New 2014 Transfer Case Woes
03-17-2014, 09:44 AM
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New 2014 Transfer Case Woes
Hey Folks,
First and foremost - I'm a newb to the truck world, and to this site as well...and that's probably my first major problem. However, I thought I'd post my recent experience on here to see if anyone had any comments and/or to provide fair warning to anyone that may encounter this issue going forward.
I bought a brand new 2014 FX4 EB Screw at the end of Feb. I drove it off the lot, and was pretty much loving life. The next morning, we had some snow, so on my way to work, I threw it in 4WD (at a dead stop), and hit the highway (which was partially snow covered). After driving a couple of miles, I noticed an intermittent growl? for lack of a better word when the engine was working (either accel or decel) In between, when you're sort of coasting - it wasn't making the sound. Keep in mind that this was only in 4wd. So I got to work and called the dealership to see if this was normal. They asked me to bring it in and I took it for a drive with their transmission guy, who was also the shop foreman.
Even at lower speeds (25mph), the noise was audible... not overwhelming, but definitely there. He said he'd never heard anything like it... but did not suggest that it was normal sound. Heartbreak. The truck had 70 miles on it.
I had to take the truck on a road trip for a few days - so I drove it, but only in 2wd (with their blessing). Upon my return, I took it in for them to look at. I specifically expressed concern about them going on an part removal expedition with my truck looking for the source of the issue...and they said it wouldn't be an issue.
Later that day, I got a call saying that it was the transfer case, and that it was going to be replaced the next day.
I got a call in the afternoon the next day and went to pick it up...and here's what they told me.
They called the Ford hotline to help troubleshoot the noise. Apparently they thought they'd narrowed it down to the transfer case, so they were instructed to drain it and check with a magnet for metal filings. Indeed they did find metal filings (a considerable amount). Keep in mind that this is only after 25mi of 4x4 driving and 1200mi of 2wd driving. So they were told by Ford to replace the transfer case. They then took it for a drive, and whaddya know... still making the sound. So they took another truck off the lot - and took IT for a drive, and it made the same sound too. So now they're saying it's a normal sound, and everything is good. But everything is not good. The truck drives slightly differently (at least in my head - I have no objective measure to substantiate that claim) but it does feel a little more hesitant accelerating, and seems to have more vibration at hwy speeds.
Does this not strike anyone *** odd? If the sound were normal - why did they not know about this? It sounds to me more like a transfer case issue with BOTH vehicles which is why the metal filings were present in mine. Either way - I don't feel overly confident with their solution and position on this... and it's really pissing me off that I'm having to deal with this nonsense after shelling out a pretty penny for a brand new truck.
For what it's worth - I was able to find a similar issue described in a Raptor forum (that I can't find anymore). The long and the short of it is that this has robbed me of my truck honeymoon... and I really wish someone could tell me that my truck is A-Ok so I can get back to loving it.
Do you folks have any thoughts on the matter? What would you do in my shoes?
First and foremost - I'm a newb to the truck world, and to this site as well...and that's probably my first major problem. However, I thought I'd post my recent experience on here to see if anyone had any comments and/or to provide fair warning to anyone that may encounter this issue going forward.
I bought a brand new 2014 FX4 EB Screw at the end of Feb. I drove it off the lot, and was pretty much loving life. The next morning, we had some snow, so on my way to work, I threw it in 4WD (at a dead stop), and hit the highway (which was partially snow covered). After driving a couple of miles, I noticed an intermittent growl? for lack of a better word when the engine was working (either accel or decel) In between, when you're sort of coasting - it wasn't making the sound. Keep in mind that this was only in 4wd. So I got to work and called the dealership to see if this was normal. They asked me to bring it in and I took it for a drive with their transmission guy, who was also the shop foreman.
Even at lower speeds (25mph), the noise was audible... not overwhelming, but definitely there. He said he'd never heard anything like it... but did not suggest that it was normal sound. Heartbreak. The truck had 70 miles on it.
I had to take the truck on a road trip for a few days - so I drove it, but only in 2wd (with their blessing). Upon my return, I took it in for them to look at. I specifically expressed concern about them going on an part removal expedition with my truck looking for the source of the issue...and they said it wouldn't be an issue.
Later that day, I got a call saying that it was the transfer case, and that it was going to be replaced the next day.
I got a call in the afternoon the next day and went to pick it up...and here's what they told me.
They called the Ford hotline to help troubleshoot the noise. Apparently they thought they'd narrowed it down to the transfer case, so they were instructed to drain it and check with a magnet for metal filings. Indeed they did find metal filings (a considerable amount). Keep in mind that this is only after 25mi of 4x4 driving and 1200mi of 2wd driving. So they were told by Ford to replace the transfer case. They then took it for a drive, and whaddya know... still making the sound. So they took another truck off the lot - and took IT for a drive, and it made the same sound too. So now they're saying it's a normal sound, and everything is good. But everything is not good. The truck drives slightly differently (at least in my head - I have no objective measure to substantiate that claim) but it does feel a little more hesitant accelerating, and seems to have more vibration at hwy speeds.
Does this not strike anyone *** odd? If the sound were normal - why did they not know about this? It sounds to me more like a transfer case issue with BOTH vehicles which is why the metal filings were present in mine. Either way - I don't feel overly confident with their solution and position on this... and it's really pissing me off that I'm having to deal with this nonsense after shelling out a pretty penny for a brand new truck.
For what it's worth - I was able to find a similar issue described in a Raptor forum (that I can't find anymore). The long and the short of it is that this has robbed me of my truck honeymoon... and I really wish someone could tell me that my truck is A-Ok so I can get back to loving it.
Do you folks have any thoughts on the matter? What would you do in my shoes?
03-17-2014, 09:50 AM
#2
Hey Folks,
First and foremost - I'm a newb to the truck world, and to this site as well...and that's probably my first major problem. However, I thought I'd post my recent experience on here to see if anyone had any comments and/or to provide fair warning to anyone that may encounter this issue going forward.
I bought a brand new 2014 FX4 EB Screw at the end of Feb. I drove it off the lot, and was pretty much loving life. The next morning, we had some snow, so on my way to work, I threw it in 4WD (at a dead stop), and hit the highway (which was partially snow covered). After driving a couple of miles, I noticed an intermittent growl? for lack of a better word when the engine was working (either accel or decel) In between, when you're sort of coasting - it wasn't making the sound. Keep in mind that this was only in 4wd. So I got to work and called the dealership to see if this was normal. They asked me to bring it in and I took it for a drive with their transmission guy, who was also the shop foreman.
Even at lower speeds (25mph), the noise was audible... not overwhelming, but definitely there. He said he'd never heard anything like it... but did not suggest that it was normal sound. Heartbreak. The truck had 70 miles on it.
I had to take the truck on a road trip for a few days - so I drove it, but only in 2wd (with their blessing). Upon my return, I took it in for them to look at. I specifically expressed concern about them going on an part removal expedition with my truck looking for the source of the issue...and they said it wouldn't be an issue.
Later that day, I got a call saying that it was the transfer case, and that it was going to be replaced the next day.
I got a call in the afternoon the next day and went to pick it up...and here's what they told me.
They called the Ford hotline to help troubleshoot the noise. Apparently they thought they'd narrowed it down to the transfer case, so they were instructed to drain it and check with a magnet for metal filings. Indeed they did find metal filings (a considerable amount). Keep in mind that this is only after 25mi of 4x4 driving and 1200mi of 2wd driving. So they were told by Ford to replace the transfer case. They then took it for a drive, and whaddya know... still making the sound. So they took another truck off the lot - and took IT for a drive, and it made the same sound too. So now they're saying it's a normal sound, and everything is good. But everything is not good. The truck drives slightly differently (at least in my head - I have no objective measure to substantiate that claim) but it does feel a little more hesitant accelerating, and seems to have more vibration at hwy speeds.
Does this not strike anyone *** odd? If the sound were normal - why did they not know about this? It sounds to me more like a transfer case issue with BOTH vehicles which is why the metal filings were present in mine. Either way - I don't feel overly confident with their solution and position on this... and it's really pissing me off that I'm having to deal with this nonsense after shelling out a pretty penny for a brand new truck.
For what it's worth - I was able to find a similar issue described in a Raptor forum (that I can't find anymore). The long and the short of it is that this has robbed me of my truck honeymoon... and I really wish someone could tell me that my truck is A-Ok so I can get back to loving it.
Do you folks have any thoughts on the matter? What would you do in my shoes?
First and foremost - I'm a newb to the truck world, and to this site as well...and that's probably my first major problem. However, I thought I'd post my recent experience on here to see if anyone had any comments and/or to provide fair warning to anyone that may encounter this issue going forward.
I bought a brand new 2014 FX4 EB Screw at the end of Feb. I drove it off the lot, and was pretty much loving life. The next morning, we had some snow, so on my way to work, I threw it in 4WD (at a dead stop), and hit the highway (which was partially snow covered). After driving a couple of miles, I noticed an intermittent growl? for lack of a better word when the engine was working (either accel or decel) In between, when you're sort of coasting - it wasn't making the sound. Keep in mind that this was only in 4wd. So I got to work and called the dealership to see if this was normal. They asked me to bring it in and I took it for a drive with their transmission guy, who was also the shop foreman.
Even at lower speeds (25mph), the noise was audible... not overwhelming, but definitely there. He said he'd never heard anything like it... but did not suggest that it was normal sound. Heartbreak. The truck had 70 miles on it.
I had to take the truck on a road trip for a few days - so I drove it, but only in 2wd (with their blessing). Upon my return, I took it in for them to look at. I specifically expressed concern about them going on an part removal expedition with my truck looking for the source of the issue...and they said it wouldn't be an issue.
Later that day, I got a call saying that it was the transfer case, and that it was going to be replaced the next day.
I got a call in the afternoon the next day and went to pick it up...and here's what they told me.
They called the Ford hotline to help troubleshoot the noise. Apparently they thought they'd narrowed it down to the transfer case, so they were instructed to drain it and check with a magnet for metal filings. Indeed they did find metal filings (a considerable amount). Keep in mind that this is only after 25mi of 4x4 driving and 1200mi of 2wd driving. So they were told by Ford to replace the transfer case. They then took it for a drive, and whaddya know... still making the sound. So they took another truck off the lot - and took IT for a drive, and it made the same sound too. So now they're saying it's a normal sound, and everything is good. But everything is not good. The truck drives slightly differently (at least in my head - I have no objective measure to substantiate that claim) but it does feel a little more hesitant accelerating, and seems to have more vibration at hwy speeds.
Does this not strike anyone *** odd? If the sound were normal - why did they not know about this? It sounds to me more like a transfer case issue with BOTH vehicles which is why the metal filings were present in mine. Either way - I don't feel overly confident with their solution and position on this... and it's really pissing me off that I'm having to deal with this nonsense after shelling out a pretty penny for a brand new truck.
For what it's worth - I was able to find a similar issue described in a Raptor forum (that I can't find anymore). The long and the short of it is that this has robbed me of my truck honeymoon... and I really wish someone could tell me that my truck is A-Ok so I can get back to loving it.
Do you folks have any thoughts on the matter? What would you do in my shoes?
that being said the one time i put my 13 fx4 into 4wd i didn't hear this growling noise you describe, but i was also on a gravel road, maybe it only happens on pavement.
03-17-2014, 10:09 AM
#4
Mine only makes a sound when coasting. Dead silent when driving at least to 45 mph. But when you get off the gas it starts engine braking and you can really hear the transfer case wind up. It almost feels like it is using the transfer case to brake. It is very different compared to my previous vehicles. But I think it is normal.
Ford also seems to alter the shift strategy when you turn on 4x4. It downshifts much more quickly instead of just coasting which keeps the front differential under load I'm guessing. It feels more like tow haul mode was also turned on.
Ford also seems to alter the shift strategy when you turn on 4x4. It downshifts much more quickly instead of just coasting which keeps the front differential under load I'm guessing. It feels more like tow haul mode was also turned on.
03-17-2014, 10:23 AM
#5
The Macho King
So big daddy ford told them to replace the transfer case, and the dealership said "nah, screw you guys."? Find a new dealership. Get a claim number in with ford.
03-17-2014, 10:57 AM
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No - they did replace the transfer case... but then said the noise was normal after the replacement didn't correct it! So my question is... which is it?
And on top of that...why were there so many metal filings in the transfer case, if indeed everything was normal? That's usually an indication of undue wear, but after only such a short period of use? It can't be sheer coincidence that they found the metal filings? I'm suspecting a larger issue with that series of transfer case... which is why I wanted to post. I'd be curious to see if others (with and without this noise) have had any evidence of excessive (premature) wear when draining the transfer case.
And on top of that...why were there so many metal filings in the transfer case, if indeed everything was normal? That's usually an indication of undue wear, but after only such a short period of use? It can't be sheer coincidence that they found the metal filings? I'm suspecting a larger issue with that series of transfer case... which is why I wanted to post. I'd be curious to see if others (with and without this noise) have had any evidence of excessive (premature) wear when draining the transfer case.
03-17-2014, 11:04 AM
#7
Senior Member
Mine makes a slight noise either when accelerating or decelerating when in 4 wheel drive, my F350 did the same thing, I never worried about it because I figured this was normal, after all, when in 4 wheel drive you have a lot more gears spinning around in there to make noise. It's a 4 wheel drive system, not an all wheel drive.
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03-17-2014, 12:19 PM
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Sounds to me like you may have damaged the T-case by running it on pavement. The T-case creates a direct link between the front and rear axles. When running on pavement the front and rear cannot move at different speeds this causes the T-case to bind and in some cases even split. So if you ran it in 4X4 and there were some places where there was no snow it sounds like that's what caused the issue.
03-17-2014, 12:41 PM
#9
Senior Member
There will be a whirring noise as these are chain driven transfer cases and some metal filings will be normal on a new rig.
03-17-2014, 12:42 PM
#10
Senior Member
My 2012 doesn't make any noise like that and I've used it a lot this winter. Granted I only use 4WD when the roads are snow packed. The rest of the time when it's snowing I leave it AWD which is really a on demand system. IMO running it in 4WD on pavement shouldn't hurt it unless you're doing donuts on dry pavement. They are that delicate or least that's been my experience with my 06 and now my 2012.
As a suggestion the dealership MUST have more then one F150 with 4WD lying around. I'd go back and ask to take a ride in a couple more trucks. I seriously doubt ALL have that noise because there are lots of OP's here (like me) that have trucks without that noise……….. If they agree it would force their hand into admitting there is a problem!
As a suggestion the dealership MUST have more then one F150 with 4WD lying around. I'd go back and ask to take a ride in a couple more trucks. I seriously doubt ALL have that noise because there are lots of OP's here (like me) that have trucks without that noise……….. If they agree it would force their hand into admitting there is a problem!