Whining sound in four wheel drive

2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
158,800 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ZACH HUSKIN
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  • 1 POST
No strange sound in two wheel drive. But in four wheel drive it sounds like a deeper whine than what you would have of you had no power steering fluid. Happens as you turn and when you return the wheel to its center position. Turning left and right.
Mar 19, 2020 at 9:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Does it only happen when turning? Are you sure it isn't the power steering pump? Also, have you checked the fluid in the differentials and the transfer case?

On the back side of the transfer case, you will see two plugs. One is higher than the other. Remove the top one and the fluid should be to the top of the bottom threaded opening.

The best picture I could find of the fill plug is attached. Don't remove the lower plug. It is a drain. I circled the plug to check. It requires a 3/8" ratchet to remove. I always put an extension on the ratchet to make it easier.

If you remove the front differential fill hole plug, it is full based on the same principals.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Mar 19, 2020 at 10:43 PM