Just picked up a 2007 4Runner 4WD V-6 Limited a few weeks ago with 51,000 miles on it. When I purchased it, the Toyota dealer informed me the front differential actuator (p/n 41400-35032) needed to be replaced and that they did not have the part in stock as it's a special order item. the 4Runner would not engage from 2HI to 4HI. Since the dealer was 4 hours away, they simply deducted the price of actuator + installation from my sell price. I said ok.
I had my local Toyota dealer order the actuator and it was replaced yesterday. To my dismay, it would shift from 2HI to 4HI and center differential lock would engage and disengage as intended, but I could not get 4HI to 4LO to engage. At least I knew the center differential lock motor in the actuator located on the transfer case was working properly.
After reading up on several discussions here on the forum, I decided to research this a bit further. When trying to switch from 4HI to 4LO, I could hear the transfer case 4HI to 4LO actuator motor try to engage. It would make a noise for about 5 seconds then quit followed by a faint beeping sound coming from the actuator itself. This was a very good sign. At least the actuator motor wasn't toast and appeared to be working properly.
Next was to break out the rubber mallet and tap/whack on the transfer case a bit. No luck. So I broke out my small ball peen hammer and also gently tapped all around the transfer case. Still no luck getting the actuator rod to budge when trying to engage 4HI to 4LO.
I loosened the Qty-3 12mm bolts that mount the actuator to transfer case. I only loosened the bolts enough to ever so slightly wiggle the actuator back and forth. I tightened them back up and bingo......!! 4HI to 4LO engages as intended and vise versa.
It really does makes perfect sense to periodically engage the 4WD system as to provide lubrication to the actuator rod assembly. From here forward I'll do it once a month and hopefully I won't have any more issues.
Just as an FYI, I took the original front differential actuator assembly apart and it was in pristine condition except for one item. The small solder on the negative terminal side on motor had come loose. I took the motor out and it is very difficult to turn the shaft. I'll try freeing up the shaft here in a few days and provide voltage to it to see if it actually works and post pictures as well.
Thanks,
Steve
I had my local Toyota dealer order the actuator and it was replaced yesterday. To my dismay, it would shift from 2HI to 4HI and center differential lock would engage and disengage as intended, but I could not get 4HI to 4LO to engage. At least I knew the center differential lock motor in the actuator located on the transfer case was working properly.
After reading up on several discussions here on the forum, I decided to research this a bit further. When trying to switch from 4HI to 4LO, I could hear the transfer case 4HI to 4LO actuator motor try to engage. It would make a noise for about 5 seconds then quit followed by a faint beeping sound coming from the actuator itself. This was a very good sign. At least the actuator motor wasn't toast and appeared to be working properly.
Next was to break out the rubber mallet and tap/whack on the transfer case a bit. No luck. So I broke out my small ball peen hammer and also gently tapped all around the transfer case. Still no luck getting the actuator rod to budge when trying to engage 4HI to 4LO.
I loosened the Qty-3 12mm bolts that mount the actuator to transfer case. I only loosened the bolts enough to ever so slightly wiggle the actuator back and forth. I tightened them back up and bingo......!! 4HI to 4LO engages as intended and vise versa.
It really does makes perfect sense to periodically engage the 4WD system as to provide lubrication to the actuator rod assembly. From here forward I'll do it once a month and hopefully I won't have any more issues.
Just as an FYI, I took the original front differential actuator assembly apart and it was in pristine condition except for one item. The small solder on the negative terminal side on motor had come loose. I took the motor out and it is very difficult to turn the shaft. I'll try freeing up the shaft here in a few days and provide voltage to it to see if it actually works and post pictures as well.
Thanks,
Steve
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