29th Oct 2007, 22:29

This is an interesting thread that I ran across while casually searching for info about my truck. A lot of transfer case problems. I have noticed that the issues with the transfer case seem to be with the 2500 or the 2500hd. Has anyone with the smaller 1500 Sierra had the same problem?

I have 100K miles on a 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Z71. I have driven it hard, pulled heavy trailers with it in Southern California Desert area where it gets quite warm. I have mostly serviced it myself using the GM specified fluids. And when I don't have the time to do it myself, I have taken it to a shop where I personally know the owner. I wonder if that could be the difference? I have had no repair issues with it so far.

9th Nov 2007, 07:01

I have a 99 Sierra 4WD. 4WD Service light kept coming on and was hard to get into 4wd and then back into 2wd. I had to replace the switch panel and the encoder motor at about 150,000. The stereo lights are slowly starting to go out. is there any fixes for this? also the trailer plug only works about half the time. any known fixes for this? Other than that this is a great truck. Drive back and forth from CO to IL weekly. Usually with a harley in the bed and two on a trailer behind.

21st Nov 2007, 19:48

I have a 99 Sierra 1500 4WD. Recently the service 4WD light came on. I discoverd the fuse had come loose, reset it and it looks good. But after reading $$$ horror stories about transfer cases I'm worried this may be coincidental. But, check your fuses before being at the mercy of a dealer.

14th Apr 2008, 13:46

I've got a 02' sierra 4wd. I have 90k miles on it never had a problem except lately when it is in 4wd there is a rough grinding noise in the front axle. It only does it in 4wd. Is this a transfer case problem or what could it be? I hardly ever use 4wd. Please Help!

9th Jun 2008, 01:27

Just something to think about... In two different late model Astro AWD vans I had the "Service AWD" and the "ABS" warning lights problems you have been talking about. Most times these two warning lights were on at the same time. In both of these vans this issue was actually caused by a bad ABS wheel speed sensor. Solved by replacing a faulty front wheel speed sensor. No more "service AWD" & ABS lights and the awd then worked again.

HeresPaco

Finger Lakes, NY.

24th Jun 2008, 00:36

Just experienced the same transfer case pin hole leak in my 2005 Sierra 1500 SLT.

Have had an intermittent clunking in the drive train since purchasing the truck with 57000kms (still under warranty). I have had it in for servicing for this problem numerous times, and the solution has been to lubricate the slip yoke; however the problem has not gone away.

My service 4X4 warning light started to come on, and also started to experience the random shifting of the transfer case. Had the oil changed because it was extremely dirty and shortly after the leak developed. The technician said that some clip comes off and then an small hole develops in the side of the transfer case. This was the diagnosis without dis-assembly, so this must be a common problem. Repair cost $3500.00. This failure occurred at 85000kms.

I think GM should start looking at this problem.

Les.

Edmonton, Alberta.

15th Aug 2008, 19:45

Notice one day that a leak had developed under my 2001 GMC 3500 4 wheel drive dually. Crawled underneath to locate the problem and discovered the rear axle, underside of the truck-bed and cross-member were covered with tranny fluid. I was amazed at the amount of fluid and trailed the leak back to its origin the "transfer case". Not sure where the t-case was leaking from, I got on the Internet to see if anybody else was having the same problems.

After reading numerous accounts of the famous oil pump rub, I crawled back underneath and located a small pin hole right where many others had indicated where it would be. With only 78,000 miles on it and never used other than pulling a bass boat, I took the truck to my local shop and they confirm what I already knew (hole in transfer case). What I didn't know was the cost to fix the problem $1200-1600.

Next I contacted GM to see if they had a recall or TSB about the problem. Naturally I was SOL on that, so my dilemma is either bite the bullet and pay or try the self-tapping screw with some JB weld.

Keith -Fontana Kansas

4th Sep 2008, 20:11

I have a 2000 Silverado Z71 ext cab, with 189,000 miles on it. Everything is stock except for larger tires (305's).

I recently went to the local mud hole and now there is a clicking noise that I can only hear at slow speeds. Up to about 25 miles an hour. It starts off slower and gets faster. I'm 100 percent sure it's in the drive train.

ANY IDEA OF WHAT IT MIGHT BE?

7th Oct 2008, 21:54

I have a 2003 GMC Sierra Z71. I have had the oil pump rub and did the JB weld fix. So far so good until today. I have notice a ping when the truck shifts gears, so went to the shop and we replaced the U joints, because that was the most likely cause. As I was about to leave, I asked how the fluid level looked in the tranny. Dry. We filled it back, thinking that now a seal was gone. The answer ended up being another pin hole towards the driver's side dead center. Now it is time for a new case. Does anyone know where the best place to find one is?

18th Feb 2009, 18:10

I had to laugh at the title of this review that this truck "does not make the grade". In point of fact GMC is such high quality that it is the ONLY brand of truck under federal copyright law that can use the phrase "we are professional grade"!

11th Jan 2010, 21:41

2004 Chevy Tahoe. I have the pin hole in the transfer case. Does the JB Weld work, or do I need the tail section of the case replaced? 121345 miles.

8th Mar 2010, 01:26

03 GMC Z71. I wish I knew then what I know now. 7 years young and still kickin mud, snow, ass, all OEM factory.. 5.3 V8.

28th Mar 2010, 19:37

Beauty 03 Z71 GMC. Takes a licken and keeps on ticken.

23rd Jun 2010, 18:13

2010 GMC Sierra Z71 off road??? Are you happy with your truck? Does it still kick ass like the older models??? Own an 03 GM Z71; thinking about picking up another one, a newer model.

10th Aug 2010, 10:59

I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 2 wheel drive Extended Cab 3rd door.

I just put a brand new set of tires on it and had the front end aligned. I'm having some vibration coming from the back end. I'm assuming its my U joints. I got under the truck and checked the drive shaft. How much play should the drive shaft have or if any at all. It will move up and down some and moves left and right.

Any suggestions?