Ok so I know there is a few threads about the TCA rattle. I disconnected the long actuator arm in hopes of giving it a turn or two to stop the rattle by making sure it closes all the way. In the process, I was wiggling the arm that the rod connects to and the "flap" inside seems to have a lot of play between the arm and the "flap" (or whatevers inside). Is this normal? Seems that this might be the cause of the rattle rather than the rod being tightened. Enlighten me!

 

The picture is upside down.....

 

Ok so i kind of answered my question. I took the little panel off and the door inside is like two pices hence the rattle. Now i have to take the actuator off to break the threads loose so i can shorten the rod. Anyone know of an easy way to remove the actuator or a magical way to loosen the threads? idk why it keeps rotating my pictures...

 

Anyone know the easiest way to remove the actuator? looks like maybe i can easily if i remove the airbox

 

Anyone know the easiest way to remove the TCA?

 

First off, in the pictures that's not the TCA, but the precontrol actuator. It's held on to the flapper by a clip, and 2 13mm (yes, 13mm) bolts at the front hold it to the front of the turbos.

In theory, it's adjustable, but 9 times out of 10 it's so rusted and seized from time and heat that you'll never get it to unscrew or screw. You may just need a good used one.

The TCA is the giant "can" bolted to the bottom of the exhaust manifold. It has 2 vacuum lines going to it. The wastegate actuator and precontrol actuator are both bolted to the primary turbo compressor housing with 13mm bolts.

Dale

 

Grrr I totally knew that, I always get their names mixed up. Thats what pictures are for I guess. Ya mine is pretty rusted and thats why I am trying to figure out how to get it out easily to hopefully break it free. Thanks for clarifying

 

Actually I'm pretty sure that both wastegate and precontrol actuators can be removed from the top of the car. Basically all you have to do is remove the airbox, a couple of vacuum hoses then that little black 90° plastic elbow attached to the turbo and you should be staring at them both. Of course like everything else on the car it'll be a tight squeeze getting them in and out but I was able to do it when I fixed my rattle.

Chances are like Dale said it'll be seized. I broke 2 of them before getting one that wasn't rusted enough to adjust.

 

Perfect just what I needed to know. Ill pick up a less rusty one and attempt it from the top. Thanks guys!