T-case rebuild 97 XJ NP231

Cherokeekid88

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2007
Location
High Point, NC
Got word from my guy that my XJ has a bit of slop in the T case and is whats casuing my rotating thumping noise that I have had for the last week or so. I am not all too sure what all is involved in replacing the chain in a NP231 or what all else has to be replaced but it looks like its gonna cost me around $400.....sound right?
 
Doesn't sound right at all. I replaced the chain in my XJ a few years ago. It was $80 for the chain and a few hours of my time. You need some good snap ring pliers and some common tools. You don't have to pull the transfer case out completely but it makes it easier. I did mine in the jeep but looking back I should have just pulled it out to replaced the chain on a bench instead of laying under the jeep killing my neck.

And, my chain was VERY stretched and worn but I had no clanking. may want to get a second opinion of what is wrong.

Either way, replacing the chain for $400 seems steep to me. Heck I would do it for half that if I had the time.
 
well the shop I took it to, I have been going for years...they have ALWAYS treated me right and usually quote on the high end, so that the final bill is lower...anyways, He called back and said the chain kit was $89.99 and would have to take the case out and take it apart to see if anything else is/was damaged. I honestly, dont have the knowledge or the tools to tackle something like this myself, but I figure kits @ 89.99 + 3 hours@ $70/hr+ Tcase fluid+ shop supplies+ ect would be around the $400 range....and he said it would cost me $400 max....so hopefully, it will end up being cheaper
 
I understand your situation. I was there once myself and still am when it comes to certain repairs and upgrades. Best advice is invest in tools and spend some time researching. It will save you a lot of money, cause these types of things will happen when you own a jeep and it's much cheaper to be able to do it yourself.

Hopefully it's just the chain and don't cost you more than quoted.
 
Its crazy....the jeep has 152k on the clock. I baby the heck out of it on the road, but I guess things just happen without any question. Yeah, we just moved into our house about 4 months ago, so moving from an apartment, I didn't have much room to store tools, so I am slowly gathering tools as money allows.
 
Got a call from the guy at the shop and told me that he got the Tcase back together and took it for a spin and he said that its still making a very slight noise.....he wants me to come down and drive it and see what I think....This is already gonna cost me about $300...so if I go and drive it and its not fixed, what should I be liable to pay if he has to fix something else....I have never had a problem with this shop...Ive frequented there for the past 7 years or so and brought many a family/friends by to have them work on their cars.....
 
Well guy should have thought of that to be a cause instead of tearing into the t case....my question is...let's say it is the pinion bearing...should the shop be responsible for the labor for not fixing what was right in the first place?
 
Did you check the double cardon front drive shaft? The ball in those things are known for going bad and they will make some racket.

As for the t case and labor, well he's got time invested in it so he's expecting to get paid. It sounds like you need to meet with someone that's familiar with jeeps and jeep issues. I could probably meet you somewhere one day next week and see what I can find. I see your in high point, I live in Thomasville. I'm no expert but I know the common issues. Someone else may be able to help you sooner, but I would get an opinion from someone familiar with your issues.
 
I removed the front ds to eliminate it off the list. I have problem paying for what's already been done. I'm saying if the issue isn't fixed then I believe they should make it right at no charge to me. I'm more than willing to buy the part...but I think the labor should be on the house
 
Make him show you the "failed" transfer case parts. If the parts do in fact show evidence of causing noise due to wear or fatigue, then you may be on the hook. If they do not signs of wear, then ask for a labor credit towards repairing what the ACTUAL cause is.
If the chain was stretched, you should see wear inside the rear transfer case housing. The plastic guide should have been worn off too. Also, you should be able to feel roughness in the bearings he replaced.
If the rear pinion bearings are worn, you may be able to feel looseness in the pinion yoke itself. See if there is up and down/ side to side play in it. See if the nut simply worked loose as that is a very common issue on an 8.25 rear diff.
 
Well just went up there....still making noise. They were willing to not charge me for the labor or parts done to the t case....but he is saying it's the rear pinion bearing and is going to give me 10% off labor for getting the bearings fixed.......
So the saga continues......
 
SO........i get a call after he has torn down the rear end and and calls me and says...everything looks great....let me check one more thing....turns out it was my left front wheel hub assembly....picked up my jeep and it drives like a total different vehicle....and it only cost me about $100.....
 
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