newbie - potential transfer case issue

[ashw1980]

Hi All,

New to forum having picked up my first X5 last month - a 2007 4.8SE  Had loads of BMWs in past however. So far very impressed with the car however its developed a rather worrying metallic knocking/ticking noise - having done some research on here I'm assuming its more than likely the transfer case!!  >:(

However before I pursue this further just wanted to get options on anything else that it could be - I will try my best to describe the noise:

Level of noise can vary - sometimes very light and sometimes very loud, it can increase in speed also almost like its something catching a drive shaft/wheel. very much a metallic sound banging - like something is hitting. not always present however but the car can be jerky at low revs when pulling off or in reverse. Like i say sometimes it won't happen for a while and seems to be set off when coming off the gas peddle.

Location of the noise hard to tell - but i believe drivers side towards the rear - still trying to pin this down further.

Any suggestions - or anything I can do to confirm its transfer case related? If it is transfer case related does anyone have any recommendations for firm to take the work on fixing it in the Surrey area?

[graemeX5]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear about the problem. It could be the 4x4 system is playing up causin noised from the transfer box.

A simple check is the tyres. Check if correct sizes, same make, and tyre depths as the rolling circumference can vary and this can cause noise at slow speed due to the differences.

Has the car had a new trye or a pair of tyres fitted recently? If so the tread depthless is 7-8mm on a new trye whereas an old one can be much much less. BMW recommends star rated tyres certain makes prob as they wear at certain rates and have similar profiles.

If you can get a complete set of wheels with same tyre depth and fit these and see if the noise disappears is a quick way. As if noise is still present then not that.

Also I remember there was a prob with later model facelift cars 2011 approx with their transfer boxes but I don't think your car is affected as it's a lot earlier but X5Sport can confirm this.

Also worth jacking car up remove the wheels in turn (remember to put axle stands in to support the car) and spinning hub by hand to check if no untoward noises or nothing catching / come loose, poss even a wheel bearing but that's usually a droning sound

Graeme

[ashw1980]

Hi Graeme,

Thanks for the reply - Tyres are all new 7mm tread depth - Will double check if they are star rated though as Im not sure. they are Pirelli so hopefully good quality.

Fingers crossed my transfer box is not made out of chocolate then  but its certainly drive train related this noise for sure. will look to get it up in the air soon to try and locate as its the only thing detracting from a great car!

Cheers

[Horizon]

If you can jack up the front then the rear so you can get a piece of string around the tyre, mark where the two meet with a marker pen. This will give you the rolling circumference of the tyre.
Compare front to rear.
If they are star marked and all the same make/ version you won't have to try this, but if they are not star marked it's worth a try.
mine had a difference of 30+ mm when I bought it !!!!!
You could feel the transmission winding up and unwinding when coming to a stop.
Many on here have used non star marked tyres with no issues, others have had diffs and transfer boxes smashed.
I guess it's running 20" on a 4.8, what profiles are you running?

[kkx5]

Remove fuse no92, 30A, (rear power distribusion box). Test drive it...