If you have a car that boasts all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, you have a transfer case in it. This auto part is situated near the transmission, and its work is to take power produced by the car’s engine and distribute it to the four wheels. A transfer case is part of your vehicle that lets you get additional traction when you drive on slippery surfaces, off-roading, or going down or up a steep hill.
Numerous transfer cases are found in all-wheel and four-wheel drive cars, and a good example is the 261 transfer case. Some are standalone cases, gear-drive, chain driven, while others are incorporated into the design of the car’s transmission. Some transfer cases need to be shifted electronically or manually.
Irrespective of the type of transfer case your car uses, it’s vital to be in perfect working condition every time. If it fails to work, you might do extensive damage to it and even damage the transmission and other vital parts around it. That’s why you need to listen and look out for the signs of problems with your 261 transfer case. Here are some of the simple ways to tell you may need to replace the transfer case.
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You hear strange noises emanating from under the car.
If you hear strange noises from under the car, they might be coming from anywhere. But in most cases, it could be the transfer case making the noise. It’s good to have the car checked out and replace the transfer case if it’s determined that it’s the one that produces the sounds. When the transfer case is faulty, it will start making clicking and grinding sounds.
You notice that the gears in the transmission aren’t shifting smoothly.
Irrespective of whether you use an automatic or manual transmission, the car gears need to shift smoothly as you drive. If you experience some difficulties, it would indicate a severe issue with one of the parts in the transmission. You should also check the transmission fluid. But the transfer case might also make shifting gears in your car challenging. It’s essential to check the car to find out if the 261 transfer case is faulty
You find that the car can’t remain in four-wheel drive.
Whenever you put the car into a four-wheel drive, you need it to remain in 4-wheel drive till you decide that you want it in 4-wheel drive. However, when the transfer case needs a replacement, it might cause issues. It will randomly make the car’s four-wheel drive feature disengage and make you struggle to keep the car in a 4-wheel drive when you want. This is a clear sign that you need to replace your transfer case.
You notice a fluid leak under the car in the transfer case location.
Various fluids can leak under your car. These fluids include oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. It’s not uncommon to see one or any fluids leaking from underneath the car. It would help if you had your car towed such that the professional would evaluate it to determine the cause of the leak. Any fluid leak can be a cause of alarm, but a leak from the transfer case should be worrying. You might need a new transfer case.