Cause of actuator failure

[Robs08Runner]

For those that have had their tcase fixed, i was wondering what the mechanic found inside there. Grease, dirt, rust?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

For those that have had their tcase fixed, i was wondering what the mechanic found inside there. Grease, dirt, rust?

Seems to be a combination of seized motors and corrosion from what I have seen on the forums.

 

[Robs08Runner]

Thank you Sir.

 

[scw1991]

I posted pics of my front differential actuator disassembly here on the forum and it was clean as a whistle. But, the DC motor was seized up. Put a drop of oil at each end of motor and worked it loose.

Toyota wasn't kidding when they recommend in the owners manual to engage 4WD periodically.

The front differential actuator motor and the two transfer case actuator motors look to be all the same.

 

[4RBob]

I just recently made it a habit to exercise all of the 4WD features in both our 4Runners ('03 Sport V8, '10 Trail) on the 1st of every month. When I started this a few months ago, the '03 was very slow (and a little clunky) engaging 4LO. So I did it a bunch of times until it was much smoother. Now engaging it every month seems to be keeping it smoother. Neighbors probably think I have lost my mind, driving both our vehicles back and forth in the driveway repeatedly.

 

[subspd]

My 4Lo wouldn't work at all for a long time. But I just kept trying it every few weeks and one day it engaged. Ever since I engage it at least once a month and now it engages faster than trying to go from 2 to 4hi...

 

[Robs08Runner]

I agree, mine is just a tad slow going into 4Hi. I've been trying the light braking option just after I switch. This has really helped take the tension off and has helped it work much better. The 4low and CDL work great. Think I'll try running one full day in 4hi every couple of weeks and cycle it to 4low at the end of the day. Seems to be working ok. so I really can't complain. I also like to put it into neutral and click 4hi. I get the feeling that that actuator does not like tension on the system. I may try doing it from neutral and stopped from now on.