The driveshaft assembly can loosen and fall off. Ive driven both versions and theres just no way thats the case. Fawk. Now, lets see how you can process it without a U-Joint tool. In 2006 it received a few cosmetic updates. The 2UZ-FE V8 was borrowed from the Tundra, Sequoia, and even the Lexus GX470. Greasing or servicing the bearings will not do much to reduce the damage, but it may extend the service life. MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves (Box of 100): Small / Medium / Large. At every step of the procedure, you must be extremely careful with the driveshaft. Leaks from the rubber airbags or fittings on the lines are common, as well as faulty height sensors. 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. 4runners equipped with the 4.0L V6 engine are rated to tow 5,000 lbs. Over time, normal wear and tear take a toll on every component of the car, not just the U-joint. This is possibly the reason why the V6 wasnt available in the Lexus version of the 4runner (GX470). 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. You can get a replacement U-joint for under $50. My personal 4runner has a 4.7L V8, Doug Thorley headers, K&N filter, lifted suspension and heavy 33 tires. Usually, this is the next stage after deterioration due to inadequate grease in the bearing. Theyre far more reliable than the original manifold, and also offer more horsepower, torque, and fuel economy! Is it OK to Use Dishwashing Soap to Wash your Car? Knowing the condition of your car parts will help you estimate how long can you drive with a bad U-joint. You can then squeeze the pistol grip until grease just starts to come out. Driveshaft U-joints. Theres a couple companies that make delete kits to either cure a problem or prevent one in the future. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I do want to point out that my Haynes manual doesnt make any mention of these specific instructions. Continue fastening the threaded rod to remove one cap from the yoke. Look out for these signs. 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. *Free Ground Shipping coupon up to $200 Value. For an in depth comparison of the V6 and V8 engines, check out this article: The 44 system in the 4runner didnt change throughout the entire 4th generation. Install the snap ring/C-slip and repeat on the other side. Features include heated leather seats, illuminated running boards, dual zone climate control, rear air suspension on V8s, anti-theft system with immobilizer, and a Homelink garage door opener. When the time finally came to make the switch, I chose a 4th gen Toyota 4runner. Please narrow the U-Joint results by selecting the vehicle. This is Toyotas nifty shock system that diagonally links each corner of the truck. Rotate the yoke/driveshaft 180-degrees. Press Esc to cancel. Based on the type used, tension is exerted on the snap rings in various directions. This indicates that although the U-joint has enough space to let the driveshaft rotate slightly, it comes to a hard stop once the power is reversed. What Happens If Your Car Is Impounded By Police: What Now? Learn how your comment data is processed. Move to the differential end and lift the tail of the driveshaft to get it into place. This is the only model its available on. Upgrade your ride with the NEW Geniune TRD Bronze Wheel. Toyota borrowed the 4.7L V8 from its other successful trucks. The V8 hitch hangs lower and mounts directly to the frame. Thus, they need to be replaced more frequently than with a regular drive. This will stop the fluid leaking from the transmission. A V8 with a V6 hitch should only tow 5,000 lbs to be safe. Unfortunately, this is the price you pay to have such an otherwise capable SUV. How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint? Raise the shafts rear into position and install the latch the flanges/install the straps, making sure it lines up with the marks made previously. One of the 4runners biggest strong suits continues to be its longevity. All 4th gen 4runners have independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. Make sure to double check that any 16 versions will clear the front brakes though. Going under the vehicle, push the transmission yoke inside the tail shift. PIECE, BALANCE, NO. 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 system is helpful when it works, but when it doesnt its a pain. You sure it's not a bearing and or tires? 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. Instead of waiting for something to go bad and then repairing it, it is a good habit to examine the U-joints regularly. Wheels from the FJ Cruiser, GX470, 1st gen Tundra, 1st gen Sequoia and Tacoma will all fit the 4runner. This is when you have to get the universal joint replaced by a professional mechanic. Vibration across the whole vehicle typically means that the U-joints have done enough damage to the driveshaft and it is now unbalanced. Restrictions May Apply. Their function is similar to that of universal joints. This system was created to help with body roll and on road handling. Left unattended, a failure in this component can be dangerous while youre driving, not just expensive. Auto leveling and height adjustable rear air suspension was available on V8 Limited models. The 4runner is currently deep into its 5th generation but newer doesnt always mean better. Without universal joints, a vehicle could not build enough suspension for any wheel travel. If you have owned a car for a while now, you probably came across the term U-joint, otherwise known as Universal Joint. Many people believe this is one of Toyotas most legendary engines in terms of durability (second to the 2JZ found in the Supra). Savvy 4runner owners stick to a monthly Use it or lose it routine. With tape or rubber band, fasten the 2 opposing bearing cups to the replacement joint. Get another cup that is bigger than the U-joint cups but smaller than the opening of the yoke. Heres another question that seems to have a different answer depending on who you ask: which grease should I be using on my driveshaft? When the universal joint breaks down, the driveshaft will drop, no longer able to transfer power. 17 minimum. Is the noise alwayse there? Thats a huge bonus for adventure seekers. It happens exactly at the point when I let off the gas and have it coast in top gear. A lot of damage can be involved in all the cases. I hear he gets them from the same place the toy dealer does but his price was cheaper than the stealer. Install the clamps to fasten the U-joint to the yoke and secure the bolts and nuts. It might seem scary, but its actually no big deal. best modifications to start out with for your 4th gen 4runner here: Why Are Toyota 4runners So Popular? Make sure to force out the grease until it just begins to leave the feeder tube. A dented driveshaft is an unbalanced driveshaft. This was sort of an oddball year that bridged the gap between the pre and post facelift 4runners. 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. Right now, Im performing this service every six months as it strikes a nice balance between convenience and adequate lubrication. We offer a full selection of genuine Toyota 4Runner Universal Joints, engineered specifically to restore factory performance. This was the year the 4runner underwent a facelift. If they are not smooth you could be hearing them. The Trail Edition 4runners were only sold in silver, white and dark grey. This was the first year of the 4th gen 4runner and it was a huge change from the previous 3rd gen model. In simple words, a vehicle cannot function with a U-joint, so it fails. Only at Participating Dealers. Clean the area with your cleaner and then wipe away all the old grease and dirt to expose the zerk fitting on the spider joint. As you can see from the images below, there are two zerk fittings located towards the front of the transfer case. The transfer case actuator that shifts from 4WD to 4 low can seize up if not used for a long period of time. Heres a breakdown of the differences between each 4runner model: The SR5 trim level was the entry level 4runner. It gets a hand calculated 12 MPG city and just shy of 20 MPG highway. And theyll fix the cvs. If you want to get professional help for your U-joint replacement, expect to pay anywhere between $200 to $450 depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle as well as the extent of the damages. Then you are going to have a whole different vibration source to deal with. These tools have been tried and tested by our team, they are ideal for fixing your car at home. VIP Security System, Courtesy Lamp Switch. The knock sensors will pull timing which will lower the power and keep the engine safe if any knock is present. Beware of the cords that could be exposed if your tires are low.You can get a nasty cut from exposed tire cords. That being said, no vehicle is perfect. The driveline would catch on every pothole and bump. 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. Using a press, heavy-duty socket, or a hammer and punch, squeeze the bearing cups outside the toke. Here youll find everything from detailing tips, buyers guides, modifications, and maintenance. These are thick stainless steel and have a lifetime warranty. The Trail Edition 4runner was only available in 2009 (the final year of production). This ensures an uninterrupted supply of power to the drive wheels. Other styling features may include tubular roof rails and side steps, 17 6 spoke wheels and smoked chrome grille and headlight housings. Dont get me wrong, the new ones are fantastic too. 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. When the driveshaft turns, the flexible action of the universal joints makes up for the misalignment. 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. Look out for broken or chipped bearing caps, missing bearing, rust, or retaining clips in the yokes. Its found in the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia as well as the Lexus GX470 and LX470. Learn More. While you may be tempted to try out actually how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, but it is highly recommended that you replace it. The Trail Edition and Urban Runner were both available this year. Cleaning the area usually helps uncover the locations of these fittings. They also had special alcantara/leather seats that were only available on this model. Examine the U-joints with a flashlight. FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT; REAR PROPELLER SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT; UNIVERSAL JOINT(FOR PROPELLER SHAFT). Dealer sets actual price. This helps replacement parts to be not only widely available but cost effective too. I think any of these guidelines will suffice as I personally have gone much longer than these intervals (more than I wish to disclose) and never had an issue. You may be wondering how long can you drive with a bad U-joint. 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. Toyota used thinner metal to help them to heat up quickly for emission purposes, and that combined with the weight of the catalytic converter hanging off the back makes them crack over time. With adverse driving conditions, hard driving, and enough miles on the car, the universal joints may give up faster than expected. 2010-2012 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint, 1984-2014 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Rear Propeller Shaft Universal Joint, 1987-1995 Toyota 4Runner Bearing Kit, UNIVERS, 1984-1986 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint, 1996-2001 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint, 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint, 1991-1994 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint, 1991-1995 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit,UNIVALSAL, 1984-1989 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint, 1984-1988 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint, 2003-2006 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Rear Propeller Shaft Universal Joint, 1992-1995 Toyota 4Runner Bearing Kit, UNIVERS, 1984-2021 Toyota 4Runner Spider Kit, Universal Joint. These Toyotas are vehicles you can likely take anywhere in the world and still be able to find parts to fix them. The squeak is to be considered a warning that you have to get the U-joints serviced by a certified professional. Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by mdmt800, Sep 27, 2016. No big deal. Follow the same grease procedure as location 2. But, how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, and is it safe? Grease this the same way you greased location 1. Over time, the 4runners reputation has been proven thanks to its huge following and strong resale value. It requires taking apart and rebuilding the transfer case in order to replace the seized actuator. The vibration will be of higher frequency than that of, lets say, an out-of-balance set of wheels. My 2003 Toyota 4Runner owners manual doesnt say anything about how often to grease the driveshaft; it only specifies what type of grease to use. This is easy to do especially since youre under the vehicle and already have the grease gun ready. Sport Edition 4runners also have X-REAS suspension and model-specific seat fabric. Your email address will not be published. The Trail Edition was essentially an FJ Cruiser with a 4runner body on it. When you make purchases through links on this site, The Track Ahead may earn an affiliate commission. 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. It shares this with the Lexus GX470, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma/Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado, 5th gen 4runner and Hilux Surf. The good news, however, is that there are telltale symptoms to let you know that the u-joints in your vehicle need attention. Think my 04 has clips that hold the u joint cups in. 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The more the number of U-joints, the higher the chance of failure. Cookie Policy -
Good to hear. Lubricating the driveshaft (a.k.a. This is really a trick question because you cant go wrong with any year 4th gen 4runner. Pro tip: A few heavy-duty yokes feature bearing cups attached on both sides. When you remove the snap rings/C-clips, it will secure the caps. Theres an endless debate over which engine is the better choice for the 4runner. Unfortunately, it gets worn out over time like any other shock absorber. Want to know everything there is to know about towing with a 4runner? The JBL Synthesis audio system was standard on the Limited. The 2005 ratings for the V8 are the ones that should be used to compare with the 03/04 numbers. Vehicles with longer wheelbases, like buses, are equipped with three or more U-joints. The Rear Air Suspension was only offered in combination with Toyotas X-REAS suspension. Hey, Im Tim! Its not just any V8 either its the legendary 2UZ pulled from their truck and Lexus lines. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mark the yoke and driveshaft sides that will have the new U-joint replacement installed. Since they are simply a set of bearings, they need to have the right chassis grease to function optimally. These had the highest sales figures. During the entire lifetime of the 4runner, Toyota has only offered a V8 for these 7 years. It is crucial to address a bad U-joint as soon as you suspect there might be problems with the component. Hold the yoke assembly/U-joint by the joint cups and strike the yoke sharply. 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. While youre under the car with your grease gun, you should try to lubricate the contact points on the steering knuckle stop. It can also move at an angle to the cars engine when the vehicle goes over uneven surfaces. Putting your car through extreme applications such as off-roading, racing, or continual payload towing will put additional strain on the driveshaft, accelerating the wear of U-joint. This one should be pumped with grease until the bearing cup seals ooze. 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. 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. 2022 The Track Ahead. When are U-Joints supposed to be replaced, btw? Made modifications or gotten a bigger engine to improve your vehicles horsepower? You can save coins by doing the replacement yourself. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Position the U-joint tool against the yoke. Some vehicles wont work at all without a properly functioning U-joint. That sucks. It connects the rigid driveshaft of the vehicle to the transmission and allows it to rotate freely. 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. Remove the tool and flip it before repeating on the other side. The V8, air suspension, X-REAS suspension and JBL audio were all options right from the very beginning. If youre currently considering one of these as your next vehicle, this buyers guide is for you. If you do, this can be a costly fix. 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. A completely failed universal joint can make the driveshaft fall out of the undercarriage, causing serious damage to the vehicle, if not an accident. FWD vehicles come with CV joints or constant velocity joints. Make sure it is easy to pivot the joints. All Rights Reserved. Things really fell apart there. Many people end up ditching the system altogether when it wears out and are able to upgrade to regular high performance shocks for less money. Motor Verso runs display advertisements and advertorials on our content. How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Reasons Behind U-Joint Failure, How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: A Step-by-Step Guide On Replacing A U-Joint, How Long Can You Drive With A Bad U-Joint: Replacement Cost Of U-Joint. The V6 is more fuel efficient and doesnt have a timing belt, while the V8 has better power, torque, and sound while being slightly more thirsty. Its just an annoying/embarrassing sound that will drive you crazy. The 4th generation 4runners can be divided into 2 different eras. Lubricants can extend the service life of a U-joint but you may have to replace it down the line; keep that in mind. Privacy Statement -
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. I have had issues with 2 calipers within a year. For this part, you will have to slide under your vehicle. This is a fairly easy fix that requires pulling the unit out of the dash and replacing the bulbs. You cant replace one shock by itself. With the vehicles driveshaft out, place it on a flat workbench or any comfortable work surface. Lift the car into the air, either with the front lower than the rear or level. It was the first all aluminum engine Toyota ever put in a truck. The size of the leak from a cracked manifold isnt likely to be large enough to trip a check engine light or affect driveability. You just need to pack your driveshaft with grease and it should go away. Wipe away the excess grease that oozed out and move onto the next location. 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. It is best to have the transmission inspected to decide which changes are necessary. Toyota actually offered to fix a bunch of these free of charge but I believe that program has since ended. I get the grinding sound coming from the back when I let off the gas. Gently resting it against the latch will allow the electric motor to pull it closed the final inch, While driving with the moonroof open, the wind deflector automatically drops when you hit 57mph and rises back up below 45mph. The appearance of the SR5 is a bit blander than other models. However, the squeak generally disappears when the vehicle goes faster than 5 to 10 mph because there are other environmental noises in play. If the noise speeds up when the engine speeds up, its likely that an exhaust manifold is cracked. My understanding is that you dont want to overpack the grease as it might prevent the slip joint from compressing and extending properly. Follow the instructions that come with the grease gun. During my search I compiled as much info as I could find online and talked with a few mechanics and Toyota dealer employees. Hi there! Plus, a stronger universal joint is a good idea in general. Talk to any 4runner owner and theyll likely tell you the best engine is the one they have. These didnt suffer from the frame recalls that the Tacoma did but theyre still very prone to rusting if not cared for. The V6 engine was brand new for 2003. Its especially helpful to have these cleaners around to clear all the built up grease and dirt at the zerk fittings. The Limited 4runner is the top of the line with all of the bells and whistles. Knowing about the correct operation as well as maintenance of universal joints can save you from spending hundreds, if not thousands at the repair shop. I had a national repair shop damage my cvs last year during and alignment. On the back side of the transfer case is another set of zerk fittings for the slip yoke and the spider joint. I can see in the service history that the other two have already been replaced. Toyota offered two special new models in 2008 and 2009. Neglecting a U-joint replacement even though symptoms have started to display can bring many severe consequences. But in the case of the V8 model, a mid sized SUV that can tow 7,000lbs is quite impressive. The drastic temperature changes from driving in cold weather are hard on them, not to mention the corrosion from all the road salt. In my opinion, the 2006 and newer facelifted models with the V8 are the most desirable. Lodge the cross inside the yoke. 16 wheels will not fit like they do on the sr5. The only notable changes for 2008 were a slight difference in the front bumper styling and a VSC Off switch on all models. For vehicles that need to haul heavy loads daily, it is essential to get heavy-duty U joints to pair. 2 lithium grease for both slip yoke and spider joints. I always said that if I ever replaced my trusty Jeep Grand Cherokee it would be with one of two vehicles: a full size pickup or one of those V8 4runners. Lucas Oil 10005 Red N Tacky Grease 14 Oz. Ultimately, I suggest you do your own research and make a decision for what you believe is best for your vehicle. These were geared toward people who wanted the capability of an FJ with the mature styling of the 4runner. This one has been reported as a clunk sound accompanied by the feeling of something pushing the truck forward when coming to a complete stop. Type above and press Enter to search. If the grease escapes around the grease gun nozzle, remove the nozzle and re-attach it securely again. There are two to three U-joints in a regular rear-wheel-drive vehicle. It came in three colors white, silver and black. This engine is a bit rougher and noisier than the V8 but requires less maintenance thanks to its timing chain. Its noticeably smoother and quieter than the V6. Bridging the gap between an SR5 and Limited is the Sport Edition 4runner. It was actually designed by Yamaha. These were more of an off road specific model and were only sold as V6 4x4s. If that is the case for you, do steps 2 and 3 for the second yoke too. Ive never had an issue with mine, but others online have. I wont go into the details of what grease to use here as I went in-depth about it earlier in the post. The rear air suspension system is prone to a few failures. The X-REAS suspension is great when it works. After the cup is properly seated, use a hammer to secure the yoke. Although they are not supposed to depreciate over time, it happens. Would suspect a bearing or tires. That first reason is the biggest one for me. There really arent many major issues to worry about with the 4th gen 4runner. Enter your VIN for the most accurate results. Conversely, Person B has run lithium grease with moly everywhere and has gone the distance too. Secure the threaded rod with your hand. All models were offered with both the V6 or V8 engine and in 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. The manifold is a one piece design that includes the primary catalytic converter. See related guides and technical advice from our community experts: Last and only time I have ever bought Toyota U-joints I bought them from Jess over at High angle driveline. The Toyota 4runner is one of the most loved SUVs on the planet. Unlike the V6 though, the V8 requires the timing belt to be changed approximately every 100,000 miles (160,000 kms). 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. Insert the grease nozzle into the zerk fitting as shown in the below photos. Install the snap rings/C-clips to lock them in place. 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.
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