the transfer case was hummimg and has gotten very loud

I own a 1996 6 cyl Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4, it has just over 200 thousand miles on it, the transfer case was humming and has gotten very loud. How many different things can be wrong in a transfer case and should I just try to find an entire transfer case(used) to replace it or could it be something simple and cheap(LOL) that I could check first?

Answer:

A loud transfer case humm is in most cases is a bad bearing. First thing to do is a transfer case service drain the fluid and check color. Also check the magnet for bearing shavings.If this is a bad bearing the transfer case will need to be taken apart and reared.