Thread: Lt230 grinding noise

Im having a similar noise from my 300tdi auto. Is it possible its the transfer case because i have no idea. Hope someone can help mate.

If that were my transfer box, I would be thinking about getting a replacement centre diff.
By locking in the diff lock that stops the differential gears from moving, so therefore stops the noise.
.

hopefully not serious if everything is working ok...

Gear noise from the t/c when in low range is going to be noisier than when in high range for a number of reasons.

One very simple quick check would be to drain the t/c oil and check for (metal) contamination.

Then refill with one of the low friction types (like Syntrans) and see if it quietens it down a bit more to your liking (it will make changing ranges smoother as well)

Check it out SOON as those are similar symptoms to mine just before it **** itself.

Icefyre knows all about grindy noises from Tcases....

Ask him about it but do so from a safe distance.

Originally Posted by luke68

. Only happens in low range with/without diff lock engaged.

Just to clarify, it makes the noise with and without the diff locked? If that is the case, then I would have thought you could count the diff lock out. I'm wondering if there is a thrust issue with the intermediate shaft? The input shaft and output shaft preloads are set with spacers behind the bearings, so they would act the same in low and high range. The early LT230's had thrust washers each side of the bearings on the intermediate shaft that wear, but the later ones - like yours are different, but I can't remember exactly how the end float is set on those...

Also, could be the selector fork rubbing on something when in low... Mine is still sitting on my bench in pieces, so I'll have a peak at it in the morning and see what else it could be. If you want to see one in bits you are welcome to pop around, but I am a little bit out of your way.

Also, this is a new noise, or something you have been living with for a while? If it has just developed, you may need to drop the TC and have a peak... The centre diff spider gear shims will probably need replacing anyway...

Cheers - Gav

I would class this as a new noise as I haven't tried low range for about 2-4 months. The only thing that has possibly changed is that I had the breathers for both the GB and TC blocked. This was causing the gear oil to leak out from the top of the box thru the gear lever.
unblocked the breather but could not remember if the seal for the gear lever goes on top or underneath the pivot ball of the lever.
Seal on top = more accurate shifts and harder bias spring loads.
Seal underneath = shorter shifts, but less accurate especially between 2-3 & 4-3.
Will put shifter back to what it had been for the last 8 years (Seal on top) and see if th is is the cause. Will also drop the cover on the TC and see if there is anything rubbing.
Thinking about it, it almost sounds like the gears are rubbing against the side of the alloy housing.