Propeller Shaft Lube

Yesterday went to Dealer for Service. Requested a Propeller Shaft Lube of 2012 4x4 Taco. I have read that there are 5 Zerks but Mechanic said only 4. I told them that there are 3 in rear and 2 in front but he said no. I am a disabled Vet with limited use of right hand so it is hard for me to climb under truck. Can anyone post a picture showing the exact location of the lube points (zerks) on a 2012, 4x4, double cab taco. thank You very much.

billo

 

There are most definitely 5 I lubed my '15 the other day. Will post pics later unless someone beats me to it!

 

I don't have pictures but there are two on the front driveshaft at each u-joint, and three on the rear drive shaft, also at each u-joint.

If your dealer doesn't know this, then it's time to find a different mechanic.

 

I'd be having a conversation with the service manager at your dealership.

 

One at each u joint.

Rear shaft have the zerk's on the end caps of the u joints.

Front shaft has the zerks in the center of the u joint.

If the tech cant figure out where the 5 u joints are, request to take your truck off the lift and never EVER let them touch it again.

 

Here is excellent TW link that I used to find the 5. I could only find 3 until I saw the pics:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/greasing-entire-drive-shaft-u-joints-5-zerks-total.56976/

 

Can you smack him with your left hand ??? Isn't it a shame that a customer has to tell a mechanic how to do his job ?? You might want to find someone with a clue - I know I would look elsewhere.

 

Definitely 5, the rear joint on the front shaft is a bugger to see and get to, but it's do-able.

 

Yes discuss this with the service manager and since you had a partial service request that it be redone properly.

Lord what is this world coming too.

 

An Update On the Status. Went back to the dealership today but was armed with all the feedback from you folks. I printed every response. The Service Manager was very polite and had the truck put on a lift after showing him all the feedback. Then with all the direction in hand I showed the Mechanic the approx. location of the Grease Fittings. Sure enough, as you all stated, there suddenly appeared, 5 fittings. The mechanic seemed surprised but said nothing this time. He was positive on Saturday that there were 4 fittings. He then re did the Lube in front of me and the Serv. Mgr.
I received a Free Oil/Filter & Tire Rotation on my next visit as goodwill gesture. I want to thank everyone who responded. It sure helped when I had all that positive testimony at my disposal. They could not argue this time. Thanks once again for all your assistance.

billo

 

That makes me think this particular lube tech has missed greasing a lot of u-joints, I too would bet the rear one of the front shaft. Hopefully he is one to learn and do better next time.

Sounds like the service manager did his job well in this case, and hopefully will ensure his staff are trained better in the future.

 

I crawled under my 13 taco 4x4 with greezegun ready and found 5 zerks. 3 in back 2 up front

 

The tech probably doesn't know, because he's never done it...

I've asked multiple times at my dealer, and they've yet to do it.

I didn't even use all of my free services. I just do it all myself now.

 

Lubed mine yesterday there's definitely 5. He might be saying 4 because one zerk that is on the front driveshaft closest to the transfer case is sort of hard to get to. The dealers do pretty much the minimum unless you specifically tell them otherwise.

 

Don't forget to mention you're on TW. Seems to get stuff done easier when I get service.

 

Would the driveshaft squeak if you don't lube it?

 

nope. it might rumble a bit

but you are unlikely to notice until u joints wear to failure or you have super sloppy drivetrain

 

FWIW, I think 4x4 regular cabs only have 4. Two on the front, two on the rear.

 

AKA, the Spocker!

 

After 15,000 miles of complimentary service (where an "X" was placed next to "grease driveshaft" by the mechanic/service writer each time), I slid under the truck myself to have a look at things. I noted the factory black paint still covering the grease zerk fittings. Hmm...curious situation! I took pictures, greased the shaft myself, and showed the pictures to the toyota service manager next time the truck went in @ 20,000 miles for complimentary service. He looked at the pictures, shrugged, and asked if anything was wrong with it at this point. I said no....looks/runs fine to me. I did advise him that he shouldn't be marking service items "complete" that were not completed, and he seemed unfazed by the comment so we parted ways.

It sounds like your dealer handled the situation appropriately. Important: I know there is a difference between lube techs & master techs. I know some super great skilled master techs. People make mistakes. Being a service manager with access to a shop and tools myself, I decided to do my own maintenance/repairs.