Transfer Case or Differential?

[drdolil99]

So a few months back my niece drove my 2004 liberty for 3 weeks with 4 wheel drive on (all on dry pavement, of course).

Now the 4X4 doesn't work right and there's a clicking when I turn the wheel. I know there's something wrong, but I don't know if its the differential or the transfer case.

Do you guys have any idea?

If you listen to the sound on the attached video, it starts like 40 seconds in.

https://youtu.be/cBpD0mJ1xjY

 

[nullptr]

Yikes! Don't do that!

Do not drive in part time 4wd on pavement with the 241 case! The front and rear diffs get locked together since you don't have a full time (242) transfer case, you're going to get driveline binding! Which can sound somewhat like what is in the video, basically random clicks, bangs, pops, and squeals from the tires as they want to turn at different rates when turning but can't. It can also damage the transfer case and puts extra strain on the various linkages.

4WD part-time (4HI or 4LO) should ONLY be used in low traction conditions (gravel, snow, sand, mud, etc)

As for the Part Time light being on when in 2wd and going off when in 4wd...
HOW TO: Change Transfer Case Position Switch

 

[nullptr]

Accidentally double posted. Oops!

 

[wdwillson]

cv joints binding..

it could be your cv joints binding. try it in dirt or snow. See if it still makes that noise. if it does?? :-/ hopefully it's just a cv joint caving to the pressure.
while in 4 hi or 4 lo the driving surface must be somewhat slick to allow for the inequalities in wheel speed. inside wheels turn at a slower rate while cornering, than the outside wheel. The noise on dry pavement may just be your drive train protesting it's un-necessary use.