Transfer case actuator problems - help ell ease

[Catman66]

I have an E53 2005 X5, recently got the ticking noise when shutting off the engine followed by the 4x4 light, although that seems to be the only light so far. Having read all the posts on the subject I am fairly certain it is the transfer case actuator problem.

I do not have the kind of money talked about to get it repaired at a main dealer and would like to avoid replacing the whole unit if possible.

So advice needed please.

I have never really been hands on with my cars as always worried I will do more damage than good. However having read certain posts this seems like it might be a relatively simple fix, but that is what worries me. One mans easy is another mans nightmare.

Can this be carried out without ramps etc I got under the car to see last night and it seemed manageable without them?
Is it easy to remove the unit?
Once removed can I expect any fluid leakage, if so is this normal?
I was hoping to do the 180 degree turn on the cog but cannot find pics on how to do this so not sure how to do, any help or pics appreciated?
Is it easy enough to replace the whole cog, I have found plastic replacements for a fiver on eBay, if so should I be looking to do this rather than the quick fix?
If I replace the cog what sort of grease should I be putting on it before putting it all back together?
Once reassembled do I need to do any kind of reset on the system or should it be ok i.e. will the 4x4 light go off itself?
Will BMW be able to tell I have had these faults when they check the system if it is not reset?

Sorry for the mountain of questions. I am quite hands on around the house etc but car mechanics has always frightened me a little. Is this something I should be attempting by myself?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated?

[SlickGT1]

So yea this is a pretty much free fix if you can follow some basic steps. One search for my name and actuator. Follow what i wrote there and flip that gear. It took me 15 min to do.

[Catman66]

Slick thanks for the advice. Is this something that can be done without ramps as I do not own any. I got under the car yesterday it was a bit cramped but seemed doable?

[Catman66]

Slick I think I have now uploaded a picture before this text. Hopefully you can see it?

[Catman66]

Slick found your old post. I am going to try and upload a pic with some queries marked in it that if you could answer would be a big help.

Need to try and figure out how to upload pics first though. Doh!!

[Catman66]

Providing what I am saying in the pic is correct I take it once the top section containing the worm drive is off the white cog can be rotated from 12 to 6 without removing any of the other covers etc.

[SlickGT1]

Bingo. You got it. Mark the spot you highlighted. Pull out motor. Spin that gear 180 ish, you will see it will spin as you insert motor. So remove again and compensate for that movement. You should be exactly 180 when motor fully seated. You are done.

[SlickGT1]

Oh and yea. I think I jacked it up from one side, dont remember exactly. Maybe i just used the highest setting on the air suspension.

Just have some extensions. Random sizes. That was what made it a quick job.

[Catman66]

Slick you are a star!! Will be giving it a go today. How long did yours last when flipped?

[Catman66]

Slick, all done fiddly but completed in around an hour. Didn't bother with ramps as none available I drove on to some sheets of ply on the front to give an extra inch of nose room.

Thanks for all the help and advice, I am now going to take a piece of advice you gave someone on another thread. Time for a beer!!