Second Opinion.. I need

[Illini_Coastie]

Ok, I am in the military. Right before I deployed, I bought a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ because my wife's car at the time was a piece. 3 months into my deployment, my wife e-mailed me. She told me the Tahoe was making some weird noises whenever it was in 4 wheel drive and pulled hard to the left. I told her to take it in and get an estimate. The shop she took it too, said the transfer case motor failed and only partially enganged the 4 wheel drive and it destroyed the front axle ring and pinion. They quoted her close to $3,400 for the repairs. I told her not to put it in 4 wheel drive and wait until I get home.

I am now home. I took it to a friend (mechanic) and he pulled the cover off the front axle and stated that it only looks like normal wear and told me to be weary of what the previous mechanic stated.

Ok, here is what happens. The push button panel is bad I think. It will light up intermittently. When it is lit, I can get it into 4 wheel drive, but when it shifts into 4 wheel drive, it makes a loud humming noise then stops and the light indicator will show it is in 4 wheel drive. When driving it makes an obnoxiously loud noise (kinda of a loud humming noise) not really a grinding noise and it pulls really hard to the left. It feels as if the 4 wheel drive isn't enganging all the way. I was wondering if somebody else had anything like this happen.

I have a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, no major mods, stock tires and rims. I don't want to put any more money into this car until I can figure out what is going on. Also, several dealerships I called, stated that to have the front end rebuilt would not cost any where near $3,400. They suspect it was a R&R shop (remove and replace) i.e. remove the transfer case and front axle and replace them with new or good working items.

Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreaciated as $3,400 is a bit too steep for somebody in the military.

 

[Sepiroth]

I honestly think it is the motor in the transfer case,

 

[boostaholic]

Seems like a motor until you describe the pull to one side. The motor would actuate the 4wd with a collar around the weird ass disconnect that gm decided to use for the 4wd. I think you should take it to a reputable 4wd shop that can test continuity on the 4wd switch to rule it out as an issue and to properly diagnose the pulling issue. Sounds really bizarre, I guess the motor being partially actuated could adversely effect one wheel independently...goofy ass scenario tho best of luck dude.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

Could a brake be sticking to pull to the left???

 

[boostaholic]

Not when the 4wd is actuated, thats what makes it weird. Caliper pull would be constant regardless of 2/4wd.

 

[Illini_Coastie]

nope, not the brakes. I just replaced the brakes right when I got back. It only pulls to the left when I can get 4wd engaged.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

torque steer maybe? Might be sending more power to one wheel than the other. :confused2:

 

[boostaholic]

Some sh*t is messed up, gotta get an inspection from a legit place dude. We don't get torque steer in these trucks they're 4link with a good track bar.

 

[rockman20]

$3400 was probably your wife's price. I hate these shops that take advantage of women and treat them like they don't know a damn thing.

I can't help you out much more with your issue though. That is one odd problem that I haven't heard of before. Good luck!

And thank you for your service to this country! God Bless!

 

[Ojustracing]

I have a question which cover did he remove to look at the ring and pinion in the front diff?????

John

 

[Rollin Thunder]

simple thing to check. But are your tires level. If your tires are filled differently (ie 35 psi in one wheel and 40 psi in another) then the wheel will actully spin slower than the other. which might cause a pull.