I was driving my Montero in the rain the other day and I spun the tire a little bit on an oily turn, nothing out of the ordinary. After which, the handling went to hell, and when I pulled into my driveway I could feel the locker was engaged. Problem is, I never installed the locker pump. I jacked the rear up and noticed it was a little low on fluid, so I put 2 quarts in, and noticed I have a bad axle seal. but the locker is still stuck. I remember hearing someone in the past having the issue, but not sure if they ever figured it out either.

Any tips on where to start? is it ok to continue to drive it around?

Hmmm. Not sure how it could engage without air pressure on the actuator. Do you have a hand-held vacuum pump? Harbor Freight sells them inexpensively. Not so sure applying a small amount of vac would do anything, but you know, the advice is free...

John B.

Our 03 only holds 1.7 quarts in its IRS rear. I can't believe the 9.5" solid rear holds so much over 2 quarts that you weren't close to dry. Are you sure the locker is engaged, vs things being thrashed in the diff? (See my thread on Gen 3 rear axle issue...)

I should clarify, it was 1 full quart and maybe 1/4 of a quart (and the axle wasn't sitting level). I am concerned, but I might rip the 3rd member out and check it when I replace that broken seal.

You sure its not the T/case that is stuck?

Its purely the rear end binding, I am wondering, does the locking mechanism have springs that pop the lock back out when you turn off the compressor? I am on a half rate mac since my PC died so I can't look up the diff in ASA <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Just to update, after refilling the diff, and a few days of driving it. The diff unlocked itself. I have to wire up my locker and start engaging it on a regular basis so I keep the mechanisms all working.

That's a good rule to follow to keep your entire 4wd system working properly.