Lubricating drive shaft or propeller on 2006 4x4 Tacoma's...

I just did this for the first time on my 09. It wasn't very difficult although I don't understand why the front and rear DS u-joints are different. I am used to seeing the type with the zerk in the body like the fronts, but not the type with the zerk on an end cap. It doesn't seem that the grease would get so easily distributed to the other caps. I guess they work, though.

 

I notice a lot of folks tossing the word "moly" around, but something to consider is this:

Lots of inexpensive greases say "moly" or "molybdinum disulfide" on the tube, but they really don't have much "moly" in them. A few percent at best.

Really expensive moly greases can be 30% or more moly, and are typically specified for high pressure things like drive splines where ordinary greases will squeeze and sling out, and where you want a "dry" grease that won't suck up so much dirt.

If you have splines that are dificult to service, or you have to cut off boot clamps etc. I'd use the more expensive 30% moly grease so you don't have to worry about lubing so often. Honda makes a good one that's spec'd for splines on the Goldwing. You don't wanna know what it costs!

IMO, grease the u-joints frequently and you won't have to worry too much about what grease you use.

I do use Mobil-1 for u-joints, but it will fling out too. Mobil-1 grease is 100% synthetic except for the carrier oils. I never quite understood that, because that really makes it a synthetic blend--NOT 100% like they want you to believe.

 

So I'm under my truck trying to find the zerk fittings, so I can put some grease in them. Call me stupid but are they only on the four wheel drive models or what? I have been moving my truck to rotate the drive shaft but can't find them, is there a cover I need to take off? I was under the impression there is about three, one for each joint or connection.

Can anyone clarify if there is zerk fittings for the drive shaft on 2WD models, and if so where are they exactly. Thanks guys.

 

Do the 2005 tacos have grease fittings? Or are they sealed from the factory?

My manual says to "lubricate propeller shaft" but the parts guy at the dealership was of the impression that the '05s are sealed and don't need greasing.

I'm nowhere near my truck right now, otherwise I'd just go look for myself.

Please advise.

Thanks.

 

Where is everyone buying Mobil 1 synthetic grease?

 

i was at advance auto parts the other day, the one near me just started carrying mobil one grease

 

I use mobil 1 no probs... cept I can't stand the way the oil seperates from the grease and leaks all over when you store your grease gun. I have to wrap it in shop towels and put it in a bag when not in use with the plunger out.... considering switching but dunno what is better than the M1

 

I need to do this. Gotta wait for the weather to clear up

 

Thanks!

 

their is only grease zerk per shaft!! You use the same grease for this process and lithium based grease is just fine. The ingredient that it is made up of is that lithium... so it lasts longer than most!! You want to stay away from any grease which is clay based..

 

Will putting a brake bleeder valve cap on the zerk fittings keep the grease from being ejected from the u-joint as it spins?

Reading a lot of these threads lately since I've got 3000 mi to go before I have to do this myself for the first time.

 

Nope... the grease doesn't fling out from the zerk. It flings out from the seals. When you apply the grease you will see the old grease being pushed out from the seals. That is what is being flung. Stop greasing as soon as you see the old grease coming out the seals. That means there is enough grease in the joints

 

so where is the 4th and 5th grease fittings? i have only seen 3 on mine and i have a 4wd...i keep seeing people mentioning 5 but isnt that on 1st gens??? jsut wondering if im missing something.

 

The 2nd gen 4X4 has 5...remove the skid plate and check the front drive shaft.

 

I don't think that will do anything except keep the zerk fittings clean. The lube that ejects is from the excess that gets bled out the seals.

 

thanks..found em...the one was a PITA. dont know why i didnt think about the front drive shaft...i just hopped under and did the two piece DS and didnt even think about the front.

 

Just did this today, used Mob1 synthetic. Was able to find it at an Advanced Auto Parts store. I pumped until I started to see the new grease coming out... In the future, I will probably stop pumping once I see old grease begin to come out, as I now know it was done properly the last time, and there is grease in there! Figure this will save me a little on the grease, and also won't cause excess grease splatter.

Can anyone confirm that regular cab 4x4s have only four zerks? I saw two on each shaft (one at the front and one on the rear).

BTW, thanks TW. Had not a clue how to do this before I did some research on here.

 

Do you guys think one 14.5oz tube of grease will get all 5 zerks done?

 

Thanks whippersnapper.

For anyone interested, I went with this grease:

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENGRSMOMobil_1_Synthetic_Grease.aspx

$14.26.

Not the cheapest; not the most expensive.

 

Done. Thanks again, whipper.

$57 Lincoln 1134 Pistol Grip Grease Gun with 18" Whip Flex Hose and Coupler, 6" Rigid Extension, 7500 PSI, Premium Dual Lip Follower, Variable Stroke, Jam-Proof Toggle, Filler Air Bleeder Combo

http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Indus..._1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1303938674&sr=8-1