2001 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Tight Ride

2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE
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SIRIVE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
okay, so when i shift into 4wd, the ride feels very tight (like its struggling to move) and i get a whrring sound. as soon as i go back into 2wd, it feels like the tightness is relived.
what could it be??
ps.
i live in NY and we just got about 23" of snow. would it be adviseable to try and use the 4wd anyways, or could i cause some major damage?

help!!!
thanx.
Feb 12, 2006 at 6:50 AM
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CHEVY350GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 109 POSTS
don't worry about it the tight ride is normal when engaged in 4wd. the whinning you hear is your transfercase putting power to your front wheels. which is why it goes away in 2wd. i live in upstate ny 50 miles south of rochester and have 2 4x4's. they both do that, and always have done that. just make sure to change your transfer case oil, i do it about every 30k.
Feb 12, 2006 at 11:57 AM
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SIRIVE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
[quote="chevy350guy"]don't woeey about it the tight ride is normal when engaged in 4wd.quote]

only thing is it has never been like that before. i hardly use the 4wd(only when it snows).
Feb 12, 2006 at 2:06 PM
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JUSTINPAUL411
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I have a Chevy Tahoe as well, dont worry about it. Mine does it too. Ive had other trucks and SUVS that do the same thing.

Rememebr never to use 4x4 unless you have snow, ice or mud.. you can damage parts of the drive system.
Feb 12, 2006 at 4:57 PM
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Suggested Repair

The tight ride and whirring in 4WD are described as normal because the transfer case is sending power to the front wheels. Change the transfer case fluid about every 30,000 miles, and use 4WD only on snow, ice, or mud to avoid drivetrain damage.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe reports a tight, struggling ride and a whirring sound in 4WD that go away in 2WD, and asks whether using 4WD in deep snow could cause damage. Experts say both symptoms are normal when 4WD powers the front wheels, recommend changing transfer case fluid about every 30,000 miles, and advise using 4WD only on snow, ice, or mud. The owner notes the behavior is new and that 4WD is rarely used.

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