AWD Issue

[Faustofsky]

Hello, as I mentioned in my first post, I'm new to the world of compact SUVs (I previously had several Suburbans and Tahoes) but I wanted to switch to a compact one for the gas mileage. I bought a 2016 Equinox.

I have a problem with the AWD transfer case. The transmission shifts perfectly at high speeds, but at low speeds (like in a parking lot), I feel a "clunk" when turning the steering wheel and it feels like the brakes are dragging. I've been told that one solution is to disconnect the driveshaft and remove the AWD (making it a 2WD only).

I also hear a constant humming/buzzing sound at all times (I assume it must be a bearing).

I welcome any suggestions. Thank you very much in advance.

 

[PoManNox]

It could be the transfer case, could be the rear coupling, or it could be anything along the driveshaft, like a carrier bearing, etc.

One way to troubleshoot the rear coupling is to unplug the electrical connector to it, pull the AWD fuse or remove the prop shaft and drive it to see if the problems go away. It's not uncommon to have the non-serviceable bearings go bad in the rear carrier/coupling. The coupling itself is an electromagnetic clutch.

If the noise is still present with the AWD system disabled by pulling a fuse or removing the prop shaft to the rear, the problem is probably in the rear differential or transfer case towards the front of the vehicle.

 

[Jnissen]

How often has the rear end oil been serviced? Same for transfer case? These require regular maintenance like most transmission systems.

 

[Faustofsky]

I removed the driveshaft and the problem got resolved. It is working as 4X2 instead AWD. Can I leave it like that? Thanks

 

[Faustofsky]

How often has the rear end oil been serviced? Same for transfer case? These require regular maintenance like most transmission systems.

IA says eery 45K miles

 

[PoManNox]

I removed the driveshaft and the problem got resolved. It is working as 4X2 instead AWD. Can I leave it like that? Thanks

Given these are bolted on prop shafts, yes. You can remove it and leave it as is if you're just trying to buy some time.

 

[PoManNox]

IA says eery 45K miles

What is IA? I do agree that these gear oils should be changed every 36K miles or so if you want max life out of the units. I'm not sure if GM even lists a service interval for them.

I'd imagine 98% of the AWD Equinoxes on the road from the beginning of time have the factory rear diff and T-case oil in them.

 

[Faustofsky]

What is IA? I do agree that these gear oils should be changed every 36K miles or so if you want max life out of the units. I'm not sure if GM even lists a service interval for them.

I'd imagine 98% of the AWD Equinoxes on the road from the beginning of time have the factory rear diff and T-case oil in them.

AI, sorry

 

[PoManNox]

I stay away from AI. I don't like that guy.

 

[Faustofsky]

He is a "know it all"