Transfer case?

[triCkWhisper]

2006 h3 with 150k. Just had front axles replaced. Mechanic took it for a test drive and said it drove horrible. He thought it could be related to transfer case so he checked the fluid which he said was black and contained metal. Only issue I noticed earlier was some binding when I turned sharply in 4H. Now I do notice more shudder and especially when driving up an incline. Front axle install wrong? Transfer case rebuild? Alignment? Not too mention I have developed a head gasket leak I'm the original owner and I love my h3 but ol' Blue has me thinking these repairs might put me over. Any advice?

 

[Jeepwalker]

It's really difficult to tell w/o actually driving (Shudder?). The xfer case, hard to say. Sounds maybe like it's not coming out of 'lock' mode. Could be the fork broke, inside. Drive it a few more days and pull the lube yourself (hot) and check it for shavings. Use a clean pan..put it back in if it's clear.

Or, could be the Mechanic needing to get some $$ to buy new parts for his boat this spring.

 

[rascole]

Sounds like the dreaded transfer case plastic fork has caught up to you. Known issue and a shop should easily fix it. These TC are known for turning fluid dark very quickly. I replace mine twice a year, cheap and easy to do.

 

[Teahead]

Switch it back and forth between 4HI and 4HI Lock to see if you can hear anything or feel anything changing.

 

[Teahead]

If it's stuck in 4H Lock, you can ruin your whole Txfer case if you drive it on hard pavement for long.

Get it checked out ASAP.

You may need as aforementioned, another one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU576OO/?coliid=I39YV7HMDMZGHV&colid=2MPX7N1NBJQ9G&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[alrock]

Do you still have that binding when turning? That's typically either a transfer case in Lock mode, or a bad front diff. Shudder under load is a bit odd here though to me it would point to transmission issues. Not necessarily transmission, but not something I've heard of as much with the transfer case. But maybe the shudder could be many things at the moment; I'd leave that as a secondary symptom and focus on binding if that is still present.

If you think it's in 4 Hi Lock, like was said try shifting modes to see if that helps. Next, try pulling the front prop shaft. In 4 High Unlock (normal) the truck should not move. In 4 High Lock (activated with engine off but ignition on) it should move fine, and you can drive in this mode w/o fear. BTW, a really bad transfer case features silver fluid from a lot of metal. Black is normal for oil that hasn't been changed for a long time, and a tiny bit of metal shavings is fine. Any large pieces, or a lot of shavings, is not good.

I would also drain the front diff to see what that fluid looks like.

 

[08AlphaOffroad]

Have your transfer case rebuilt by a reputable transmission shop. A full rebuild kit usually includes the chain, split-case seals, bearings, etc. Order an aluminum shift fork and replace the transfer case shift motor while they are at it. The rear diff might may rebuilding as well in case it hasn't been done since 100k miles or so. It may be heard from inside the cab as a constant whirring sound from the central rear that changes tone with speed. The sound can almost be mistaken for a wheel bearing. Mine started to go at 103k, the ring gear teeth were worn out. Oh, and keep it in 4Hi unless you are off road or in moderate - heavy rain conditions or sand & grit & light mud. Here's a tip from the owners manual.

 

[Doc Olds]

2006 h3 with 150k. Just had front axles replaced. Mechanic took it for a test drive and said it drove horrible. He thought it could be related to transfer case so he checked the fluid which he said was black and contained metal. Only issue I noticed earlier was some binding when I turned sharply in 4H. Now I do notice more shudder and especially when driving up an incline. Front axle install wrong? Transfer case rebuild? Alignment? Not too mention I have developed a head gasket leak I'm the original owner and I love my h3 but ol' Blue has me thinking these repairs might put me over. Any advice?

Front Axles replaced with what?

When was the last time the T Case fluid was changed.

When was the last time the Trans fluid and filter were changed?

When was the last time the front diff fluid was changed?

Same question as last one but rear diff?

As others have suggested, sounds like your T Case is (has been) stuck in 4hi lock which on dry pavement is not good.