should the input and output shaft turn freely? I bought one and the input shaft turns freely but out but doesn't turn by hand? it feels like it is solid bit of play but locked?
Question(My 2007 x3): My transfer case was changed to a used one and it removed the ABS/Brake/4x4 lights from being on. Now I hear a scratching sound from the back that was NEVER present before. Do you have a professional opinion what could be happening or what could be checked?
Hi guys random atc400 functionality question. Without the actuator on the t case the spreaders are closed, does this fully engage front drive shaft or fully Disengage it? And is it safe to say that fully spread is the opposite?
Typiocally you do not want to use the cheap chains on these. Perhaps the oner you got was ok but you really want to use the original Borg Warner branded chains.
It came together by magic. My dealership wants $8000 to replace the transfer case, I found a transmission shop that will replace the bearings for about $1000.
Hello Sean - I am trying to troubleshoot my ATC400, and wondering should the assembly at timepoint 3:59 allow the input shaft from the servomotor to rotate a full 360, or should there be some resistance from the clutchpack limiting the rotation? I've replace my servomotor and ECU, get the TC still will not calibrate. Debating if I'm going to drop the TC or just send the car down the road. Great video!
There should be tough resistance when you turn the shaft where the Serv motor connects. It should turn back really fast and hard once you turn it with your hand.
Mine was jerking/stuttering when going up a hill under pressure. Also I had a noise like plonk/plonk coming when rolling slowly and shift in N and then push/pump the throttle and release. Felt like a rubber band release. Also disconnect your transfer case by disconnecting the electric gear motor in the transfer case. It’s just a plug and can be done quickly under the car. No need to jack up. You car will drive in rear wheel mode only. If any symptoms are gone then it’s the transfer case.
I know this is 4 years since you posted but just wanted to say thank you ,if you are not an educator of some kind then you should be ,very clear and very informative and hey ,you saved me $4,000
sort of like a puzzle ,you show half of everything ,I know you are trying to help but get a camera stand and explain all the moves as well as show ,this is very frustrating to non mechanics and I still have no idea
What are some symptoms when this t-case fails? My X3, 6speed when put in gear simple does not move. I can shift into all gears and its smooth however as I let the clutch out I hear noise coming from what sounds like the t-case. And does this apply to a 08 X3? Looking at realOEM it lists the ATC400 for years 2003-2010
Thanks for this manual I found it very useful. Let me also share link to supplier of spare parts that is much closer to European BMW X3 owners: awd.tech/collections/atc-400-bmw-x3 I've had their 5% coupon, possible it still works: XMAS18
Good video. I may need one too. Can you or someone HELP answer a question for me. My 07 x3 3.0si is rattling at the center bottom of the vehicle at rpm's at about (12-1500) in park, drive, neutral also while moving. IDK if the Transfer case has any power or movement to it while in park. I had the car up flushing my brake fluid and friend gave it gas in P, N, and Drive and it was way louder than I thought. Sounds like bad bearings or marbles inside somewhere right on or near the T.C.. The Exhaust is right next to it and was just wondering if it's that nylon worm gear, Transfer case or possibly Cat Convertor or even Torque Converter? going bad. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks-Peace-
Hi Sean, Great Video! By any change do you know the trasnfer case model on the Mini cooper All4 Countryman s AT... I've been looking for a rebuild kit, but no look...
So I did this and old chain stretched to 3 1/2 and new chain to 3 5/8 so can only 1/8 difference between the new and old chain make the difference? Or did I just wait my time buying a new chain?
Chad Ditsworth if you opened it up, it's not a waste of time, if you only replaced the chain, probably a waste of time. The bearings will make noise too. You have to replace them.
Sean King I didn’t open it up because of any noise problems, all it was doing was jumping and jerking like the chain wasn’t gripping! So with that 1/8 difference the new chain made help my situation?
Good video! I'm trying to do the same for my 2005 X3 as well. Ran into a couple of problems though. One is that one of the bolts broke and I'm having a tough time trying to get it out. Tried a few things but it won't get out. Then i thought i would just open it up and hopefully i can just twist it and get it out that way. But now I'm having trouble separating the two halves. The video says a puller is used. May i ask what kind of puller would work? I have a few pullers but they seem to be way too short/small to be secured against the case.
Hello. Dealer just called with a $4500+ replacement cost of the ATC400 transfer case. This video is a lifesaver. The car was studdering or jumping during acceleration and very occiasionally flashing a 4x4 light. I have already replaced the plastic gear in the xcase motor actuator. After watching this video I am imagining that the chain is jumping teeth. Is that a fair assumption? Other than the chain and bearing kit, what about the seal kit? Would that be a plus to replace? Also, are these case bolts aluminum and require replacement after every torque up? And finally, is the sealant for the case half the same that they use on the differential cover (loctite 5970) now? Great video and thanks for the info.
Darby Mirocha it's probably a lose chain. The seals I didn't replace because they weren't leaking. If yours aren't I'd leave them be. The gray sealant is permatex ultra grey. Reuse the same bolts.
Thanks so much. One more thing. I am using loctite 5970 for the case half. What is the cure time before filling with fluid? The MSDS says 7 days before subjecting to 'heavy loads'. I don't think an non-pressurized transfer case is a heavy load, but I don't want to be impatient either. How long did you wait before filling with fluid?
@@dmirocha "Form a Gasket." has different drying times. The case is bolted so can't emagine you would need a rocket ship type. But I would use the best auto Gasket Maker. Did you get vibrations in the seat and front of car?
So two years later, do you still have the car? If so, how are the parts holding up? Shop quoted me $3800 To replace the whole trans case. Thy said they use to service them but they won't do it anymore because they've been unreliable and later fail again. Thanks in advance!
I sold the car. No know issues I'm aware of. In hindsight, I would have replaced the Clutch pack too since I had it all apart and replaced everything else. I wouldn't buy into the"unreliable" rebuild theory of the dealership. A new transfer case is almost more than the car is worth! If I can rebuild it, you can too!
What if I have to replace the clutch pack as well. Not the whole assembly, only the clutches. How can it be done? Any specialty tools needed for the clutch pack?
CeCO Jr. Sorry for the delayed response. No tools necessary for the clutch pack. Just make sure to take pictures of the order of the stack so when you get new ones, they're in the correct orientation.
Way to stick it to those dealerships! Those poor mechanics that work for BMW are getting pennies compared to what's charged. Btw, is it safe to drive without resetting the transfer case adaptations though? I might have to go to the dealership to reset everything since I don't have a diagnostic tool.
Cool Beans Man.....Great Video........I can drive to you and have U do it for me......I'll pay ya $500 LOL........How long to remove the transfer case and re-install? Thanks for posting, well narrated and good video.
Hi thank you. this video is usefull. shouldn't you align the holes of the input shaft (2'34) and the holes of the drum (1'48)? I guess those holes are made to lubricate the Sprocket Assembly and the gear
Isreal Perez transfer case and transfer case actuator are notorious for going out in this model year range. 4x4, abs, airbag and another light on dash will all come on along with a clicking when you turn vehicle off, left and right turning/cornering stiffen/grind...
the actuator is a notorious, common fault with e83s but the transfer case going bad isnt at all common... and the only reason the actuator goes is because some idiot engineer designed the worm gear to be made out of plastic (the motor itself doesnt go bad). plastic gear next to catalytic converter = bad news.
with the face lifted models, the transfer case was redesigned, and no longer uses a chain. Rather it uses gears which spline together. When these units fail, more than likely, not going to be worth rebuilding. Unfortunately, you have to replace the whole unit.
thank you i also have another question.. i changed my transfercase and motor i still have the same banging and hoping feel what do you suggest im thinking replacing tie rods and tires and alignment
Sean- did you have problems when joining the two halfs together with the washer that goes on the bottom of the shaft not lining up? It's the one that sits on top of snap ring at the bottom of the shaft on top of the bearings
Hey Sean, ive got an oil leak on my t/c its coming from the front output shaft oil seal ( the smaller shaft in your video) would I have any issues pulling that shaft out when the transfer case is on the car? does the gear sit inside the bearing or will it fall out of place when the shaft is removed ?
What were the symptoms that had you do the rebuild? Great information here. I am getting some clunking and I am going to replace the fluid to see if that will work before I yank it out. A little initiative, a good back ground in auto repair and you can save a fortune.
clunking was definitely one big indicator for mine too. if/when you drain the fluid you should be able to see the chain through the filler hole. if you're able to move the chain easily with a screwdriver etc..then the chain needs replacing. also if the Christmas lights of death come up on the dash and it only lets you drive in 2Wd, the n it could be the transfer case actuator gear..which is only a 25 fix. there are plenty of videos about that on you tube.
I would pull the dust cover off block and look at the fly wheel or flex plate whatever you have and check for cracks or loose bolts that could be one problem if its not that it could be a connecting rod
Hello! Im planning on doing this job on my 04 X3 -- we've got a large knocking noise at low rpm upon acceleration and let off. Is taking out the transfer case the hardest thing? Also what kinds of tools does the job require? Any specials ones?
you'll need a torx set for the screws, snap ring pliers for the snap rings, and a puller to separate the cases. if you are replacing the bearings, you'll need a press to press them in place.