Is gear grinding normal when shifting to L4?

[MacRunner]

When shifting the FWD control lever on my Trail from N to L4 this morning there seemed to be an excessive amount of gear grinding. Also when switching out of L4 to N then back to H4 there was also excessive gringing - the lever vibrates your hand and you instinctvly want to let go of it.

Is this normal? I don't use L4 a lot but when I have done so previously I don't remember feeling this much gear grinding.

 

[Semi-Hex]

It gets better. The first couple of times it was difficult to shift. Now, I put the rig into neutral or park and it just slides rich in. So, 80 or so times now?

 

[Jono.ful]

Mine has once or twice in the last six months.

 

[Madiusmax]

Got my Trail last friday and have tried it out once or twice since. I also experience what you are describing. From what others have said, it should get "better".

 

[eddiebx]

[MENTION=53327]1000MPH[/MENTION] explained it pretty clearly here, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ng-noise-when-shifting-4h-4l.html#post1303325

I think it basically just boils down to timing, so if you do experience a grind just try to complete the motion faster. I tried it out and it seems to work just fine now that I know how to.

 

[4ShoreRunner]

Did you remember to put the transmission in "N" first vs. Park or Drive?

 

[MacRunner]

I did come to a complete stop then placed the transmision in N first, then shifted the 4WD lever to H4 to N then to L4. No grinding going from H2 to H4 then to N, definitly grinds going from N to L4, then grinds again after shifting to N then back to H4.

Thanks for the insight to make the shifting faster to see if that helps.

As the owners manual suggests I do my best to log 10 miles a month in 4WD. To meet this requirement I have mostly run in H4 for the 10 miles - now I think I will try to run in L4 for at least a few miles per month to make certain I am lubricating all of the 4wd components and maybe the shifting will smooth out also.

 

[-JD-]

^Like eddie said, just try to complete the motion faster. One continuous motion from 4H to 4L. If you're moving the shifter slowly at its engagement point it will grind rather than slide into place.

 

[RockH]

Yes, one smooth quick motion when moving the 4wd shifter between positions. No grinding since I started doing that 2+ years ago.

My 4wd shifter is always vibrating, even when i'm just driving in 2wd/H2. The primary gear shifter doesn't have any vibration.

 

[MacRunner]

Thanks for the replies!

Shifting in one smooth motion from H4 to L4 made all of the difference! Some minor grinding but nothing major. Such a simple thing to learn! Reading the owner manual instructions lead you to believe you should stop at N then proceed into L4.

A good week for me with TR4.org. Learned how to shift my 4WD lever properly and was reminded of the "RSCA Off" button to turn off the side curtain air bags. This is my first 4WD 4runner - love having the off road capability but as an off road novice I appreciate being reminded or instructed of these little lessons so I don't learn things the expensive way! :yo:

 

[Madiusmax]

Just to add my account, since I'm relatively new with this similar "issue," confirmed the shifting in one smooth motion results in no "grinding." Thanks for the help, and glad I wasn't the only one!