1999.5 Pathfinder SE Transfer case grinding

[awdudeguy]

Hello,

I have a 1999.5 Pathfinder SE, auto transmission and a manual transfer case (2WD, 4WD high, N, 4WD low).

It has hit over 150,000KM recently, and Ive started to notice some pretty horrible grinding noises when I switch from 4 wheel high to low (past the neutral point that requires you to push the shifter down/up).

It hasn't been making that noise before, and that grinding noise will stay for a second or two when the TC is in neutral, and when shifting won't go away until you are in 4 wheel low or high. This hasn't happened before.

Any idea what might be causing this or where should I even start to try to find the issue?

Thank you for your time.

[Towncivilian]

Have you ever replaced the fluid in the transfer case?

[awdudeguy]

Yes, about 30K miles ago. also replaced some other stuff, but nothing related to the TC.

[Towncivilian]

OK, good. I don't have a 4WD Pathfinder and have never operated one, so I'm not sure what else to suggest. Ensure you're shifting the transfer case properly; read this thread on NPORA.

Welcome to NICO, by the way.

[awdudeguy]

Thanks for the link and welcome, I guess it could be just regular wear then?

I know that it will do horrid noises when you improperly shift, but I've always followed the owners manual for shifting, 4WD high/low while standing still and the transmission in neutral, and 2WD/4WD <50KM/H (trans nuetral again).

[Towncivilian]

It might be normal wear, I'm really not sure. It definitely sounds ominous. It might be worth another drain & fill of the transfer case anyway - depending on how often you use 4WD, 30k might be a reasonable change interval. What fluid did you put into the TC last time you serviced it?

Unrelated, but if you haven't had your Pathfinder checked out for the recent strut housing corrosion recall, do so as soon as possible.

[awdudeguy]

Ive been using amsoil, I don't really use 4WD low that much, only when im getting out of my driveway (inclined, dirty, you name it.) other then that I do 2WD in the summer and 4WD high on winter.

Ill change it next weekend... if I get the same black dirty stuff that I got last time, I guess that would be self explanatory.

Ill check the strut housings later on, I honestly never had any rust issues, save my exhaust system. (resonator and cat)

[Towncivilian]

Amsoil is excellent. Which specific fluid did you use? Since you don't use 4WD very often I'd leave it in there until 50-60k. Perhaps just ensure that the fluid level is correct and top off if required.