Transfer case grind EDIT: front axle grind

A mirror or phone camera while someone engage n disengage 4x4. Caution while under truck so have some u trust topside.

 

i am a visual learner so any picture maybe?

 

I can tomorrow if its ok. Got a legion meeting in about 30 min.

 

thanks

 

According to the video the transfer case shifts before the front axle ADD shifts so it’s not the axles being out of sync and like previously stated if the axles were out of sync it wouldn’t be temperature dependent.

 

ok any other ideas that would be temperature sensitive?

 

The only thing i can think of is the actuator for the tcase.

 

We’ll just got the time to check my tcase and it’s low on oil

 

can anybody post pics so i can check mine also and follow up on my mechanic on my own. Derk33 is the only other person i have heard of having this same problem and i bet mine is low as well.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/ This is a great write up, pics included!

Another thing you want to be made mindful of is the rake of the truck, that can change the point at which the fluid will pour out of the fill hole

 

noted thanks for the link

 

If he is hearing the grinding in the transfer case , he needs to concentrate on the transfer case .
Synchronizers cut through lubrication oil as they move to the 4x4 position . If the 2hi-4hi synchronizer is having issues during cold weather ,
My suggestion would be to try a lighter weight oil in the transfer case next .
It will cost you about $ 25 bucks for a quality synthetic fluid but at this point in time , its about your cheapest option
With this said , you can continue operating the truck with the fluid you are presently using by selecting 4x4 while the truck is stationary

 

75w90 is what is recommended and I’ve never seen a lighter weight gear oil on the shelf at any store

 

http://www.lubegard.com/~/C-197/LUBEGARD+Gear+Fluid+Supplement

 

UPDATE: changed oil in the tcase and at first didn’t help but after a couple shifts in and out of 4wd it seemed to smooth out and not grind, temp was 38 degrees. I’m still at a loss of what this could be? 4wd actuator binding up or moving too slow? Going to call a driveline shop tomorrow and get their opinion

 

What oil did you go to?

 

Same, amsoil 75w90

 

Just called a local driveline shop and he said they don’t get enough Toyota’s to be able to give me a solid answer on what’s wrong without splitting the case open. I’m now starting to lean towards a binding actuator motor or a bad synchronizer.

Is replacing the motor a simple swap or is it an in-depth process?

 

Are you feeling the grind in the transfer case or the front end ?
If the grinding went away after a fluid change or got a little better , I would suspect an issue with the 2hi-4hi synchronizer
The actuator to move the front axle into the 4x4 range is mounted to your front axle on the front end of your truck .
The actuator would also make a grinding noise when you select 4x4 low
Because you are only hearing the grinding when you select 4x4 high , I would suspect a slightly worn 2hi-4hi synchronizer

 

Do you think if either actuator is binding and moving too slow, that would cause a grinding? Just exploring all possibilities

Also Im feeling it in the tcase