Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2006 Toyota Matrix Base, 4WDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Transfer System: Precaution
- Before disassembly, clean the transfer assembly and remove any deposited sand or mud to prevent it from entering the inside of the transfer during disassembly and assembly.
- When removing any light alloy part such as a transfer cover, do not pry it off with a tool like a screwdriver but tap it out with a plastic hammer.
- Always organize the removed parts properly and protect them away from dust.
- After cleaning and drying completely before installation, apply hypoid gear oil to each part. Do not use alkaline chemicals when cleansing aluminum or rubber parts and ring gear set bolts. Also, do not use any cleansing oil (ex. white gasoline) to clean the rubber parts such as oil seals.
- Sufficiently apply hypoid gear oil to any sliding surface or rotating part.
- Do not directly hold a part by vise. Make sure to put an aluminum sheet between them.
- Replace any damaged or deformed snap ring with new one.
- If mating surface of the case is scratched, it may cause oil leakage. Therefore, carefully avoid such damage when handling.
- Before applying a sealant, completely remove old sealant stuck on the sealed parts and clean them with white gasoline.
- Do not supply oil immediately after installing sealed parts. Allow 1 hour or more.
- Scratches on a contact surface with an oil seal or gasket may result in oil leakage. Carefully avoid such damage when handling.
- When press-fitting an oil seal, take care to prevent the oil seal lip and its periphery from being damaged.
- When replacing a bearing, replace both outer and inner races as one set.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
