If you even begin to suspect that your transfer case is going bad, we recommend you do not let it fail. Suppose your transfer case fails while your car is running, it can cause some severe damage to your transmission. In most cases, if your transfer case is having problems, we recommend that you replace it before it’s too late.
Before you even start your search, let’s make sure that what you need is a transfer case replacement and not any other component on the drivetrain. Below My Auto Store will list a couple of clues that can help you figure out if you are having transfer case problems.
How do you know if you are having transfer case problems?
Just like with other parts of the vehicle, the transfer case has moving components. When properly functioning drivers will not even notice they are there, until some of the common warning signs of part failure are coming.
Here are some of the warning signs to watch out for:
- Weird Sounds Coming From Under The Vehicle If you hear grinding underneath, it could mean you have a transfer case leak and that the seal broke. When the shaft is sealed, you can’t hear the noises the gears are making inside of the transfer case, but when the seal breaks, hear the gears turning inside. As transmission fluid leaks out, the gears become less lubricated and begin grinding together, making a loud sound.
- Issues Shifting Gears or Leakage If the vehicle has trouble shifting into different gears, it could be a sign there is something wrong with the transfer case since these are linked together. Due to a leak making the transfer case fluid low, be sure to check underneath the vehicle for any fluid leaking.
- Will Not Stay In 4WD If the 4WD or AWD does not work or does not turn off, it could be anything from an electrical issue to an issue with the transmission. However, if the car is part-time AWD or 4WD and continuously goes in and out of 4WD without warning or cause, you probably have an issue with the transfer case.
- 4WD Service Light Is On This is probably the simplest way to tell if there’s an issue with the transfer case. Although this light coming on does not necessarily mean the transfer case is faulty, it gives you an idea of where the problem may be located in your vehicle.
The most common reason for a transfer case to malfunction is the loss of transmission fluid through the seals on the output shaft that connects to the axles. When there is not enough fluid, the transfer case will overheat, and the components inside of it will get damaged, making it useless. Replace the transfer case before it causes more damage to other components like the transmission.
Where to Find a Transfer Case
Now that you know that you need to replace your transfer case, we recommend that you buy it used online. Most likely you will have to buy it used because manufacturers do not sell transfer cases or distribute them in new condition.
The closest thing to buying a new transfer case is a refurbished one that you can get at your local NAPA Auto Parts or Autozone; however, this will cost you a fortune, and they are not even brand new. Even if you have a warranty and go to the dealer, they will replace your car’s transfer case with a rebuilt, remanufactured, or refurbished one.
Before you start looking for a used transfer case online, we have some pro tips to help you make this process straightforward and easy while saving you money in the process.
What to Look For
First, check out this list with information that you will need to have on hand in order to complete any purchase of a used auto part online:
- Basic vehicle information like the year, make model, trim, and VIN number.
- Engine information such as cylinders, displacement, capacity, and liter.
- Body/information like the number of doors.
- Drivetrain information.
When looking for a transfer case replacement for your vehicle, the drivetrain information is extremely important. Make sure you know for sure if your vehicle is all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) before you start your online search.
If you don’t know where to find all this information, we have a pro tip:
Use the VIN number to find all this information about your car faster. The VIN number is a 16-digit code unique to your car that is used to identify it from the rest. This number is typically located on the corner of the windshield on the driver’s side or on one of the door pillars.
Now that you are ready to search for a used transfer case online, we have a couple more pro tips to make sure you don’t get scammed and actually save money with your purchase.
How to find a good quality used transfer case online
Make sure it comes with a warranty:
First of all, you need to choose a reputable source or company. Try to avoid dealing with individuals from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace since these people won’t offer a warranty. Look for Facebook Shops & local dealers with physical locations & verified reviews.
There is nothing more costly than buying a used auto part you can’t use and can’t return. Make sure you get a warranty that covers any malfunction or defects for at least three months. Chances are you can be sure that the transfer case you bought is completely good after the 2nd or 3rd month after installing it.
Customer Service
Take customer service reviews into account. If you buy it from a company with a good sales and customer service team, you can be sure that if something happens during delivery or if your used transfer case fails, you will receive fast and professional assistance.
At My Auto Store, we’re looking to build long-term relationships with our customers, as some of our biggest customers are the repair shops doing your repairs.
Save Money Buying Replacement Parts
Most guides will recommend that you buy from a local salvage yard or repair shop. This is due to the fact that you can check and inspect the product before you buy it when you go local. With multiple locations across the Delaware Valley/NYC Area & East Coast & growing, My Auto Store is more than likely your local source.
Unlike a self-service junkyard, My Auto Store is a full-service auto recycler, that is the source for many of your auto repair shops nationwide. That’s why we recommend you buy the used transfer case you need straight from the source online at My Auto Store.
Company Reputation
A reputable used auto parts supplier that sells a transfer case online must have these:
- Free shipping: This not only proves they have the capabilities and customer service to deliver you a transfer case but also saves you time.
- An extended warranty: 30-90 day warranties are not good enough since most transfer cases could fail during that time. Look for companies like My Auto Store that offer warranties of 6 months or more to give you more peace of mind.
Remember: trust always comes first. That is why you should make sure that the company is accredited by national associations like the Automotive Recyclers Association. My Auto Store is an ARA-accredited auto recycler & a trusted online used auto parts supplier.
Where Can I Buy A Used Transfer Case Online?
We suggest you go straight to the source of the parts. Most websites that claim to sell used transfer cases only show a generic product image and then outsource the part from auto recyclers such as My Auto Store. Then take a cut to make a profit.
We want you to avoid this and save as much money as possible. That is why we believe My Auto Store is your to-go place if you plan to buy a used transfer case online or any major used auto part for your car or truck.
As one of the biggest recyclers of cars in all of the USA, My Auto Store is the best option and resource to find used transfer cases online. Not only do we have parting out cars down to a science; but we also only put the best and highest quality auto parts in our inventory. If something is slightly damaged, it gets scrapped for metal.
Every car-part goes through a 4 step quality process. Therefore we can offer a 6-month warranty on all of our used auto parts with a great and responsive customer service experience willing to help you at every step of the buying process.
Instead of going through a middleman, you can get the car parts you need straight from the source at My Auto Store.
