Transfer case actuator motor

[RickM5X3]

Since switching my 17 inch winter wheels to my summer staggered 19s (with the correct size tires and OE spec Turanzas), I now notice a grinding and slight whiring on hard acceleration from a rolling start. Can't hear anything at highway speeds and shifting seems fine, no rpm surges or anything. No codes.

My indie noted that the actuator motor seal is leaking and that the symptoms are of the actuator failing. Is this plausible?

[rb0135]

Originally Posted by RickM5X3

Since switching my 17 inch winter wheels to my summer staggered 19s (with the correct size tires and OE spec Turanzas), I now notice a grinding and slight whiring on hard acceleration from a rolling start. Can't hear anything at highway speeds and shifting seems fine, no rpm surges or anything. No codes.

My indie noted that the actuator motor seal is leaking and that the symptoms are of the actuator failing. Is this plausible?

I wasnt getting the grinding, but I was getting a funny type of whiring when accelerating.. about 4-6 months later, i got the dreaded yellow 4x4, yellow ABS and red brake lights..

Still waiting to get my car back (been in the shop for nearly 2 weeks), but it looks as though the actuator is/was the culprit...

[JonK]

Got one from this guy for about $130, received it today looks little plasticky. I will keep you informed. Putting it tonight.
Odometer Gears

[Skier1]

Wife was driving the car today and rang me to tell me 3 warning lights had come on and car making a loud clicking sound when she turned it off. I done a bit of reading in the book in the car and then got her to start the car and turn it off.Traced the clicking noise back to the actuator.I then remembered about reading about this on the forum,I am just about to pull it off and turn the gear.I have also just ordered a new gear from odometer gears hopefully will arrive before Xmas and I will fit before our annual holiday.This forum has saved me $$$$ with the tips I have read about repairs.I like to do everything myself and hopefully will never have to visit the dealer.Sounds like I may need to get the adaption values reset.Can this only be done by the dealer ? what tooling etc is required to do it yourself ??

[Skier1]

Oh well ,I have taken it off and stripped the actuator assembly,about 10 teeth were stripped so I gave it a thorough clean out ,re-greased it and put the gear back in 180 deg .Re-fitted and tested all good until the new gear arrives.Thanks Xoutpost.com members.

[SlickGT1]

I am still running on my flipped gear. I have also been drifting in the snow, so far, so good.

[Ricky Bobby]

is this a pre-Xdrive transfer case issue as well? I'm not hearing any grinding or weird clicks, but my car whirrs like a helicopter sometimes, almost like harmonics from under the car. I know the 3.0 is noisy, and I'm attributing it to wheel balance for now.

when i get roadforce balance and alignment i will report if the noises have lessened, just wondering if this is something i need to worry about.

[SlickGT1]

No this is an X drive thing only. Check your oil in the transfer case, maybe low.

[Ricky Bobby]

I posted in the other thread, maybe wheel bearings, my mechanic is checking it out when he balances and aligns me this weekend. I sure hope its not bearings I have 66k miles.


Transfer case is good to go! Oil has been changed recently and no noises from there, I just was hoping not to add a transfer case issue to the list of upcoming maintenance!

[neilrmp]

Originally Posted by Skier1

Wife was driving the car today and rang me to tell me 3 warning lights had come on and car making a loud clicking sound when she turned it off. I done a bit of reading in the book in the car and then got her to start the car and turn it off.Traced the clicking noise back to the actuator.I then remembered about reading about this on the forum,I am just about to pull it off and turn the gear.I have also just ordered a new gear from odometer gears hopefully will arrive before Xmas and I will fit before our annual holiday.This forum has saved me $$$$ with the tips I have read about repairs.I like to do everything myself and hopefully will never have to visit the dealer.Sounds like I may need to get the adaption values reset.Can this only be done by the dealer ? what tooling etc is required to do it yourself ??

you will need access to GT1 to do the "Repair function", the actuator will work but it is not recommended, it may also be a good time to replace the transfer case oil. adaptation need to be done when you change the oil.