Transfer case problems

SLS · **Posted:** Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:21 pm

Finally got the driveway cleared of the NY snow and the Jeep unstuck. It started clunking when in 4 WD like a chain or gear slipping and there was a thick oil dripping from a hole in the skid plate in the front drivers side. I towed it into the plowed area and was able to drive it a little ways in 2 wheel drive but could hear a little clunking. My guess is it's in the transfer case. So has anyone been there? What kind of numbers are we looking at for repair. I can't believe how little I have used the 4WD and have problems already. :dizzy:

CATCRD · **Posted:** Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:37 pm

Dripping from the front skid plate or the triangular one below the transfer case?

I hope it's not the front, because your front differential might be broken.

SLS · **Posted:** Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:58 pm

I hope not. :cry:

The hole in the skid is almost in line with the CV joint.
I'll try to get a better look in the morning.

CATCRD · **Posted:** Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:07 am

Maybe you broke a CV then. Both have been known to happen.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:17 am

What color is the lube that is dripping?

SLS · **Posted:** Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:17 am

No I don't think so. None of the usual signs of a bad CV like noises and hard turning.

SLS · **Posted:** Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:26 am

Diggerfreek wrote:

What color is the lube that is dripping?

It's black and thick not like engine oil..........

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:27 am

SLS wrote:

Diggerfreek wrote:

What color is the lube that is dripping?

It's black and thick not like engine oil..........

Bye-bye front diff. Bet that oil has a nasty order also doesn't it?

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:31 am

Yep, most likely the front diff :cry:

SLS · **Posted:** Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:36 am

What would cause that
What are the cost of repairs if that is it?

SLS · **Posted:** Mon Mar 01, 2010 9:03 am

Here are a few ramblings I found that I wish I knew before I got stuck. :banghead:

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The 27 spline Dana 30a... know by Chrysler as the 186FIA, has always been the only front axle available in the Jeep Liberty. It's an IFS axle with an aluminum housing as indicated by the 'FI' and 'A'/'a' respectively. Essentially, it's an aluminum version of the Dana 30 with a longer pinion shaft. Unfortunately, the light weight aluminum construction makes it weaker than the D30 and the longer pinion shaft means pinion related D30 parts won't fit it. This diff has a weak case that does not like shock loading (spinning the wheels and then applying load). The D30a requires a 1-1/8" socket to remove and install the pinion nut. It should not be used with larger than 32 inch tires. CRD Libertys have a different front cradle that lowers and leftward shifts the differential to provide more clearance for the diesel engine. The lowering results in better half-shaft constant velocity joint angles but too little clearance for a differential collar. The leftward shift requires different length half-shafts than those used in the gas Liberty. Due to the shorter left side half shaft CRD models cannot be lifted as high before the CV joints begin to bind.

dgeist · **Posted:** Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:04 pm

What did you do BEFORE this happened? Even with the comparatively weak diff housing, it's not like the front diff cracks open just from turning the wheels on pavement in 4WH... it had to have taken a fairly hard shock-load at some point. Perhaps it was cracked already and maneuvering it around getting it unstuck was the straw that broke the camel's back

Dan

Transfer case problems

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