DAMN!!! My X5's "transfer case" just took a crap last night.
When I put it into drive or reverse it makes the LOUDEST grinding noise ever.
I got underneath the car and the noise is definately coming from the transfer case. I pray it's not the transmissiom, but I have no codes or lights saying my transmission is out.

My question:
The transfer case seems easy to get to, but I've noticed some people are taking their cars to a shop. Is that because of the balance of moving parts in that area? Or just don't want to deal with it? On this car I've replaced my radiator and water pump myself and honestly this transfer case seem alot easier. However I'm not mechanic what so ever, I can just take things apart and put them back together (I think). A buddy of mine was saying that the bolt should be marked and put back in in the exact same order to keep the balance the same and all kinds of BS which was scaring me.

Any help?
Also... It's not my tranny right? *crossing fingers*

Thanks,