CDL actuator not engaging. Possible rebuild

[EWiz]

As some of you already know I'm new to a GX coming from an 80.

The CDL actuator isn't engaging sometimes. I pulled the service records from Lexus and it looks like there was a leak coming from it at 110k miles and it was repaired by the dealer.

I pulled the cover off it today to look for why it's stuck but come to find out it was full of gear oil! All the threads I found regarding actuator problems never had it full of gear oil! I suspect the seals inbetween the transfer case and the actuator failed. Am I correct that it should not be filled with gear oil?

 

[EWiz]

This is almost all of the gear oil that came out

 

[EWiz]

Update: took it out for a test drive (on dirt) and the CDL works flawlessly now!

However I need to keep an eye on it in case it fills back up with oil.

 

[GXO]

Your oring is bad and your tcase is likely short that amount of oil. You need to remove the actuator and replace the seal. You can disassemble the actuator to get it off the shaft from the outside or you can do the correct fix and disassemble the tcase. My tech took apart the actuator to get at the seal. All that work for a $2 oring

 

[EWiz]

Ordered the O rings today from

Oil Seals | Hydraulic Seals | Grease Seals | Colonial Seal Co.

Someday soon I will tackle this project and post how I did it and post photos to go with it if anybody wants to know.

 

[GXMac]

Ordered the O rings today from

Oil Seals | Hydraulic Seals | Grease Seals | Colonial Seal Co.

Someday soon I will tackle this project and post how I did it and post photos to go with it if anybody wants to know.

Definitely interested- keep us posted on the write-up.

Also, the GXOR group on fb may be interested in seeing that if you are on there. There is a Socal GX facebook group if you are interested in joining, as well.

 

[EWiz]

I just signed up on FB. Thank you. I found similar threads on other forums. But non were specific to the GX470.

 

[b1k35c13nt15t]

Definitely interested- keep us posted on the write-up.

Also, the GXOR group on fb may be interested in seeing that if you are on there. There is a Socal GX facebook group if you are interested in joining, as well.

So I’m curious what happened long-term.
I replaced mine, but my cdl light won’t stop blinking. I have removed it and reinstalled twice thinking that maybe the gears and spline didn’t align properly. Nope. Now I’m dumbfounded with two actuators and neither fixed my issue.