Check Your U-Joints

ah good to know, thanks

 

Where can I get a Lincoln coupler and gun without buying online?

 

Check various auto-parts or hardware stores. I saw Lincoln guns at my O'Reily.

 

I got mine at O'Reillys for like $3.50, they also carry several choices of guns and the lube you'll need. Looking inside at the two different couplers I used, the Lincoln coupler not only has the three internal "prongs" (don't know what they're called?) but it creates a more round sleeve to accept the zerk. The old coupler I was using had four prongs that created more of a square and I'm convinced it was the difference in not being able to attach it to the zerk. By all means, check the coupler to be sure it has only three "prongs".

 

dang mine came shipped with the 4 prong, i hope it doesnt stop me from pumping my juice in

 

it wont, mine are 4 prong, the front two zerks need to be at the correct angle then it pops in place with no issues.

 

Don't get me wrong sir, I had no difficulty at all with the other joints. It was the rear zerk of the front shaft that gave me a fit. I'd say give it a go and if you have difficulty making the connection, then pick up a Lincoln "three prong" coupler. After going through several options and several days of frustration, it was for me the only variable that changed and allowed me to connect to and purge that joint. I'm sure there are others who have had no issues but I sure did.

 

Do you have to take off the front skid plate to access the front driveshaft on the TRD OR? And what about his heat shield? Can some explain removal?

 

So happy to see Toyota still uses serviceable U-Joints. My last two Yukons did not have Zerks though I have to say both went over 100K mi. without needing replacement. I'll roll under the new Tacoma tomorrow to see.

 

If it's this hard to get to the front two zerks, what are the chances that the mechanic at your local dealership changing your oil and doing a 'multi point inspection' is greasing them? I suspect they only hit them if you specifically ask for it.

 

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but I was experiencing a clunk while shifting my MT and took it to Toyota. Told them to lube the joints and torque the prop shaft. They did all this and problem solved. This is the email I got back today from Toyota since my request for this service was not mentioned in my service ticket. It reads as follows:

Good morning Mr. Bolen,


Service indicates that your advisor Jimmy verbally asked the tech to lube and re-torque the prop shaft. It seems that as you mention, this has resolved the clunk. This work was not mentioned on the work order it was only a verbal communication. We have made a note of it on your file so that there is a record of it.

For the 1,000km these are the checks that they do:

1. Under hood inspection for fluids

2. Tire pressure check

3. Undercarriage inspection

4. Wash + vac.

There is no physical check list for this particular service unlike the safety inspection where there would be a printout available. If you have additional questions, our Senior Service Advisor Ammar Ahmed would be able to help you at 604-465-9146 ext 117.


Please let me know if I may be of additional assistance.


Sincerely,

West Coast Toyota


Linda Leo

Customer Relations Manager

604-465-9146 ext 121


SO... If it hasn't been resolved in your truck yet, get your stuff checked. The dealership should also not charge you a dime for this service. Just a thought as well... But this MAY affect the automatic trans as well... Guys with auto's should look into this some more, maybe low AT fluid is not the only issue

 

is this just for 4WD? i did not read all 30 pages of this thread but my 2WD does not have Zerk fittings. 2 piece drive shaft.

 

Then you do not need to worry about it.

 

Did all 5 fittings on Sunday. 3,500 mi, each one needed 4-5 pumps. I reached all of them using the

$55 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

Lincoln 1134 gun (bought through Amazon prime for $41). I got to the troublesome zerk under the heat shield without removing the shield using this gun and the standard hose/coupler, no needle. Not too much issue, just patience.
Notice a slight reduction in frequency and severity of clunking on downshifts when slowing to a stop (mainly 2nd and 1st gears). Glad it's done.

 

I checked all 5 on my truck the other day and each one of them took 10 pumps of grease for it to start coming out of the rubber seals.....

I used this grease!

$14 Valvoline Moly-Fortified Gray Full Synthetic Grease 14.1 OZ Cartridge

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CQ4DK0

 

so far I got 4 out of 5 greased up. each one took about 5 pumps for all the caps to purge. I couldnt reach the last one with my mini gun as the tube isnt long enough. So I have to get a longer hose it only has a 4" steel rod on it

 

Took my DCSB AT Limited w/1600 miles in to my private mechanic. Changed oil just because that's always been my SOP for new vehicles. While he was at it, he checked driveline and found that all of them were bone dry. Also checked AT fluid keel...it was full. I can sleep well now!!

 

Did he do the procedure correctly...?? It's not as simple as pulling a plug to check..!!... there are lots of info on here on how to do it correctly..!

Cheers

 

He downloaded a 10 page set of instructions for the fluid level that I saw posted on this site, so I'm thinking he did the job correctly.

 

Good stuff... !!