gpschmidt

Hey all,

1st post, and have a problem/question.

I recently purchased a used 2003 Z71. Runs great, but with the snow and so forth, I've engaged both the auto and perm. 4x4. Right now it's in 2WD, but it sounds like to me like the front end isn't completely disengaged. The sound is akin to that really stiff off road tire rumble/whine. But I don't think it's the tires producing the sound. At least I haven't noticed it until now. The panel light is in 2WD, just the noise it throwing me off. Any ideas? Thanks.

Greg

bubba33

You will know if its in 4wd. Just turn the truck in a circle you will feel the front tires hoping around.

gpschmidt

I don't feel any scrub, just the whine tracking down the road.

bubba33

Try it in 4x4 mode and see if it feels differant. Not auto

jkgray80

Being in 'auto' will make the front diff engage but not the transfer case.

gpschmidt

That's what it sounds like, the diff stays engaged when in 2WD. It's a very audible "whirring". It gets lower and louderbetween 1 to 15 MPH. Doesn't sound like a bearing.

Greg

gpschmidt

I got the truck into the shop yesterday. The main problem was a bad wheel bearing. They relaced the bearing and hub. Quoted for the GM part, $550, aftermarket, $395. I went with the aftermarket. Also, they said I have a seal leak, transfer case needs servicing and rear axle needs servicing. Total estimate as a little over a grand. So, I had them replace the main issue, and it has quieted down the front end.

What are the service recommendations for the drive train?

Greg

holyspatulaboy

seal leak on what...transfer case or rear end??? and what do they mean by servicing...., parts or just fluids if it is just fluids a grand is apretty expensive..the seal shouldnt be to bad if it is the transfer case.. i could see the axle being a little more.

gpschmidt

I don't have the write up in front of me, but the seals were for the front axle. Servicing included fluids an seals. Parts were no more than $40 per, but the labor on the transfer case was like $200, rear axle was $150, and so on.

holyspatulaboy

$200 to change fluids on transfer case... sounds steep to me... get a small oil pump and do it your self.... as long as you use theAutomatic transfer case fluid "AutoTrac II" (GM P/N 12378508) for the autotrac transfer case then you will be fine. do not use ATF it will burn up the clutches in the case. im sure if that is the case on down the line for the rear ends and such.. do them your self to...60 dollars and you can put synthtic in both of the rears.. as for the seals on the axle that depends on your confidence on doing the maint...