[MVintherTJ]

I've got a weird problem.
I have a 2005 Rubicon with the stock 241 transfer case. Recently I have been hearing a low pitched grinding/rattling noise and I am pretty sure it is occurring inside the transfer case because if I put my hand on the back of the transfer case I can feel it. It happens loudest when I am in reverse. It also does it when I am driving and hit bumps. I hear it also when I am stopped if I am at an incline or stopped while in reverse. How can this happen if I am not moving? Does the chain still move even if I am stationary? I am thinking the problem is the chain but I really don't know because I can hear the noise when I am stopped sometimes. Here is another weird part about it. I can be sitting in the driver seat or putting a lot of pressure on the driver side rock slider and it will make the grinding noise but if I let up, the noise stops. I've looked around online and still have no idea whats up. I can hear in in 2H 4H and 4L but it seems louder/worse in 4H. Hopefully somebody with more knowledge and experience can assist me.

 

[andrew127]

Being a mechanic by trade Ive torn apart afew transfer cases over the years. By what your describing is a main carrier bearing for the drive gear. Is your jeep an auto or manual? The grinding could be just the bearing facing is starting to get pitted or, and this would only be in an extreme case, the main bearing has blown apart and the grinding your hearing is the gear hitting the casing. Hopefully this info helps. Good luck