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Reason for 4WD prop shaft lube 15k mile interval?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Allen9621, Oct 26, 2014.

  1. Oct 26, 2014 at 12:16 AM
    #1
    Allen9621

    Allen9621 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2010
    Member:
    #39416
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    Male
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    1996 4x4 5-speed
    I have a 1996 4WD Tacoma regular cab 5-speed and have always gone by the service manual interval of 15,000 miles for the propeller shaft lube aka greasing.

    Recently, at 250k miles I realized I'd forgotten to do it for 5k miles beyond the typical interval. I'd waited an extra few hundred miles at most over the years.

    But my research shows it's mostly recommended for Toyota's 4x4 models. Do they assume you're driving on dusty roads all the time? Is the point to make sure no dust (or water) gets inside the joints, or is it something more than that? A lot of people drive 2WD trucks on dusty roads.

    Does the grease itself deteriorate or does it just get dirty over time because of the semi-open seals it gets pushed out of when you force new grease in?

    What's the longest someone has gotten away with no re-lube and not damaged their driveshaft? I will do it soon but have never quite understood the urgency.
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2014
  2. Oct 26, 2014 at 9:19 PM
    #2
    n0ms

    n0ms Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Angel
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    1st gen i4 single cab 4x4
    Celica seats, Icon in rear and front with icon ucas, omd leaf springs, deckplate mod, lce header, Tundra brake swap.
    I bought my 1995 from an auction and It looked to be negated in certain maintenance. The drive line had no grease and was making sounds/thumping. Lubed it up and no problems for the last 4 years. Just lube it up myself every oil change.
     
  3. Nov 1, 2014 at 9:58 AM
    #3
    Allen9621

    Allen9621 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2010
    Member:
    #39416
    Messages:
    48
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    1996 4x4 5-speed
    Good to know it's tough, but that clunking noise implies metal-on-metal wear. What is the root cause of it, lack of grease cushioning?

    I'm trying to figure out what damage could be caused by lack of lube, and why they recommend it for 4WD vs. 2WD when both encounter similar dust & water. Lots of 2WD trucks are driven on dirt roads, they just don't climb or ford streams as much.

    Engineers must have some reason for that tight schedule but I personally don't want to hassle with it at every oil change.
     

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