S10 Blazer Vac Motor

[gcam]

A coworker of mine approached me and asked about her Blazer not engaging in four wheel drive. Seems the dealer originally replaced the dash board switch ($375) and when that didn't work, made the diagnosis, as she said, "That the four wheel drive motor is broken." Replacement for this item was quoted at about $1100.

Do S10 Blazer's use a vacuum motor front axle disconnect like the older XJ's? Is there a simple fix? On my old XJ the vac motor failed, and I just locked the shift fork in place permanently. Cost me about $4 for hose clamps and silicone.

Any info would be appreciated. She's a nice girl from my hometown who's trying to save up money (along with her fiancee) for their wedding this July. If I can save her this expense, it would kind of be my wedding gift to her.

Thanks,
Geoff

 

[XJEEPER]

Not sure what year the S-blazer is but here's some options....you'll have to do some homework from there. No, they are not the same as the XJ axle disco.

http://stores.ebay.com/1A-Auto-Inc-All-your-Parts-Needs_4WD-Parts_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQftidZ2QQtZkm

 

[Ludakris]

at the dealer we used to call it a "Mr. Microphone"... it slides into the front axle and engages it.. like the vac motor, but its not vacum actuated.. they go bad..A LOT... I would say 9 times out of 10, that was the problem. Any Chevy dealer should know that.. especiallly in areas were 4x4's are prevalant. The switch sounds like a rediculous over charge though.. its just a switch and depending on the year, not alot has to be removed to get to it..

aftermarket stores should carry it as well..

 

[85xjwoody]

Need to know the year and maybe a few more details of the truck before I am able to tell you anything. I have had a few blazers and so have a few friends so maybe I can help with a little info.

 

[XJ Eric]

THREAD REVIVAL ALERT!
I know this thread is really old but the problem described up top is what I'm running into now. My 98 Blazer won't engage in 4WD. the transfer case works for sure.
I called the dealership and asked em what it would cost to take a look at it and they said it would be $73 but he was pretty sure what was wrong.
Before I take it to the dealership is there anything I can do to test it at home?
How does the front diff. lock in? I know it engages with a vacuum thing that pulls on a cable, from there I don't see how the mechanism works in the diff.
But either way I'd like to try to fix this on my own, I need to sell it.