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Loud noise underneath

I guess my transfer case or drive shaft just failed. I was driving home last night, got to a red light where I had to turn right, waited for the green light and right while I was turning right, a loud noise came up from underneath. I pulled over, looked under and behind the car, nothing unusual. So I thought it was ok to at least get home. When I tried to leave, the loud noise came up again when I reached just 10-15kmh. So I guess the transfer case failed or the common splines issue got to it.

INPA error memory is empty for the VGSG, however, the following errors came up for DXC8:

Code:

E R R O R M E M O R Y

---------------------------------------

Date: 26.11.2010 19:31:08

ECU: DXC8

JobStatus: OKAY

Variant: DXC8

-------------------------------------------------------------

RESULT: 2 error in error memory !

-------------------------------------------------------------

5F1E 5f1e - variant code: Info : Trailer_Oscillation_Logic on EEPROM deactivated.

Error counter: 56

Logistic counter: 40

Mileage 134690 km

Fahrzeuggeschwindigkeit 0.00 km/h

ACB 0.00 0/1

HBA 0.00 0/1

ECD 0.00 0/1

HDC 0.00 0/1

DSC 0.00 0/1

ABS 0.00 0/1

BLS 0.00 0/1

ASC 0.00 0/1

No matching error symptom

Test conditions fulfilled

Error present now and already stored

Error would cause a warning lamp to light up

Error code: 5F 1E E0 38 28 34 9D 00 00 00

-------------------------------------------------------------

5DEC 5dec - clutch gearbox-ECU: clutch temporary () closed. rear-wheel drive! Strain of transfer gear-Error counter: 1

Logistic counter: 37

Mileage 135000 km

Fahrzeuggeschwindigkeit 19.41 km/h

ACB 0.00 0/1

HBA 0.00 0/1

ECD 0.00 0/1

HDC 0.00 0/1

DSC 0.00 0/1

ABS 1.00 0/1

BLS 1.00 0/1

ASC 1.00 0/1

No matching error symptom

Test conditions fulfilled

Error not present now, but already stored

Error would cause a warning lamp to light up

Error code: 5D EC A0 01 25 34 BC 01 59 E0

=============================================================

I couldn't find any clear explanations of the codes, so I will have to get it to the shop on Monday. Just in case this is the splines issues, how much would this cost to fix?

Oh well.. looks like my front diff. is blasted. After freeing the shaft from the transfer case, rotating the shaft doesn't rotate the wheels. Also, a grind noise comes up when I do it and sometimes after 2-3 spins, it gets stuck. So I will be running without it for a while, until I find another diff. I drove pretty a bunch of RWDs (3/5/7 and other brands), but should I take any special precautions when the driving the X with RWD only?

be aware of the higher center of gravity.. otherwise have fun?

I drove around with the front shaft removed. Not much of a difference during the city speed limits, but I guess that will change one snow/ice will show up.
Looking at my alternatives, I have to either buy a used one from the scrape yard or get a new one from the dealer. Used one goes around half the price of a new one, in here. So that would be around $1,110 vs. $2,200. I am kinda reluctant to buy a used one, since it might fail any time. Anybody had any luck with used differentials?

Later edit: mostly I am worried about the failure for 2 reasons:
1. If it fails again like my original one, it gets locked, ruining the TC also.
and
2. Who knows what stranded road you are winding around at that time, leaving you stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chas3 (Post 785177)

Tough call. Maybe you can buy the new one from the dealer but get it installed somewhere else to kind of offset the price of the new part? Of course, you might have to go back to the dealer for some programming anyways. Hhmm ... maybe stick with the dealer on all of it if you get new - that way there won't be any finger pointing if something goes wrong and won't cause issues for the warranty.

I will definitely make the transplant with an independent shop (I have been working with them for a couple of years by now). So either way, used or new, the labor cost will be exactly the same.
The differential itself probably doesn't need any coding. However, I will have to hook my DIS to the X anyway, since after reconditioning the TC the xdrive oil will be changed and I will have to reset the adaptation values.
I will give it a thought over the weekend, trying to make up my mind if the extra $1,100 justifies the new differential. However, any happy stories with used differentials are welcome, as I incline towards the used part scenario :)