REbuilding Air Mix Servo
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: md
REbuilding Air Mix Servo
Ok,
So I took it apart, cleaned the contacts, lubed and put it back together- worked fine till under load, and then it buzzes and will not raise the arm the whole way- noticed the contacts had worn a groove in the gear, should I just replace the servo then?
Or is there anything else I can do?
Also- where is the cheapest place to get one?
Thanks
Chris
So I took it apart, cleaned the contacts, lubed and put it back together- worked fine till under load, and then it buzzes and will not raise the arm the whole way- noticed the contacts had worn a groove in the gear, should I just replace the servo then?
Or is there anything else I can do?
Also- where is the cheapest place to get one?
Thanks
Chris
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 433
Likes: 19
From: Ontario Canada
Trending Topics
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,595
Likes: 1,400
From: Austin, TX
My 2c ... if there are pits an grooves, band aid solution will not last long. Unless your labor is free and you have time at hand go ahead and tinker with it. There comes a time when you need to replace the thing and enjoy life.
Salim
Salim
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Simple Solution
I just went through the same ordeal. My Servo went out completely after about a year and a half of gerbil noises in the dash. I wound up with no front defogger- which I need almost daily. I tried to open up the old servo and clean as discussed prior. The servo actually came back to life, but without enough strength to actually function correctly. I checked on-line and no one had the part. So I went to my Lexus deal, who has always treated me right, and bought a new servo (Lexus part #87106-30371) for $186 including tax. I installed it and it works perfectly. No gerbil noises. I forgot how quiet my car actually is. I think even if you re-build it, it will not last as long and you will be taking your dash apart a second time. My 2 cents.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Air Servo
I have a 2002 RX 300 with 80,000 miles on the clock.
Is the Air Servo an item that if it's not working correctly can cause a slight "whistling" noise when the heater is functioning in the auto mode and the fan is running at low speed?
If it is the Servo what would cause it to produce this slight whistle??
The whistle is not that annoying (yet) and I can live with it if it's an expensive fix.
Any input would from forum members would be appreciated.
Is the Air Servo an item that if it's not working correctly can cause a slight "whistling" noise when the heater is functioning in the auto mode and the fan is running at low speed?
If it is the Servo what would cause it to produce this slight whistle??
The whistle is not that annoying (yet) and I can live with it if it's an expensive fix.
Any input would from forum members would be appreciated.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,595
Likes: 1,400
From: Austin, TX
Air vent servos just open and close various trap doors to redirect the air flow. They can cause some door to be partially close/open causing moving air to produce whistling noise. BUT, there can be other reasons for the noise ... one can not pin this issue to servo malfunction. Typically the users, are observing constant churning of the servo motors.
Salim
Salim
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Air Mix Servo otor
Thanks for the responses.
It doesn't sound like my "whistling" noise is my Air Mix Servo.
Maybe it's a "door" in the plenum that's not opening wide enough under certain load conditions and creating a venturi effect. (mostly on auto in the heat mode with low speed fan and the airflow being directed towards the floor)
I guess I'll just live with it for the time being.
It doesn't sound like my "whistling" noise is my Air Mix Servo.
Maybe it's a "door" in the plenum that's not opening wide enough under certain load conditions and creating a venturi effect. (mostly on auto in the heat mode with low speed fan and the airflow being directed towards the floor)
I guess I'll just live with it for the time being.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: LA
I have just been diagnosed with a non functioning servo motor. So, how difficult is it to change it yourself?
Thanks
Louis
Thanks
Louis
I just went through the same ordeal. My Servo went out completely after about a year and a half of gerbil noises in the dash. I wound up with no front defogger- which I need almost daily. I tried to open up the old servo and clean as discussed prior. The servo actually came back to life, but without enough strength to actually function correctly. I checked on-line and no one had the part. So I went to my Lexus deal, who has always treated me right, and bought a new servo (Lexus part #87106-30371) for $186 including tax. I installed it and it works perfectly. No gerbil noises. I forgot how quiet my car actually is. I think even if you re-build it, it will not last as long and you will be taking your dash apart a second time. My 2 cents.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Florida
It was quite easy, I thought. First remove the glovebox, but be careful of a wiring "pop-in" on top of the glove box. Once the glovebox is removed, the floor vent is accesable. The floor vent is attached by two screws, one of which is also one of the screws holding the servo in place. The Servo is held in by 3 screws total. When you take the servo out, the levers will fall. keep an eye on which one goes into which slot- not difficult. The power conector is in top , just pinch the release button and it comes out. When the new servo is put in and the screws are replaced, turn the ignition key to the on position and cycle the AC controls to make sure it works. Then put all the stuff back together. If you have the servo ahead of time, it should not take more than 2 hours- probably less. I had to run to the dealer for the part. You will need a short (stubby 2") phillips screwdriver. The two glovebox bolts are 10mm sockets. In my mind it was an easy $400 savings over the dealer. Hope this helps. WARNING: If the vehicle has been running, the metal heater pipes are hot. These are all around the servo.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
glennlexus
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
1
Oct 8, 2013 12:48 PM
