205 shifter whine

[pcpeterson]

I'd like some ideas for quieting the t/c drone while on highway. My current solution is a coat or something like that just thrown over it. It is a np205 paired with a sm465. I've owned my 1971 k10 since 1994, and it has always done it. I'm just older and grouchy now lol. Thanks for the help.

 

[nvrenuf]

A true hum or whine is most likely a bad bearing or gear problem. If it is actually a rattle then it may be a driveshaft vibration (bad angle, bad u-joint, etc).

 

[pcpeterson]

I'll check into the u-joints. I'd think after this many years if it was anything significant it would have manifested into a major problem. I assumed it is a common issue, and that someone has a clever technique to quiet it down. Now you got me worried. Thanks for the input.

 

[Fordum]

I'd think after this many years if it was anything significant it would have manifested into a major problem.

Normally I would tend to agree.........But, I can't help but remember my old CJ-5. The transfer cases on them had an idler gear that ran on two sets of needle bearings.
With new gear, shaft, and bearings it was nice and quiet. But, after a few thousand miles, the bearings would wear, and the whine would start.
Over time, it got worse and worse. After a few years, it would be so bad, you could hear the Jeep coming a long ways away.

Despite years of whining, I never saw one actually fail. Eventually the noise would reach the point that the radio could not be turned up enough, and then a bearing and gear kit was put in.

The reason I mention this, is because I know the 205 uses some needle bearings. You whine might just be worn bearings that are loose enough to make the noise, but not to cause operational problems.

BTW, one fine day, someone came out with a kit that replaced the needle bearings in the Jeep transfer case with tapered roller bearings like wheel bearings.
After that, no more whine.
And they were many times easier to install.

 

[Cruz89K5]

My 205 whines a bit in the cab also. When it was apart a year or two ago all of the bearings were fine. I'd be interested in a fix myself.

 

[pcpeterson]

If the shifter is moved around slightly, it will quiet it some. Would you still consider bearings as an issue? If so, I may dig in there and see if I can fix it. It's good to hear they have improved from needle bearings. Thanks for the help.

 

[dyeager535]

Whine or rattle?

The shifters are pretty prone to rattle against the bolt that holds them in place, seems GM never came up with a concrete solution to that issue. The later shift levers have a rubber bushing in that location, but even that doesn't solve it completely, at least in my case.

 

[sweetk30]

shifter rattle and possible loose / worn bearing in the case .

also if lifted new angles on the u-joints can create a different pressure point on the tail / rear output bearing and make it growl . mine does it now I changed stuff.

also I did a full reman of a 205 with pics of every step and links to info in the tech section here on ck5 if you need help with tear down and reman .

the 205 is stupid simple .

 

[nvrenuf]

My old K10 had a little bit of loose shifter rattle that I cured with a couple of thin wave washers from either Lowe's or Home Depot.

 

[ssyork]

I run some Lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer in mine. Seems to shift better and quieted it down some. About 1/2 bottle.

 

[pcpeterson]

I think I'll try the washer idea. I'd say that the sound comes from the shifter vibrating more than the 205 internals. I also read an idea where a 1/2" piece of rubber is mounted under the boot with a slit for the shifter to fit through. Supposedly holds it steady and may prevent the rattling. Now I get to go shopping.

 

[dyeager535]

My solution is to replace the 205 with a 241. lol

 

[pcpeterson]

I look into some washers for the shifter linkage. I have also read about using a 1/2" piece of rubber under the shifter boot with a slit for the shifter. It supposedly holds/steadies it to prevent the majority of the noise. We will see.

 

[pcpeterson]

Rattle

I think it's the shifter rattling, not internal 205 issue. I read about using 1/2" rubber sheet cut to fit under boot with slit for the shifter. Supposedly keeps shifter steady which reduces the noise. I'm trying that first. If it doesn't work I'll see just how easy they are to rebuild.

 

[pcpeterson]

I keep repeating myself, sorry all. I'll let you all know how it works.

 

[sweetk30]

i did a bungy cord across to frame rail to hold tension on it for anti rattle years ago before I went to twin stick shifter setup .

 

[thatK30guy]

I think it's the shifter rattling, not internal 205 issue. I read about using 1/2" rubber sheet cut to fit under boot with slit for the shifter. Supposedly keeps shifter steady which reduces the noise. I'm trying that first. If it doesn't work I'll see just how easy they are to rebuild.

I've used what is called "thrust bearing washers" from True Value on some shifters before. They're nothing fancy but just bronze washers. Come in different thicknesses and are fairly priced. I use 2 thin washers rather than 1 thick one. Put one washer on each side of the shifter and bolt it up. Tightens up the whole thing considerably and really takes out the rattling. Its not so tight that you can't move the shifter back and forth but just right.

I will find the extra ones I have and post up pics later.

 

[ssyork]

I run a cut up section of old inner tube with the slit in it on my nv4500 and it's amazing the difference it makes. Tranny is so much louder without it on. Cheap to try anyways.

 

[pcpeterson]

Success

The 1/2" piece of rubber under the shifter boot works great. Now I hear new noises to deal with. Lol

 

[thatK30guy]

I've used what is called "thrust bearing washers" from True Value on some shifters before. They're nothing fancy but just bronze washers. Come in different thicknesses and are fairly priced. I use 2 thin washers rather than 1 thick one. Put one washer on each side of the shifter and bolt it up. Tightens up the whole thing considerably and really takes out the rattling. Its not so tight that you can't move the shifter back and forth but just right.

I will find the extra ones I have and post up pics later.

Here are the "bronze thrust bearings".