Transfer case motor re-build--HELP!!

[rseeley]

Today I disassembled my electric transfer case motor to attempt clean it and free it up before I resort to buying a new one. When I opened it up, one of the two magnets on the inside of the motor body was broken. I used epoxy to repair it. However, it wasn't a clean break, some tiny pieces broke off and were not re-useable. There is a rough/chipped area between the remaining piece of magnet and the piece I reattached. I don't know much about electric motors, so I was wondering if the motor would still perform with this repaired magnet. Any comments would be appreciated!!
Thanks,
Rob Seeley

 

[Longs]

I've had mine apart, and I assume you're talking about the permanent magnets on the inside of the housing (the stator).

My guess is that the motor will still work. Those are pretty powerful permanent magnets; I don't think the crack will significantly impact the overall strength of the magnetic field.

 

[rseeley]

Yes, those are the magnets I was refering to. I have the motor back together and I am putting it back in the truck tonight. I hope it works, I know very little about electric motors. I tend to agree with your thinking though. Thanks for your input...
Rob

 

[fireftr]

transfer case motor

With regards to a rebuild of the motor... Mine just quit and it's probably time for this kind of service, what with 164 k on it. Question is: How much trouble is it to remove, and what actually needs to be serviced inside. I probably can handle it, but I hate getting into never before done jobs and then getting into a jam or breaking something important or expensive. I figure this is why my 4wd won't engage. Haven't used it but for a couple times a year, but want it to work when I need it. Thanks for all the help...Can't say enough about this site!

 

[Gary Steeber]

fireftr
Fixing the 4x4 motor is not real difficult and you probably can't hurt it any more than it already is. Go to this link, it will guide you through the process:

Dead Link Removed

 

[Longs]

The site referenced above is very helpful - my comments, "JL" are immediately below the posting with the pictures.

Be sure to scribe the outside of everything if you take the motor apart; then you'll be sure you've lined everything up correctly when you reassemble.

 

[rseeley]

The link to Dr. Bobs is how I did mine. Actually the reader responses that follow Dr Bob's piece were much more helpful to me. It is easier than it sounds. Be sure to read everything over several times. It will all make sense once you get in there. The only problems I had were with the broken magnet (most likely from tapping with hammer as everyone seems to suggest) and the tamper-proof torx bolts. I got 1 out with vice grips, sheered the head off 1 with vice grips, and sheered the head off the third with the torx bit. I had to epoxy the cover back on after I reassembled it. I would recommend buying the torx bits ($9 at Advance Auto-called 'Tamper Proof Torx Bits') but be careful not to force them out. It may be worth soaking in PB Blaster or something similar for a day or so before messing with them.
Good Luck.....