LT230 transfer box whine or rumble
Will get worse if left.
Symptoms
A whine or rumble from under the seats that changes with road speed, sometimes louder in low range.
Likely cause
Worn intermediate shaft bearings or output bearings, often after running low on oil.
Suggested fixes
Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.
- 1
Check the oil level and condition
Top up with EP90 to the level plug. Metal flakes on the drain plug magnet point to bearing wear.
- Difficulty:
- Easy DIY
- Cost:
- £ (Under about £50 in parts)
- 2
Rebuild the transfer box
Renew the intermediate shaft, gear bearings and output bearings. Exchange units are available.
- Difficulty:
- Specialist job
- Cost:
- £££ (Over about £300)
This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.
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