Don’t Let a Transfer Case Failure Affect Your Volvo’s Performance

Do you have power loss or handling problems in your Volvo? Does your vehicle seem to be slow, lagging in acceleration, or have stability issues on the road? If you have encountered any or all of these, then there is a big possibility that you are already having issues with your transfer case. The transfer case is an essential component of the Volvo’s drivetrain in the all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, helping to transmit power to the front and rear wheels at the same time to enhance the vehicle’s grip, control, and acceleration.

Some of the signs that indicate the transfer case is failing include slipping gears, jerking movements, strange noises, and high fuel consumption. If these problems are not cared for, bigger issues may arise, up to the total failure of the drivetrain. To save money and ensure that your car runs smoothly, it is essential to know how transfer case failure impacts your Volvo, as well as how to address it.

How Transfer Case Failure Impacts Your Volvo’s Performance

Loss of Traction and Control: In an AWD Volvo, the transfer case is very important in providing the vehicle with the needed grip on diverse terrains. When it malfunctions, power may not be distributed to the wheels that should receive it at the right time, making it hard to maneuver the car, especially in wet, icy, or off-road terrain. This may cause the wheels to slip, become hard to turn, or the car may feel off balance when maneuvering.
Pressure on Other Elements of the Drivetrain: A failing transfer case affects more than just itself, it also puts a lot of pressure on other elements of the drivetrain, including the transmission, differentials, and the driveshaft. When these components have to work harder to receive the necessary power, they start to deteriorate at a much faster rate. This can lead to problems like differential failure, transmission overheating, or a misaligned driveshaft, among others.
Noise And Vibration: The internal parts of the transfer case are usually made of metal, and when they wear out, they may begin to make strange noises like clunking, grinding, or whining. These sounds are often an indication that the gears or chains within the transfer case have worn out and are not smoothly engaging as they should. In addition to the sounds, it is possible to experience vibrations coming from beneath the car, particularly when you start accelerating or making a turn. These vibrations mean that the drivetrain is not working optimally, and if not corrected, the problem is likely to escalate.
Risk of Complete Drivetrain Failure: If the transfer case issues are neglected for too long, the drivetrain may fail completely. This makes it impossible for the vehicle to deliver power to the wheels, and as a result, it becomes undrivable.

How to Deal with your Volo’s Failing Transfer Case

Check the Transfer Case Fluid: To address this problem, a mechanic should check the transfer case fluid and see if it requires a change. New oil will help in lubrication, reduce wear and tear by decreasing friction within the transfer case, and increase its durability. Volvo-recommended fluids should always be used, as they are most compatible with the transfer case and provide the best performance.
Change the Transfer Case: An expert mechanic will be able to help you decide if the whole transfer case should be changed, and can properly fit and set up the new case for your specific Volvo model. It is always best to use a good quality unit, one that will ensure that your car stays reliable and in good working condition.

Come To Our Workshop For All Your Volvo Drivetrain Needs

If your Volvo is showing some signs of a transfer case failure, then you should seek the services of a professional to address the issue before it gets out of hand. At Hayes European, Santa Cruz, CA based technicians are well-equipped to identify and fix any issues with your car’s transfer case. When you bring the vehicle to us, we use the latest diagnostic equipment to evaluate your Volvo’s status and offer the most suitable recommendations for your car. Whether you need a simple fluid replacement or complete transfer case replacement, our team will ensure that your Volvo goes back on the road as soon as possible. Call today and bring your Volvo to us, and we will ensure that your car is running as it should.