Help with transfer case and/or driveshaft issue

[acmegeek]

Howdy,

I've scoured all the threads and boards, and am just not sure how my particular issue fits in with the known issues.

It is a 2003 X5 3.0, with the 26207508629 front driveshaft, so as far as I can tell it does not have the actuator motor with the failing plastic gear.

Failure was starting off from a light, hearing a loud noise (like a bang), and then just losing all power to the wheels. Engine still ran, etc. Once towed home, I checked a few things. Made sure trans fluid was full (it was level when checked).

When I put it in drive or reverse, I get zero movement at the wheels. I then put the parking brake on while in drive, got out and looked under and the front driveshaft was spinning (and I couldn't stop it with a gloved hand, and yes, I did it very carefully). But zero movement or even torque on the rear driveshaft. In fact, I could turn it back and forth a little even as it is still in drive with the front driveshaft spinning.

Next, I put it back in park, and strangely, I could easily push the vehicle back and forth several feet and watch both front and rear driveshafts turn. I was expecting the parking brake to prevent this.



I am now very aware of the front driveshaft spline issue, and given it is an early 03, does not have the actuator motor (I may be wrong on this). I do think there is some play in the chain and splines, but am baffled why I have zero movement through the system.

Is this simply failed splines, or something else amiss? Anybody have similar experience?

Thanks!