Getting a smell in 4x4

[01xjcny]

Had some snow today so i but it in 4x4 to go to the store and get a couple wifs of gear oil smell any ideas. does not smell the whole time in 4x4 i am sure you are not suppose to smell anything. the axles are full and no leaks

[Metlic53]

full time 4x4 or part time 4x4? you got the 231 or 242 transfercase?

[4.3LXJ]

The only things you have with gear oil is the diffs, unless you have a standard tranny. Sure it was not someone else?

[Metlic53]

i smelled it in mine and couldn't figure out where it was coming from, when i went to replace my rear brakes my axle seal had started leaking and was all in my brake shoes.
Could be there, leakin at pinion, leakin onto rotors from the axle shafts up front. You check diff fluid? maybe its low and getting hot?

[nickxj94]

Yup probably axle seals starting to leak in the front or rear

[01xjcny]

it has to be the front diff have a auto trans and was in part time. only have smelled it while in 4x4 about a month ago the wife called me while in 4x4 and smelled something funny so this time i smelled it. just did the front u joints and did not see leaks. i will check the fluid level again

[Metlic53]

full time is whats supposed to be driven on the street if needed, part time locks front and rear diffs together, adds to more stress.

[01xjcny]

well i only have two options 4 hi which says part time on the dash and then 4 low which still says part time on the dash i was in 4 hi going down the road

[Metlic53]

well i only have two options 4 hi which says part time on the dash and then 4 low which still says part time on the dash i was in 4 hi going down the road

oh, i assumed you had the 242 transfer case, you have the 231, still locks diffs together, adds to alot of stress. with a 242 it has a full time 4x4 option where you can drive and wont feel it while turning yet engage when you need it.

[01xjcny]

taking it to work this weekend to change the oil i will make sure the front diff is full

[Carves]

well i only have two options 4 hi which says part time on the dash and then 4 low which still says part time on the dash i was in 4 hi going down the road


X 2 with Metlic53 ...

Dont use 4x4 onroad.

Your 231 transfer case is not designed for it.

OPERATING RANGES
Transfer case operating ranges are:
² 2WD (2-wheel drive)
² 4x4 (4-wheel drive)
² 4 Lo (4-wheel drive low range
The 2WD range is for use on any road surface at any time.
The 4x4 and 4 Lo ranges are for off road use only.
They are not for use on hard surface roads. The only exception being when the road surface is wet or slippery or covered by ice and snow.

If because of the "exceptional" road conditions, you do need 4x4 on road ... dont drive at normal high speeds.

[01xjcny]

if i cant use 4x4 on the road i need to get a new vehicle the jeep is horrible in 2 wheel drive if the roads are covered. i have never used it on bare roads

[Carves]

if i cant use 4x4 on the road i need to get a new vehicle the jeep is horrible in 2 wheel drive if the roads are covered. i have never used it on bare roads


The info in blue ... in my post, is factory issued info.

Whilst it provides the exceptions where you can use 4x4 on a hard surface ... it doesnt include hints like ....

Drive at an appropiate speed ... or change out of 4x4 once you're out of the ice & slush.

I used to use my "part-time" 4x4 toyotas on bitumen when conditions demanded ... but the missus could never understand why I yelled at her when she wanted to use 4x4 on a hot dry day in mall, concrete and bitumen car park .. ;);)


If you have a very regular or constant demand for 4x4 on road ... It might be worth considering a t'fer case swap to the 242 model ??

[01xjcny]

ok missed that part yea i would not use it on dry pavement have only smelled gear oil twice while in 4x4 but never have smelled it while in two wheel