A worn U-joint gradually causes damage to other parts of the car including the transmission. Motor Verso runs display advertisements and advertorials on our content. Install the snap rings/C-clips to lock them in place. This spider joint is located right in front of the rear differential. They also had Bilstein monotube shocks, 16 wheels from the FJ, waterproof fabric seats, and a detachable TomTom navigation unit. It was actually designed by Yamaha. Interestingly, Canadian 4runners were only sold with 4 wheel drive. Usually, U-joints are serviceable parts that can be changed without needing to replace the whole driveshaft. 2006 and newer models also came with 18 6 spoke wheels. Below is a diagram I made of the whole driveshaft assembly and where youll need to grease the various zerk fittings. It was the first all aluminum engine Toyota ever put in a truck. If I maintain the speed there is no noise. Under normal operation, it sends 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. Also, these posts are based off my own experiences. Its been noted on the forums that the early (03/04) model V6 4runners had some issues with head gaskets. Youll also hear all sorts of anecdotal accounts of Person A running lithium grease in both slip yokes and spiders going on 200k miles on their 4Runner. This was more of an appearance package that added some of the features from a Limited to a Sport Edition. Instead of waiting for something to go bad and then repairing it, it is a good habit to examine the U-joints regularly. Send me an email notification when someone replies to my comment, Mothers Wheel Brush and Tire Cleaner Review, How to Use Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax, How to Apply Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour Wheel Coating, How to Wash and Maintain a Ceramic Coated Car, How to Restore Headlights with a 3M Headlight Lens Restoration Kit, How to Remove Hard Water Spots from Window Glass by Hand with PlastX, Sun Joe 6-Amp Electric Leaf Blower Review, ProElite Wheel and Rim Cleaning Brush Review, Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax Review, Meguiars Keep Clear Headlight Coating Review. Cleaning the area usually helps uncover the locations of these fittings. The V6 engine was brand new for 2003. Press down the threaded rod to push the cap against the yoke until it is seated properly. All prices are Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices and do not include any applicable tax and/or installation charges. During my search I compiled as much info as I could find online and talked with a few mechanics and Toyota dealer employees. You just need to pack your driveshaft with grease and it should go away. Some vehicles wont work at all without a properly functioning U-joint. The 4th generation 4runners can be divided into 2 different eras. When are U-Joints supposed to be replaced, btw? However, the squeak generally disappears when the vehicle goes faster than 5 to 10 mph because there are other environmental noises in play. We offer a full selection of genuine Toyota 4Runner Universal Joints, engineered specifically to restore factory performance. With the threaded rods end against the cap, set the tool to slide that cap inside. You may have to tap it properly to loosen the binding. Dont get me wrong, the new ones are fantastic too. We can easily predict the service life of some parts of the vehicle, like shocks. Good to hear. Heres another question that seems to have a different answer depending on who you ask: which grease should I be using on my driveshaft? 4th Generation 4runners had 3 popular trim models SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited. I should probably dig deeper into this. With every rotation of the driveshaft, the bearing portion twists a little, causing the grease to evaporate or wear off the bearing cup. The V8, air suspension, X-REAS suspension and JBL audio were all options right from the very beginning. Their function is similar to that of universal joints. My goal is to provide helpful articles and tutorials based on my experience and research related to car maintenance and automotive detailing. Personally, I find it a bit troublesome to either using one grease gun and changing out between two different types of grease or having two separate grease guns just for the sake of greasing my driveline. Other option is to run the truck on a lift(with the wheels hanging) so you can listen to the drivetrain. Then, right next to the slip yoke fitting is another zerk fitting for the spider. It requires taking apart and rebuilding the transfer case in order to replace the seized actuator. On the back side of the transfer case is another set of zerk fittings for the slip yoke and the spider joint. I have the same problem, it started to occur after I replaced the rear leaf springs with OME springs. The lights behind the HVAC unit tend to burn out over time. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, By logging into your account, you agree to our. Hey, Im Tim! If you have owned a car for a while now, you probably came across the term U-joint, otherwise known as Universal Joint. The Urban Runner was released this year. round shaped wheel wells replaced the old square shaped ones. Greasing or servicing the bearings will not do much to reduce the damage, but it may extend the service life. For instance, pickup trucks come with u-joints at both ends of the driveshafts. When you install a lift kit in the vehicle, it could change the driveshafts angle, exerting more pressure on the U-joints and ultimately reducing their lifespan. Strangely, some Canadian V8 models were actually sold with the V6s hitch. This is more expensive than a normal system to replace because both diagonally matching shocks have to be replaced at the same time. Vehicles with longer wheelbases, like buses, are equipped with three or more U-joints. The most noticeable attribute of the Sport Edition is their large hood scoop. Never ignore the signs your car is giving you, especially if they may be related to a poor U-joint. The V6 and V8 models both come with different trailer hitches. Ive never had an issue with mine, but others online have. If you have a 4WD 4th gen 4Runner, youll have two zerk fittings for the slip yoke (a.k.a. Thus, they need to be replaced more frequently than with a regular drive. This is a fairly easy fix that requires pulling the unit out of the dash and replacing the bulbs. Manage Preferences - When the driveshaft turns, the flexible action of the universal joints makes up for the misalignment. This means the 4runner shares much of the frame design, suspension and even the drivetrain with these vehicles. My 2003 Toyota 4Runner owners manual, as well as my Haynes Manual (for 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runners) says that an NLGI #2 lithium base chassis grease is to be used on the driveshaft for lubrication. Coupled with transmission fluid leakage, a broken U-joint can cause damage to the driveshaft, brake line, transmission line, and many other parts of the vehicle. My 4runner is a 2007 model with the revised brakes. But in the case of the V8 model, a mid sized SUV that can tow 7,000lbs is quite impressive. I share what I believe are the best modifications to start out with for your 4th gen 4runner here: The Sport Editions also have bigger brakes than the sr5. The Top 10 Reasons: Does Your Toyota 4runner Need A Trailer Brake Controller? However, I do think its a good idea to choose a maintenance schedule that is reasonable and stick to it. It is necessary to inspect for transmission leakage. Sorry about your border collie too. For vehicles that need to haul heavy loads daily, it is essential to get heavy-duty U joints to pair. This is caused by a combination of things. Greasing the driveshaft is a messy job, so you dont want to get this all over your hands. How many of you have replaced them on your 4th gen? 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Going under the vehicle, push the transmission yoke inside the tail shift. Many popular features were available throughout the entire generation so theres no need to avoid these. All Rights Reserved. It may be possible to do this work under your vehicle if you have a tall enough lift on the vehicle, but even with my 3 lift, I still didnt have a lot of room to work. One of the 4runners biggest strong suits continues to be its longevity. Is it OK to Use Dishwashing Soap to Wash your Car? No big deal. These are some of the most common reasons a universal joint fails: U-joints are designed to live a long life but, no matter how carefully maintained, anything mechanical is prone to error. How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Functions Of A U-Joint, How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Signs Of A Bad U-Joint. If the noise speeds up when the engine speeds up, its likely that an exhaust manifold is cracked. Transmission fluid leakage from the transmissions rear is generally a result of a bad universal joint. X-REAS was only available on the Sport Edition and Limited models. 1 (FOR PROPELLER SHAFT). Lucas Oil 10005 Red N Tacky Grease 14 Oz. Horsepower jumped from 235hp to 270hp, and torque went from 320 ft lbs to 330 ft lbs. Beware of the cords that could be exposed if your tires are low.You can get a nasty cut from exposed tire cords. I use either brake cleaner or some degreaser to clean the areas that Im working. A U-joint also supplements the height misalignment within the rear axle and the transmission. And finally, I dont personally have a shop manual but many folks online have said that the shop manual recommends using molybdenum disulphide lithium base chassis grease NLGI #2 for the slip yokes and regular lithium based NLGI #2 for the spider joints. The type of grease that needs to be used for the slip yoke and the spider joint tends to have a lot of conflicting information. They also had special alcantara/leather seats that were only available on this model. And then of course there will be others who use lithium grease in the spiders and lithium grease with moly in the slip yoke, and make the same kind of longevity claim. Ive heard that you should do it every 15k miles, every 6 months, and even at every oil change. The following errors occurred with your submission. universal joint.). 338 people have looked at this part recently. Mine is one of them. Thinking of taking your 4runner off-roading? As long as youve checked the VIN to see its accident history, any rust free 4runner (with documented service records preferably) will be a good purchase. Based on the type used, tension is exerted on the snap rings in various directions. That being said, no vehicle is perfect. The Rear Air Suspension was only offered in combination with Toyotas X-REAS suspension. Wipe away the excess grease that oozed out and move onto the next location. Check out my experience with pulling a camper 10,000 kms across the country: The curb weight of a 4th gen 4runner is somewhere between 4,000lbs and 4,400 lbs (depending on options) making it a bit of a lightweight for towing. The driveshaft assembly can loosen and fall off. These have become rather rare finds nowadays and can be quite sought after. Its especially helpful to have these cleaners around to clear all the built up grease and dirt at the zerk fittings. If there greased properly, never. The Urban Runner featured different badges and the 18 wheels from the Limited. 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The only notable changes for this model year were the option of a 3rd row seat, removal of the transmission dipstick and addition of a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2005 ratings for the V8 are the ones that should be used to compare with the 03/04 numbers. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of power to the drive wheels. The 4.7L V8 has an EPA rating of 15 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. Advertising - Make sure it is easy to pivot the joints. Want to know everything there is to know about towing with a 4runner? Lubricants can extend the service life of a U-joint but you may have to replace it down the line; keep that in mind. I would recommend buying the nicest and newest one your budget will allow. Reliability is one of its most well-known character traits. The driveline would catch on every pothole and bump. Theres an endless debate over which engine is the better choice for the 4runner. Universal joints could last decades, but they can also break despite the vehicle being new. If you have a 2WD 4th gen 4Runner, your driveline is not serviceable and therefore there will be no zerk fittings for you to grease. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. You can program the doors to either lock automatically when you shift out of park, or when the vehicle hits 13 mph. When it senses wheel slip, it will send as much as 53% to the front or 71% to the rear. Archive - That first reason is the biggest one for me. Wipe everything away with shop towels/rags. The 4runner is currently deep into its 5th generation but newer doesnt always mean better. So, how can you know when your cars universal joints are going bad? The drastic temperature changes from driving in cold weather are hard on them, not to mention the corrosion from all the road salt. All 4th gen 4runners have independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. This was the year the 4runner underwent a facelift. Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by mdmt800, Sep 27, 2016. Paintscratch Automotive Touch Up Paint Review, Renting a Pickup Truck to Haul Getaround Review, CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner Non-Flammable -19 Wt Oz (05089), Simple Green, SMP13012, Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 Each, White, How to Program a Remote Key Fob: 2nd Gen Acura CL (2001-2003) Including Type-S, Valve Cover Replacement (1GRE-FE 4.0L V6): 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner, Fixing Tire Rub on Front Fender Liners: 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner. Pro tip: A few heavy-duty yokes feature bearing cups attached on both sides. These are the cheapest and easiest to find on the used market. I hate misinformation. It came in three colors white, silver and black. As a result, the bearing dries up, metal-to-metal contact is initiated, and the universal joint bearings squeak when the rotation happens. It is completely possible that the universal joint was at the end of its service life after serving its set time. U joints typically dont growl when failing. Made modifications or gotten a bigger engine to improve your vehicles horsepower? Thats a pretty bold statement from someone who is possibly the most knowledgeable on the subject. The final stage of a bad U-joint is a vehicle incapable of moving anymore. Fawk. Some people might tell you this only applies to earlier years of the 4th gen 4runner, but thats not true. All of them do it eventually and its a fairly expensive fix. Vibration across the whole vehicle typically means that the U-joints have done enough damage to the driveshaft and it is now unbalanced. The squeak is to be considered a warning that you have to get the U-joints serviced by a certified professional. Follow the same grease procedure as location 2. At the same time, remove the 2 other caps and push the U-joints polished end into the openings of the yoke. You may be wondering how long can you drive with a bad U-joint. By replacing it with another OEM part, chances are it will fail down the road again. Thats a huge bonus for adventure seekers. Is the noise alwayse there? FWD vehicles come with CV joints or constant velocity joints. Unfortunately, it gets worn out over time like any other shock absorber. Your email address will not be published. Install the snap ring/C-slip and repeat on the other side. 2 lithium grease for both slip yoke and spider joints. Following this routine is a great way to ensure your 4WD system works perfectly for a long time. It happens at speeds ober 40mph but the faster I'm going the louder it gets. Most of the changes were cosmetic since it received engine and transmission upgrades in the previous year. The bearing components used in universal joints are lubricated at the factory, but they might not get a lubrication fitting to facilitate further greasing once the vehicle is out on the roads, limiting their functionality. propeller shaft) is a key maintenance item on the 4th generation Toyota 4Runner that every owner should be doing. Its not going to tow as well as a full size pickup truck. Think my 04 has clips that hold the u joint cups in. This helps to cut down on wind noise on the highway, A burger tray folds out from the center armrest of the back seat, If you unlock the doors with the remote but dont open any of them within 30 seconds, they will relock on their own, Moving the front seat all the way forward, removing the headrest, then tilting it all the way back lines it up with the rear seat and forms a bed. There are two to three U-joints in a regular rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The 4 speed transmission that accompanied it was carried over from the 3rd gen 4runner. It gets a hand calculated 12 MPG city and just shy of 20 MPG highway. These are a nice compromise between the other two models. I'm Scott and I run The Track Ahead. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plus, a stronger universal joint is a good idea in general. Any gear oil leaks? Restrictions May Apply. The driveshaft angle has to be within tolerances; modify if required. A car with a faulty U-joint will not run for long. The mechanic can be expected to choose high-quality replacement U-joints featuring a grease fitting. The 1GR-FE V6 was also used in vehicles like the Tacoma and FJ Cruiser. When you start, make sure you have your grease gun loaded up with plenty of grease, have a lot of blue shop towels or rags, and a cleaner to clean the areas surrounding the zerk fittings. Armed with a grease gun and appropriate grease, it is easy to grease up the driveshaft and keep your driveline working properly. Press Esc to cancel. But, the majority of times, the problem can be linked to a lack of greasing of the bearing, rough driving, or modifications made to vehicles which can affect driveshaft speed or angle. These Toyotas are vehicles you can likely take anywhere in the world and still be able to find parts to fix them. There really arent many major issues to worry about with the 4th gen 4runner. With tape or rubber band, fasten the 2 opposing bearing cups to the replacement joint. For example, my owners manual states that both spiders and slip yokes take lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2. I would recommend sticking with the tow rating of your hitch rather than your engine. slide yoke) and four zerk fittings for the spider joint (a.k.a. It can also cause extensive damage to the vehicles underside and perhaps the driveline too. Are you considering a 2nd Generation Toyota Tacoma? Once you decide the type of grease you want to use and where you want to use it, have your grease gun(s) ready with your grease(s) of choice. That sucks. This is possibly the reason why the V6 wasnt available in the Lexus version of the 4runner (GX470). Technically, U-joints last forever at least that is how they were designed. In simple words, a vehicle cannot function with a U-joint, so it fails. I get the grinding sound coming from the back when I let off the gas. If the grease escapes around the grease gun nozzle, remove the nozzle and re-attach it securely again. Its best to take precautions while you can. Look out for these signs. They are parts of a system designed to enable the rotating crankshaft to deliver rotating energy to the rear wheels (applicable for rear-wheel-drive vehicles). Rust throughout the undercarriage as well as on the rear hatch is quite common. And now, lets discuss processing with a U-Joint tool. If you have rear height control suspension on your 4Runner, make sure to adjust the mode to normal, turn the height control to off and then turn off the engine before raising the vehicle. 2006-2022, ToyotaPartsDeal.com by Genuine Parts Source, Inc. Search by Part Number, Part Name, Description. Since the rear wheels and rear axle of the vehicles move independently of the other parts of the vehicle, a direct driveshaft originating from the engine would not work. Once you navigate through the confusion around the the maintenance interval and the grease type, the maintenance itself is quite easy and ensures you keep your driveline in tip-top shape. best modifications to start out with for your 4th gen 4runner here: Why Are Toyota 4runners So Popular? This V6 is rated at 245 hp and 283 lb ft of torque. Again, this is a messy job and having plenty of shop towels on hand will aid in cleaning the work areas, but also with clearing away the pumped out old grease. But, how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, and is it safe? The V8 hitch hangs lower and mounts directly to the frame. Keep the cross at a 90-degree angle to the yoke that will make the process slightly easier. Lift the car into the air, either with the front lower than the rear or level. The Trail Edition 4runner was only available in 2009 (the final year of production). The good news, however, is that there are telltale symptoms to let you know that the u-joints in your vehicle need attention. You can save coins by doing the replacement yourself. Wipe away the excess grease. To decrease weight on the car, manufacturers keep the driveshaft fairly lightweight and it can dent easily. While youre under the car with your grease gun, you should try to lubricate the contact points on the steering knuckle stop. This was apparently fixed in the newer models. The u-joint doesnt fail overnight; its a gradual process. If you do, this can be a costly fix. Its not just any V8 either its the legendary 2UZ pulled from their truck and Lexus lines. Leaks from the rubber airbags or fittings on the lines are common, as well as faulty height sensors. A dented driveshaft is an unbalanced driveshaft. Fits 4Runner (1984 - 2022)Driveshaft U-Joint - Repair or ReplaceA frozen U-joint or universal joint will sound like a loud clicking or popping when your Toyota 4Runner is moving. Even mechanics at Toyota dealerships will have a variety of responses on which greases they use; it is usually a mixed bag of these three options. All Rights Reserved. Conversely, Person B has run lithium grease with moly everywhere and has gone the distance too. Things really fell apart there. Toyota offered two special new models in 2008 and 2009. It happens exactly at the point when I let off the gas and have it coast in top gear. Free Ground Shipping on Orders Over $75 Sitewide when using code: FREESHIP (up to $200 value). My understanding is that you dont want to overpack the grease as it might prevent the slip joint from compressing and extending properly. After the vibrations stated above, if you still do not get your vehicle checked, the U-joint will move on to damaging the transmission tail shaft bushing and output shaft seal, which then causes transmission fuel leak. MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves (Box of 100): Small / Medium / Large. Secure the caps to the new joint using tape or a rubber band. Using a press, heavy-duty socket, or a hammer and punch, squeeze the bearing cups outside the toke. Again, the discrepancy is a bit frustrating, but I tried to stay safe by only pumping a few times into the slip yoke fitting. There is a bit of variability in information related to how often you should be greasing your driveshaft, as well as what type of grease you should be using on the various components of the propeller shafts. The transfer case can be locked in both 4 high and 4 low modes. For this part, you will have to slide under your vehicle. These were more of an off road specific model and were only sold as V6 4x4s. OEM ujoints are not greasable and rely on this seal to keep water/moisture out, http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/ball-joint-press, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOI8BDS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1, Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics, Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world, Post your own photos in our Members Gallery. Examine the U-joints with a flashlight. The only notable changes for 2008 were a slight difference in the front bumper styling and a VSC Off switch on all models. PIECE, BALANCE, NO. 4runners equipped with the 4.0L V6 engine are rated to tow 5,000 lbs. Find the right size press cup fit for the driveshaft yoke and position the cup on top of the threaded rod. We shift from 4 high to 4 low as well as lock/unlock the transfer case once a month.
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