REbuilding Air Mix Servo

anders22 · 11-02-09, 07:04 AM

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

bob2200 · 11-02-09, 04:36 PM

Deleted (I goofed)

JAB · 11-02-09, 05:04 PM

I thought the hobby motor plan only worked with door lock actuators; am I wrong?

bob2200 · 11-02-09, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAB

I thought the hobby motor plan only worked with door lock actuators; am I wrong?

Yes, sorry. I got my wires crossed.

ivan1 · 11-02-09, 05:09 PM

i just got mine replaced. it comes out to around 160$ for a new one.

Lexmex · 11-03-09, 08:49 AM

I'd like to work on my air servo next weekend, but I may have to postpone that.

rx300mm · 11-03-09, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexmex

I'd like to work on my air servo next weekend, but I may have to postpone that.

Hi Lexmex,
When you get around to doing that , can you please post pictures, it will really help me.

Thanks !!

salimshah · 11-03-09, 10:28 AM

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

melnme · 11-08-09, 06:04 PM

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.

georgie39 · 11-09-09, 08:53 AM

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.

salimshah · 11-09-09, 09:58 AM

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

JAB · 11-09-09, 10:34 AM

A faulty air mix servo sounds like a cd player trying to read a bad disc. In fact, that is what most people think of when the sound first appears.

georgie39 · 11-09-09, 03:07 PM

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.

laf0518 · 11-12-09, 07:44 AM

I have just been diagnosed with a non functioning servo motor. So, how difficult is it to change it yourself?
Thanks
Louis

Quote:

Originally Posted by melnme

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.

melnme · 11-12-09, 06:29 PM

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.