Can You Drive with a Broken Transfer Case? Here's What Happen

A transfer case is essential for all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive cars. It receives power from the engine and distributes it to the wheels using the front and rear axles. Your transfer case is part of a complex drive train system that ensures cars made for challenging terrains perform at the expected levels.

There are different types of drive cases depending on the manufacturer and capability of the car, but they all primarily function in the same way. 4WD and AWD cars will have different transfer cases.

The transfer case in the Active Wheel Drive vehicle allows for more complex handling of the car by having additional gears for use in demanding terrain. Differentials help to distribute the power in a manner that makes the vehicle easy to handle.

Your transfer case works in unison with the driveshaft, axles, and wheels to ensure your car runs perfectly. If you are having problems with your transfer case, this article will help you figure out what your next step should be. You can expect the following:

• Whether you can drive with a broken transfer case
• The common causes of transfer case breakdown
• Signs of a transfer case breakdown
• How to fix a damaged transfer case
• Cost of repairing a damaged transfer case

Can You Drive with a Broken Transfer Case?

As a driver, you should never forget that driving your vehicle with a broken transfer case is not a good idea. It will present challenges like unexpectedly causing your car to jump in and out of 4WD mode. The inability to maintain a single driving mode can damage the transfer case and other vehicle systems. It may also lead to driving in unsafe conditions.

If you persist and drive your vehicle with a broken transfer case, it can destroy the transfer case beyond repair and, in turn, ruin your car's transmission, axles, and driveshafts. It is cheaper to fix a broken transfer case as soon as you notice it than to allow it to create additional mechanical challenges.

Common Causes of a Transfer Case to Break Down

Now that you know the crucial job your transfer case performs, we can get into the reasons for its malfunction. Many factors contribute to a transfer case breaking down.

The most common reasons for the transfer case to break down include:

• Wear and tear of the mechanical components comprising the drivetrain.
• Damage to drivetrain components due to lack of proper maintenance.
• Low fluids levels in your transfer case

Any fluid leaks must be addressed as soon as they are spotted to avoid critical internal transfer case damage. It is advisable always to perform routine maintenance on the transfer case fluid.

Type of Transfer Cases

Four-wheel and all-wheel-drive cars usually have their transfer case installed adjacent to the transmission. You will likely notice poor traction and power distribution when the transfer case is faulty. A transfer case that is functioning optimally should distribute the power between the front and rear wheels to offer good traction.

Situations that require you to engage the transfer case include;

• Off-road driving
• Muddy, snowy, icy, and rainy roads
• Steep slopes (both going up and down)

The transfer case comes in two types; it can either be chain-driven or gear-driven. The transfer case system can come as separate units or be merged with the transmission system. The transfer case can come as manually shifted or electronically shifted; others might be automatic, meaning it is engaged when extra traction is needed and disengaged whenever it is not required.

Other transfer cases can also allow the driver to choose between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. Other transfer cases have a specific gear setting designed only for off-road and not for everyday driving on roads. Always consult your user manual for the guidelines on how to control and use your transfer case properly.

Signs That Your Vehicle Has a Damaged Transfer Case

There are signs that your transfer case may fail whenever you have a car with a transfer case. You should look for the following symptoms when you suspect your car's transfer case is damaged.

• Your Car Makes Strange noises.

Anytime when driving and you hear some odd sounds coming from the transfer case or from under your vehicle, the cause could be a damaged transfer case. The strange noise includes chattering, grinding, or clicking. Either of these can be a sign of a faulty transfer case system. Contact your mechanic when you see these signs for diagnosis and repairs before the problem escalates and worsens.

• You Have Difficulty When Shifting Gears

The symptom of difficulty in shifting gears can occur in both the manual and automatic transmissions that come with transfer cases. The transfer case is crucial to ensuring that your car shifts gears properly. The transfer case may be to blame if your gears are getting stuck.

• You Suffer Random Engagement and Disengagement of 4WD.

Whenever you are driving and notice that your four-wheel drive does not stay engaged when you engage it or when it engages when it should not engage, that is a sign that your transfer case is faulty. You should take your vehicle to a mechanic for professional inspection and repair.

• Your transfer case does not shift at all.

Anytime you find that your transfer case cannot function, you should know that you have a significant problem. This problem is best diagnosed and repaired by your dealership or by a certified auto repair expert.

• You notice a fluid leak on the ground just under your transfer case.

Drivers are warned to beware of any wet spots beneath their transfer case. You are advised to call your mechanic for assistance immediately if you notice there is a leak on the ground under your transfer case. Before going to your mechanic, check to see whether it is safe to drive under those conditions. It might be easier to have your car towed to the repair shop instead of trying to drive the car there.

• Your Car is Producing a Burning Smell

A damaged transfer case causes the fluid levels to go down, resulting in too much friction in the transfer case. You should visit your mechanic for inspection and necessary repairs whenever you smell the fluids burning.

• When service 4WD light comes on

A faulty transfer case raises temperatures causing the engine computer to activate the check engine or service 4WD lights on your dashboard. Take your car to a professional for assistance in diagnosing the precise cause of the flashing check 4WD light.

The Cost of Fixing a Broken Transfer Case

You can expect the cost of fixing your transfer case to vary depending on several factors. These include the make and model of your car, location, and mechanic's skill level. The average cost of changing a broken transfer case is $2,600 to $2,700. The labor will cost between $500 and $600 and $2,100 in parts. Of course, this highly depends on the brand and model of your vehicle.

You can expect to spend at least $5,000 when attempting to fix a broken transfer case. Be prepared to spend more. These estimates are not inclusive of your geographical location or car model. Do not forget that repairs for additional issues could be needed.

How to Fix a Damaged Transfer Case

To honestly answer this question, first, you must ask yourself to what extent the damage is and whether your damaged transfer case can be repaired or not. Some damage is so extensive that the only option is to replace the entire case.

If your faulty transfer case can be repaired, you should take your car to a professional mechanic to replace damaged parts, add fresh transmission fluid, and replace the damaged seals. Wherever possible, it is best to deal with your dealership to avoid substandard or incompatible parts being used on your car.

If your faulty transfer case cannot be repaired, your mechanic will have to replace the damaged transfer case with a remanufactured one, which works just like a brand new one and should come with a warranty. It is always ideal to purchase an OEM transfer case where one is available.

Can You Change a Damaged Transfer Case by Yourself?

Although changing a damaged transfer case is not impossible for skilled auto repair enthusiasts, it is not advisable. Anyone that is not an expert in automotive components, such as transfer cases, is well advised to take their car to a professional mechanic who can solve this problem. When the transfer case is finally installed, the mechanic should inspect your vehicle's drive system and the transmission to ensure there were no additional damages and that you are good to go.

Conclusion

A faulty transfer case can damage your transmission and the overall performance of your vehicle. It can even damage your four-wheel drive system resulting in expensive repairs. It is to your advantage to find and rectify the causes of the transfer case problems early enough to minimize the risk of damaging your vehicle's transmission. Failure to address a broken transfer case as soon as possible creates additional mechanical issues.