2002 Lexus LX 470FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Center Differential: Reassembly

NOTE: Coat all of the sliding and rotating surfaces with gear oil before reassembly.
  1. INSTALL LOW GEAR 
    1. Clean the contact surface of the differential case.
    2. Heat the low gear in boiling water.
      3. Fig 1: Heating Low Gear In Boiling Water
      G03322338Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    3. Carefully remove the low gear from the water.
    4. After the moisture on the low gear has completely evaporated, quickly install the low gear to the differential case.
  2. INSTALL THRUST WASHER AND FRONT SIDE GEAR 
    Fig 2: Installing Thrust Washer And Front Side Gear
    G03322339Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. INSTALL PINION SHAFT, 2 PINION GEARS AND 2 THRUST WASHERS 
    1. Install the pinion shaft, 2 pinion gears and thrust washers to the differential front case.
      Fig 3: Installing Pinion Shaft Pinion Gears And Thrust Washers
      G03322340Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Using a dial indicator, measure the front case backlash.
      Fig 4: Measuring Rear Case Backlash
      G03322341Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.