bob06600

Hello, I have a jeep grand cherokee 2002 Overland with 123K. I'm having a problem with making slow and sharp turns. When I do I can feel the jeep blinding, vibrating and it will make a winning noise. I just had both diff's fluid changed about 2 weeks ago. I took my jeep back into the dealer cause I figured they forgot to add the friction additive to the diff fluid. Well the tech checked it out, then told me that my jeep doesn't take the friction additive and it's most likely a bad carrier bearing in the rear. Can a couple of the experts or jeepers who know a thing or two about this help a Vet out ? Thank you for your time .

Bustedback

What transfercase do you have?

bob06600

247 transfer case buddy

Bustedback

Is that an AWD case?

bob06600

Yes it has the Quadra drive system in it. It runs AWD all the time.

Bustedback

The problem is with the transfercase, not the axles.

dave1123

^X2^ Trust this guy, He knows what he's talking about.

bob06600

Should I just buy a new one ? If so where can I buy one ? Can I upgrade this at all ?

bob06600

Or any options that I might else have. I've read it's unless to rebuild them. I would rather just stick a brand new one in and fork out that bit of cash for now. Is replacing a transfer case hard ? Or something I should take in and have done ? I'm smart with a wrench and doing my own work but I am NO tech. Thanks guys !!

Bustedback

You can swap in a NP231J, then you'll have 2hi, 4hi, and 4lo. Pulling the case is pretty easy, 5 or 6 nuts hold it to the transmission, pull the drive shafts, pop the linkage off, and a few electrical plugs and it's out. You may be able to find a used direct replacement if you don't want to swap in the 231.

bob06600

Not to sound like a dick or anything. I just want to understand. Why do you think it's the transfer case ? I went and took it in the mud and it drove smooth when I turned the wheels sharpe and went slow. Once I drive on pavement and went slow and had the wheel turned as sharpe as possible and it felt like it was blinding and I would get that vibration again. Once I turn my wheels straight though everything is fine and runs very nice. Could it be my CV axles ? Maybe something in my front diff?

Bustedback

It's the transfercase binding up. The front and rear axles are rotating at different rates when you turn. That is why you don't use 4wd on dry pavement. Your T-case has a viscous coupler that acts as a differential between the front and rear axles, but yours is not working correctly and not allowing any slippage. That is why you're getting the goofy jerky feeling when you turn.

bob06600

Gotcha! Ok awesome that does make a lot of sense. Ok thank you very much for everything my friend !

bob06600

One last question. Will my jeep be the same after I replace the transfer case ? Or should I just get rid of it now ?

Bustedback

Yeah, it will be good for at least another hundred thousand miles.