Joint greasing.

Heylo. I've done oil changes myself since I've owned the truck. I was wondering if there are any grease nipples to load up or anything I have to regularly lubricate? Also, if you take it to an oil change shop, do they grease these things for you? Just curious. Sorry it's my first truck and I thought maybe the driveshaft joint or something? Thanks.

 

The u-joints on both drivelines have grease fittings. I grease them at every oil change. I highly doubt an oil change shop would grease them even if they knew they were there.

 

Doing a search on here will tell you where the zerks are located on the driveshaft if you have a 4X4.

 

It is a 4x4 yes. Zerks are grease fittings or nipples I'm guessing? So I'm sure I can find the rear one, where would the one on the other(as in front drive?) driveline be? I have a grease gun but probably need some good grease.

 

Yup, zerk is the technical name for fittings. The zerks are on all the U-joints. The rear drive shaft is easy, all zerks there are a straight 90* shot.

The front shaft has the fittings inside the 4 points, so bring a flashlight. Oh, and those are an angled zerk, so you may or may not need a needle extension. To get the one that goes into the transfer case, you'll need to drop the tiny skid plate there, one bolt and done.

 

Ok thanks I will have to pull it into the garage after work and take a good look. 4 points as in one at each wheel and another 2 where it connects to the transfer case?

 

One on each side of each drive shaft (4) total if I remember correctly. You might have bump it forward and backwards a few time to get them to line up, all mine are on the same side though.

 

I think it's 5 u-joints in the whole drive system.

I did mine a while ago and can't remember.

If you're not in 4WD while parked, you can turn the front drive shaft by hand to align the zerks for easy greasing.

 

Ok thanks a lot! I will get on top of that ASAP.

 

Taking my suggestion and doing a search on these forums will yield pictures of the zerk locations for your vehicle.

 

Sorry, 4 points as in the U-joint has 4 points, like a +. There is one zerk in the middle of the +.

 

I heard that putting grease in your joints makes them taste funny & burn weird...

 

I will. Thanks.

 

Here ya go OP.

I was correct, 4X4's have 5 drive shaft zerks.


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...ntire-drive-shaft-u-joints-5-zerks-total.html

 

Excellent! Thanks Mike! I can never get this damn search to yield what I'm looking for.

 

Mark, just an FYI, Your driveshaft system will not look like the one in the link I posted, but your truck is like mine... it will have 5 u-joints to grease, trust me.

IMHO, it's easier to do than what the posted link shows.... you'll see.

 

It makes me wonder how many people never do this maintenance especially if oil change outfits don't bother. Talk about excessive wear!

 

^The maintenance booklet says every 12 mo. / 10k. Driveshaft lube typically costs extra at most shops. My dealer charges $30.

 

There are 5 zerks to grease, 2 upfront and 3 on the rear shaft. 4 are easy to get to and the 5th (next to the transfer case) is a bit more tricky since it's in the middle of the shaft. See this link for what both look like.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/90957-grease-your-zerks.html#post1731459

 

What's the best grease to use? I've heard lithium. Any specific brand?