hops" in tight turns. All wheel drive typically has a 60/40 split so you don't notice the "crow hop" as much or at all. If you have an Automatic 4wd transfer case, NEVER run off road in Auto mode. The constant slip adapts will fry the clutches in the t-case. Like others have said, run in 2wd on hard surfaced roads. You won't damage it if you do run in 4wd on dry pavement, but you will likely see lower mileage and increased tire wear.
Now if it were a Trailblazer, I'd bet $$$$ it needs carrier bearings...

Joe Pro · Nov 1, 2008

I am FULlY aware and know that you dont run on dry pavement in 4wd but the person who tested the 4wd did and said it needed to be replaced because the bearings got wet and were bad. I think he is trying to screw me over. how hard are them seals to change.
in the morning i'm gona change the fluid just in case.

Thanks you got any more 4wd tips as i am not very inclined with 4wd.

OT Chevy 4wd

Joe Pro

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Anonymous-0

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jose bagge

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RayP(MI)

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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Joe Pro

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