Differential seems to be binding up. 03 Safari AWD

FROM AWD'S TO 2-SPEED MANUAL SHIFT, IF IT LINKS THE REAR AXLE TO THE FRONT AXLE, POST IT HERE.
Post Reply

Topic author
Forgivenbob
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2021 10:21 am

Differential seems to be binding up. 03 Safari AWD

Post by Forgivenbob »

Hello,
I bought an 03 Safari AWD w/130,000 on it 3 years ago..
I really enjoy the AWD in the snow, but on dry pavement, the rear end seems to bind up..
I have 167,000 miles on it now, and it seems to be getting a lot worse..
I had the gear lube checked last winter, and was told that the level and consistancy looked good.
What could be causing this.?
I'm injured and out of work at the moment, so any help would be greatly appreciated..
Thank you.
User avatar

MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: Differential seems to be binding up. 03 Safari AWD

Post by MountainManJoe »

did you flush out the transfer case with autotrak II fluid? There is a technical bulletin on this problem.

Topic author
Forgivenbob
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2021 10:21 am

Re: Differential seems to be binding up. 03 Safari AWD

Post by Forgivenbob »

No, I'm not aware of any..
Is it like a recall or something, where the dealership will do it, no charge.?
User avatar

MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: Differential seems to be binding up. 03 Safari AWD

Post by MountainManJoe »

No, there's nothing to recall. You just replace the fluid in the transfer case with Autotrak II
It cost about $10 per qt when I did it years ago.

Service Bulletin 99-04-21-005E - Transfer Case Shudder
PIP3012F - Transfer Case Shudder On Turns

(see attachment)
Attachments
transfer case shudder.pdf
(247.86 KiB) Downloaded 40 times
User avatar

Herbie
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 674
Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:45 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has thanked: 12 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Contact:

Re: Differential seems to be binding up. 03 Safari AWD

Post by Herbie »

What are the exact symptoms that you think is the diff binding?

Not saying you're wrong, just trying to get a baseline.

Also, what's your load like? (I had some problems with the behavior of the lunchbox locker I had installed in my van that were rooted in the rear end being a bit over the rear GAWR.)
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
Image
User avatar

MountainManJoe
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3088
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet
Has thanked: 44 times
Been thanked: 24 times

Re: Differential seems to be binding up. 03 Safari AWD

Post by MountainManJoe »

if it's not that, then it could be one of these things
  • The governor assembly is tight in the case and/or bushing
  • Broken or weak governor flyweight spring
  • The flyweight in the governor assembly is stuck open
  • The cam plate or the governor drive teeth are broken
Post Reply