Equinox Vibrating when in AWD mode

[09marty]

I have a 2020 Chevy Equinox Premier 1.5L AWD that intermittently produces a vibration or droning noise when AWD mode is engaged. The noise occurs at both low and highway speeds but is not consistent. It appears to originate from the area directly beneath the shifter. When operating in FWD mode, the noise is not present. I plan to put the vehicle on a lift tomorrow to inspect the driveshaft, rear differential, and related drivetrain components. Has anyone encountered a similar issue or have suggestions on where to start diagnosing?

 

[PoManNox]

How many miles on the vehicle? We've seen little/no problems with the AWD system on the 2018+ Equinox at this point. Sorry to hear you are having problems. Hopefully you get them sorted in short order.

A few things happen when you press the AWD button. One is the electronic actuator on the transfer case locks the transfer case in with the front right CV half shaft. This causes the prop shaft to the rear carrier to spin any time the vehicle is in motion. The wet clutch in the rear carrier unit will be energized to some degree, in preparation to send power to the rear wheels as needed (when front wheel slippage is detected).

Since you're feeling noise/vibes near the shifter, my guess would be a problem around the T-case. Possible U-joint or rag joint problem on the prop shaft? (I forget which it uses) Carrier bearing problem on the prop shaft maybe? Don't be alarmed when you notice the jog in the 2 piece prop shaft as it runs front to back. It angles out and back in per design of the vehicle. Looks weird, but it's normal.

 

[09marty]

Update here I just got this thing up on Jack Stands this morning. I immediately saw that the carrier bearing what cocked and rubbing on the driveshaft. I assume this is my vibration when engaging AWD.

 

[09marty]

Unfortunately from my research GM does not design this carrier bearing to be replaced. Seems I will have to replace the whole driveshaft :/

 

[PoManNox]

Unfortunately from my research GM does not design this carrier bearing to be replaced. Seems I will have to replace the whole driveshaft :/

I see that.

I don't know if the carrier bearing is integrated with the shaft somehow, or pressed on, etc. I see RockAuto has OEM replacement shaft assemblies for the 2018+ for ~$374. Aftermarkets seem to be in the $200-300 range. I'd avoid aftermarket. What about a junkyard, pick-n-pull unit?

Either way, this is an inexpensive fix for today's standards.

 

[09marty]

I ordered a new part and wanted to get everything before it got here. I was reading the service manual and saw they suggest I replace retaining rings and orings. However, they do not specify part numbers. Can I just get a generic kit to replace these then?

https://cardiagn.com/2018-chevrolet-equinox-terrain-service-repair-manual-direct-zip/

 

[PoManNox]

If the old retaining clips and O-rings look good, I'd reuse them.