Torque Converter Squeel???...1998 Range Rover 4.6 HSE

[Jigsaw89]

Hello,
As of yesterday I noticed a sound coming from the underside of my Rover that resembles a loose exhaust system rattling/squeeling when I make a forward motion sharp turn in either direction. The best way to describe when it happens is as the 4x4 system binds up a little when making a 180-degree turn at the end of a dead end street. With my head sticking out the window I can clearly hear a rattle/squeel. I don't think it's the steering system because the fluid level is correct, there are no fluid leaks and no noise is present when traveling in a straight line or turning the steering wheel from lock to lock while standing still. The exhaust system is also secure.

Can someone with more experience help to point me in the right direction?? What are common symptoms of a failing torque converter, etc.
Thanks,
Dan

[Rovin4life]

could be a loose ujoint or a transfer case fluid that is low.

[Malafax_dand]

How many miles are on the vehicle? There are a couple of methods for testing the VC. If I can remember correctly and someone else chime in if I get it wrong.

Go out and drive around in a few circles to really windup the VC. If it is working normally, it will dissipate the front to rear differential in speed if not it will hold some of the energy in the drivelines. Park your car in the garage and jack up one of the rear wheels. If there is still pressure in the driveline then the wheel will rotate as soon as it leaves the ground. If it is locked up the wheel will roate something like 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn by itself.

Then put some jack stands under the axle and see if you can physicaly turn that one raised wheel by yourself. I had to put a bit of force on it but mine will turn just fine. I would grab the top of the wheel and lean into it to turn it. It will turn very slowly. When you are manually turning the one wheel while it is off the ground is actually turnning the VC.

[Jigsaw89]

I'm happy to report that the noise has been eliminated!

My Rover has approx 94k miles so in an effort to maintain it and eliminate the problem noise I changed out the front & rear differential fluid (& replaced leaking driver rear axle seal), transfer case fluid, engine oil, lubed all the u-joints via the grease fittings, replaced the rear brake pads (in the nick of time) and spark plugs & wires. I also cleaned the K&N air filter. The only thing I didn't do was change out the transmission fluid and trans filter b/c I figured it's too messy a job for my driveway. I'll leave that small task to a pro.

Thanks,
Dan

[Jigsaw89]

Now that several months have past since I lasted posted to this thread, the dreaded noise returned with a vengeance! I determined it was coming from badly worn u-joints on the front driveshaft. Total cost of repair was $86 for new joints installed at a commercial driveshaft shop and 45 minutes of my time (total) for removal/install and I'm as good as new!