Symptoms of a Transfer Case Failure in Your Volvo

by techplusaadmin July 9, 2021

Volvo‘s that are all-wheel drive have a component called the transfer case. This is essential for a smooth all-wheel-drive performance. We’re going to dive deeper into this component and talk about the transfer case, what it does for your Volvo, and what symptoms to be on the lookout to detect eventual failure.

Before understanding the symptoms of a failing transfer case, you might need to know it’s function. A transfer case is a specialized component used in cars that have all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. These types of vehicles use both the front & rear axles to gain traction and propel the car forward. Specifically, on four-wheel-drive vehicles, each of the wheels needs to be powered.

The transfer case is responsible for splitting up the engine power between the two axles to be distributed to the four wheels. This is the center of the drivetrain system on 4X4 and all-wheel drive vehicles, so this is a significant aspect of your vehicle. Without it, you will face severe performance issues, since your axles will not deliver the power needed to function properly.

Transfer Case Failure Symptoms

Odd Noises

One of the first things you might notice is that your car is making odd noises. Sometimes the noise may sound like grinding of metal against metal. Anytime you hear a grinding noise in your car, you should contact your mechanic immediately. This is a sign of extreme friction that should never happen in your vehicle, as it is extremely damaging.

If this grinding noise is due to a failing transfer case, it may have been caused by leaking or low hydraulic fluid. If the fluid is low, it is not acting as a lubricant, and the parts are grinding together and becoming damaged due to this issue.

Difficulty shifting gears

Another symptom you could notice is you are having difficulty shifting gears. The issue with this symptom is that the transmission is a complicated piece of machinery. While problems in shifting gears could be caused by a case failure, that is not the only possibility. If you are having this issue, you should contact your vehicle technician to make an appointment to diagnose and analyze any potential problems occurring in your Volvo.

Leaking hydraulic fluid

Finally, you might notice that your car is leaking hydraulic fluid. As we previously mentioned in the odd noises section of this article, low or leaking hydraulic fluid can be detrimental to your transfer case working properly. If your Volvo is leaking fluid, you may notice a puddle underneath your car after it has been parked for some time. If you do see a puddle, you should contact your trusted Volvo technician right away. Try to make note of the color, smell, and viscosity of the fluid.

How to Prevent Transfer Case Issues

The best way to prevent transfer case issues, and almost all problems you could possibly run into with your Volvo, is to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance. It is imperative to keep up on inspections, tune-ups, and regular maintenance. Taking care of your car’s needs regularly will enable you to catch problems as soon as they start.

This will allow you to save time and money down the road. If you do not catch small issues until they turn into extensive issues, the problem could worsen. It may need additional parts fixed at a higher cost than if you fixed the problem before it became a larger issue.

Hiring an Expert at Tech Plus Automotive

If your Volvo is experiencing problems and you are in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, McCormick Ranch, or Scottsdale, AZ, we are here to help you! We are Scottsdale’s #1 rated independent European auto repair center since 2003.

We specialize in many European & luxury import cars like your Volvo as well as the Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes, and Porches. So whether you need service and repair for your Volvo or another automobile, our experienced automotive technicians can help.

Call us today to set an appointment and allow us to show you why we’re the best technicians for your car. We look forward to earning your business.