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Transfer Case Actuator Problems - Poll

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by mverkaik, Nov 22, 2022.

?

Actuator Problems? When?

  1. Yes, Never changed my fluid.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. Yes, I use gear oil.

    4.0%
  3. Yes, I use non-Toyota 75W

    6.0%
  4. Yes, I used Toyota 75W transmission fluid

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  5. Yes, I used Toyota 75W transfer case fluid

    4.0%
  6. No, Never had a problem (please let us know what oil you use)

    86.0%
  1. Nov 22, 2022 at 10:33 AM
    #1
    mverkaik

    mverkaik [OP] New Member

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    I am creating a poll in an effort to better understand the failure.

    I have read that the Transfer Case manufacturer will not endorse using any fluid except of the Toyota 75W Transfer Case Fluid.
    I have read a lot of posts on Tundras.com as well as other places of people using all kinds of different oil.
    I have read a lot of posts about actuator problems.

    My 2015 suffered from actuator problems at about 100,000 miles. It would not shift out of 4-LO well.
    I changed my T-case fluid every 30,000 miles with Mobil 1 75W90 gear oil.
    I was not very good about using 4x4 monthly.
    I never did get to the bottom of it before the truck was taken from me.

    I loved the truck so I purchased another 2.5 Gen and have about 10,000 miles before I have to change the fluid again.

    Here is my question:
    Year and mileage of your truck?
    Have you had actuator problems?
    When did the issues start?
    What oil have you used and how frequently have you changed it?
     
  2. Nov 22, 2022 at 11:17 AM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Back in the early 2nd Gen days using the old reliable 75W-90 was ok. If I remember correctly, something changed in 2014-15 and the 75W only was required.

    It’s been a while and you could search out some old threads on actuator problems associated with the T-case.
     
  3. Nov 22, 2022 at 11:23 AM
    #3
    mverkaik

    mverkaik [OP] New Member

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    For 2014 Toyota started using a Borg Warner T-case. This case uses a soft engage clutch similar to the Auto system used by Ford and GM. Nobody really knows what is special about the Toyota fluid but Borg Warner will not certify a different fluid.
     
    Y0TA PR0 likes this.
  4. Nov 22, 2022 at 11:46 AM
    #4
    Bammer

    Bammer I'm disinclined to acquiesce your request.

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    I voted yes Toyota 75w , but No I don't/didn't have a failure.

    So I voted wrong... OOOPS
     
  5. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:04 PM
    #5
    mverkaik

    mverkaik [OP] New Member

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    I bet we can fix it. Thank you for letting us know.
     
  6. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:09 PM
    #6
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto SciTech Nerd

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    No problems here, but I am using Ravenol 75W in my transfer case, just did a change at 95k miles, and it shifts more smoothly into/out of 4-HI (haven't tried 4-LO yet but I should, eh?)
     
    Terndrerrr likes this.
  7. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:11 PM
    #7
    mverkaik

    mverkaik [OP] New Member

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    I have read a bunch of threads. I would like to see if there are failures with all of the fluid options. I suspect that the Toyota fluid is special……. Let’s see if the data talks.
     
    ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:14 PM
    #8
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I do believe you’re correct.
     
  9. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:15 PM
    #9
    mverkaik

    mverkaik [OP] New Member

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    Mine worked great in 4-HI. 4-LO was another story. It would not come out. Eventually I was able to coax it back to HI and then to 2.
     
  10. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:19 PM
    #10
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    Are you referring to this?

    20221122_141852.jpg
     
  11. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:20 PM
    #11
    mverkaik

    mverkaik [OP] New Member

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    You can change your vote now. I fixed that :)
     
    Bammer[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:22 PM
    #12
    mverkaik

    mverkaik [OP] New Member

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    I think so. I assume that is your actuator :)
     
  13. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:27 PM
    #13
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    Mine was replaced around 50k. Was increasingly slower to get out of 4H and it caused a clunk sound to occur when it would transition. My mechanic got warranty to cover it. Was running stock Toyota fluid at the time. I'm now running 75W HPL. No issues.

    Odometer is ~75k
     
  14. Nov 22, 2022 at 12:57 PM
    #14
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    2018 truck. I’ve changed mine twice. Don’t remember the exact mileage when I did it, but I have 54k now. I used ravenol 75w. No issues. I use the 4wd a lot in winter and hardly any all summer.
     
  15. Nov 22, 2022 at 1:56 PM
    #15
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

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    No problems but seeing VOA I’ll only run the Toyota oil. It has a very unique additive pack. I’ll be doing changes every 60-70k miles. At 80k now - lots of 4lo use and some 4hi.
     
    BlueRibbon4x4 likes this.
  16. Nov 22, 2022 at 4:13 PM
    #16
    Bammer

    Bammer I'm disinclined to acquiesce your request.

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    Revoted.
     
  17. Nov 23, 2022 at 2:33 AM
    #17
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    36k miles on the Tundra. Filled TC w/ Ravenol just before hitting 30k. It shifts into 4Hi and 4Lo quickly and smoothly.
     
  18. Nov 23, 2022 at 4:40 AM
    #18
    tiogajoe

    tiogajoe New Member

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    No Problems. Ravenol at 30,000 miles
     
  19. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:06 AM
    #19
    RickPlatinum2020

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    2020 Platinum, changed at 20k with Ravenol 75W, no problems with engagement
     
  20. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:34 AM
    #20
    agrestic1

    agrestic1 New Member

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    2016 here 83k , changed once, engage it occasionally in summer , always in winter like now, dealer changed all drive line fluids, 4x4 service, at 75K, synth 75W90.. Never had issue with 4 HI or 4 LO..engagement/ disengagement..
     
  21. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:45 AM
    #21
    WILLINH

    WILLINH New Member

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    I replaced all my fluids over the summer with 75-90 synthetic. Dealers will only use 75W if it is a warranty issue. No problem putting it in or out of 4H or 4L.
     
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  22. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:50 AM
    #22
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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    The million mile Tundras were serviced at the dealerships, who would have used Toyota's fluids. That's good enough for me.
     
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  23. Nov 23, 2022 at 6:00 AM
    #23
    Mr Badwrench

    Mr Badwrench New Member

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    Never changed the oil or had problems. The oil probably looks like black paint in my xfer case by now lol. I live in Wyoming, I use mine quite a bit too.
     
  24. Nov 23, 2022 at 6:41 AM
    #24
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Not sure what this "investigation" is going to prove or disprove considering the samples are of different ages, different operating conditions, and the usage or engagement cycles are all over the place. Some probably primarily use 4L, others 4H, etc. Just my .02 folks, have at it.:crapstorm:
     
  25. Nov 23, 2022 at 7:05 AM
    #25
    WAtundra4x4

    WAtundra4x4 Retired from active retirement.

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    Hmm, I’m at 29K, I guess I had better look into changing fluids. No lifetime fluids?
     
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  26. Nov 23, 2022 at 7:11 AM
    #26
    RickPlatinum2020

    RickPlatinum2020 New Member

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    They are lifetime fluids, the lifetime of the component… which would be less than the lifetime if the fluids are changed regularly…
     
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  27. Nov 23, 2022 at 7:51 AM
    #27
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto SciTech Nerd

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    I love it when dealerships say "lifetime fluid" - same claim as a single Snickers having a lifetime amount of chocolate (for the bar, of course.).
     
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  28. Nov 23, 2022 at 8:10 AM
    #28
    Terndrerrr

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    In that sense, I guess every part is a lifetime part.

    Maybe I’ll have this on my tombstone: “He lived his entire lifetime, right up until he died.” :facepalm::rofl:
     
  29. Nov 23, 2022 at 8:30 AM
    #29
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto SciTech Nerd

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    I didn't realize this was a thing until this thread came up, fortunately I've only had my Tundra since August so it's not been that long. I've used 4HI a few times, but not 4LO yet. I'll just cycle that in the driveway once a month myself from now on too.
     
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  30. Nov 23, 2022 at 8:33 AM
    #30
    NyCSnEaK

    NyCSnEaK New Member

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    No dealership I’ve ever asked has said they use oem gear oil. All said the same thing about using a 75w90 synthetic. I even asked the Car Care Nut and he replied back that his dealership uses the aforementioned gear oil as well.

    I don’t believe it’s fluid change interval that causes the malfunction, but the frequency of actually using your 4wd system. The actuator needs to be lubricated, so it’s doesn’t stick or self destruct.

    A lot people I know with on the fly systems only use 4wd in the snow, so a couple months a year maybe? Then nothing for 8-10 months. Sounds like a recipe for eventual failure imo.
     
    Y0TA PR0 likes this.

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