howling in 4wd

[RaccoonJoe]

My 91 XJ has picked up a howling noise when in 4hi. I need to adjust the linkage on the t-case, as it won't stay fully engaged into 4lo. The noise gets really loud about 10-15 mph. However, it doesn't seem to make any noise while on the highway in 2wd.

Is this a sign of a t-case needing rebuilt, or just needing a new chain? I had some problems finding just the chain online...seemed to only be able to find seal/bearing rebuild kits.

91 XJ. AW4, 231 t-case

 

[imprezkid]

check the double cardin joint in the front driveshaft, and all your u joints for that matter, but the front is gunna be most likely

 

[RaccoonJoe]

check the double cardin joint in the front driveshaft, and all your u joints for that matter, but the front is gunna be most likely

Checked the u-joints and play in the bearings (both t-case and axle side). There doesn't seem to be any up-down or left-right slop anywhere. However, I did notice that the front driveshaft has about 45* of rotation before catching, and the rear has only about 10*. Is that normal, or a sign of the chain/whatnot going bad?

 

[kastein]

That could be a sign of a few things... while you're spinning the driveshaft, watch the U-joints on the front axleshafts. There are a LOT of places for play, including the U-joints, spider gears, ring/pinion backlash, pinion bearing going out (try moving the pinion back and forth, if it moves, it's bad), plus the driveshaft and transfer case.

 

[RCP Phx]

All thats been said plus a worn out chain!

 

[jelrod]

T-case got fluid?

 

[Skreed]

check the double cardin joint in the front driveshaft

x2 just had the same type of prob....I swapped the front DS and it was all better. The centering ball had play.