we got some ice last night, and so i wouldn't slide into a ditch i put my durango in 4wd. I couldn't help but notice a whining noise that sounded like it was coming from the front end. I have not the slightest clue as to what it is, if the transmission fluid has anything to do with it, i'm about to go out and check that now. I was thinking maybe transfer case fluid, Or something wrong with the diff, or diff fluid. I was also thinking a bearing, but i have no lift to jack the front end up. I'm literally at a loss here, can't find anything at all on the web. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

definitely start with checking fluids, including the front differential fluid

other than that bearings are what come to mind when i hear a whine, does it change pitch or volume with speed



also 4wd will help you get going, and help pull you in the right direction, however it will not help you stop and it will not stop you from sliding on ice, the only thing that will keep you safely on the road when it is icy is good sense and patience.

 

Yeah, there's more to staying on the road I checked the transmission fluid, that's okay, but I'm not sure how to check the diff or t-case fluid. I have a feeling it'll be something in the diff or t-case. But it doesn't hurt to check.

 

for the diff you just pop the rubber fill plug out and stick your finger in there, it should be full almost to the bottom of the plug

for the t-case same thing if you take the fill plug out and check

 

So I take it you need the truck up on a lift?

 

Not unless you weigh 400 pounds. You should be able to slide under there. To unscrew the fill plug on the transfer case you need a great big hex wrench. The fill plug on the diff was hard for me to spot at first. I wasn't expecting a black rubber plug. It just looked like a bulge on the diff cover.

 

Do I need any special tool for the fill plug on the diff?

 

No. If you have a skid plate on the front end you remove that (about 4 bolts) and you reach on the front of the cover (which is on the front side) and there will be a rubber plug. Remove the plug and place your finger in the hole, fluid should be at the bottom of the hole so it doesn't run out when the plug is removed. Use a flat head screw driver to pop it out.

Now on the transfer case at the rear of the case toward the bottom are 2 plugs that are slightly offset from each other. One is lower and this is the drain hole. The upper one is the fill hole. Remove the fill plug (again the slightly upper one) and again place your finger into the hole, the fluid should be to the bottom of this hole so it doesn't run out. If you remove the lower plug all the fluid will pour out and it is a b!tch to get back in.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm hoping it's just the fluid in the diff or the t-case. I have a terrible feeling I'll need to replace the t-case or the diff. Or a bearing. I'll check them tomorrow afternoon

 

Also check your CV joints and front drive shaft joints.