Door Lock Acutuators DIY ???
Took 4 hours for both x 2 people. One experienced in Lexus Door actuator motor replacement.
Motor from ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/111090809090...84.m1439.l2649
Gear puller from ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190712384615...84.m1439.l2649
RR: You need to be patient and need 10mm crescent wrench.
No need to remove windows.
Mark and take pictures as you go.
With the help of this thread and a fantastic video I found on YouTube, the job is done - all for about $30 bucks.
1. I purchased four Mabuchi motors off eBay from a seller named "zinky86" at a cost of $18.
2. I purchased a tiny Walkera gear/pinion puller off eBay from a seller named "gadgetsalon" at a cost of $16.
I read this thread thoroughly, then watched the step-by-step videos (part 1 and part 2) by YouTube user "nguyengs42". That kid nailed this DIY. Google search "gs300 door actuator diy". They are the first two results.
Notes:
- Do this job with your windows Up.
- The Rear doors do not require you to remove the door handles, window glass or speakers. Be patient and move the unit around while wiggling the door handle and the actuator slips right down and out.
- The Front doors do require you to remove the door handle and the metal window track only. No need to remove the window glass or speaker.
- Use a Dremel with the thinnest waffer disc you can find. Do not try and cut with an Excto or knife. Carefully etch around the plastic housing of the actuator right at the glued seam to crack it open. No need to glue it back together. The small bolts hold it in place nicely. Make sure you do not pull out the large plastic gear wheel inside the housing. There is a spring underneath that will pop out and it is tricky to get it back (It happened to me on 2 doors).
- Good thing I bought four motors because one of them was bad. I had to re-do one door completely and try the last motor I had on-hand. That did the trick.
By my estimation, I saved approximately $800 with this DIY vs. letting the dealer do the job. That makes me very happy and one satisfied driver!
Thanks to all for putting this wonderful information out there!
Last edited by pizitz70; Jul 10, 2013 at 01:45 PM.
With the help of this thread and a fantastic video I found on YouTube, the job is done - all for about $30 bucks.
I purchased 4 Mabuchi motors off eBay from a seller named "zinky86" at a cost of $18.
I purchased a tiny Walkera gear/pinion puller off eBay from a seller named "gadgetsalon" at a cost of $16.
I read this thread thoroughly, then watched the step-by-step videos (part 1 and part 2) by YouTube user "nguyengs42". That kid nailed this DIY. Google search "gs300 door actuator diy". They are the first two results.
Notes:
Do this job with your windows Up.
The Rear doors do not require you to remove the door handles, window glass or speakers. Be patient and move the unit around while wiggling the door handle and it slips right down and out.
The Front doors do require you to remove the door handle and the metal window track only. No need to remove the window glass or speaker.
Use a Dremel with the thinnest waffer disc you can find. Do not try and cut with an Excto or knife. Carefully etch around the plastic housing of the actuator to crack it open. No need to glue it back together. The small bolts hold it in place nicely. Make sure you do not pull out the large plastic gear wheel inside the housing. There is a spring underneath that will pop out and it is tricky to get it back (It happened to me on 2 doors).
Good thing I bought four motors because one of them was bad. I had to re-do one door completely and try the last motor I had on-hand. That did the trick.
By my estimation, I saved approximately $800 with this DIY vs. letting the dealer do the job. That makes me very happy and one satisfied driver!
Thanks to all for putting this wonderful information out there!
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Regarding front door handle removal - I decided to remove the handle and detach the two hooks there (at the handle) rather than trying to detach them at the actuator.
For me, it was easier that way because I couldn't see well or get to the hooks without removing the handle first. Good to know it can be done either way though.
I'm so glad all my locks are in working order now!





