Chevrolet Repair: 1997 Tahoe, snap ring, transfer case

Question
Hi. My Tahoe is makin a noise like it is trying to go into 4 wheel drive while I am starting out.  Once I reach over 30 mile per hour it does not make the noise.  If I shift it into 4 wheel drive, it does not make the noise.  THe noise is just like a gear is mismatched.  It only makes it when starting out and not at all when just ideling.  Val

Answer
Hi Val, I have seen this a couple times before. The problem is a broken snap ring at the rear of the transfer case. This snap ring can be replaced in the truck without removing the transfer case. You need to remove the driveshaft first, then the transfer case has a housing where the seal for the driveshaft goes. Remove this part by removing the 4 bolts, Tap the side of the housing to remove it from the transfer case. The snap ring will be inside this housing when you remove it,be sure to get all the pieces out. Install a new snap ring onto the shaft, you'll have to pull the transfer case shaft to the rear of the truck to locate the new snap ring into the groove on the shaft. This should take less than a hour to repair. Parts you'll need are the snap ring and a tube of sealer for the housing.

Have a Nice Day          Mark