With the vehicles driveshaft out, place it on a flat workbench or any comfortable work surface. It happens exactly at the point when I let off the gas and have it coast in top gear. But, how long can you drive with a bad U-joint, and is it safe? Want to know everything there is to know about towing with a 4runner? Unfortunately, this is the price you pay to have such an otherwise capable SUV. To raise it, insert the key into the lock on the hatch and turn to the right, Holding the Mode button on the steering wheel audio controls will turn the stereo on and off, Theres a trash bag holder that folds out from the back of the center console, No need to slam the rear hatch closed. This was apparently fixed in the newer models. Driveshaft U-joints. 
It shares this with the Lexus GX470, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma/Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado, 5th gen 4runner and Hilux Surf. Many people believe this is one of Toyotas most legendary engines in terms of durability (second to the 2JZ found in the Supra). A worn U-joint gradually causes damage to other parts of the car including the transmission. oz. Sometimes you cant even tell where the zerks are because its been caked up with so much dirt and grease. 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 V6 is more of a bumper-pull and tucks up nice and high. Here youll find everything from detailing tips, buyers guides, modifications, and maintenance. universal joint.). When are U-Joints supposed to be replaced, btw? Theres a hidden flap inside the glove box at the back that reveals an extra secret compartment, The rear window can be lowered remotely by pressing and holding the bottom button on the key fob. Theres an endless debate over which engine is the better choice for the 4runner. Its noticeably smoother and quieter than the V6. Personally, Ive heard all kinds of answers to the question of how often you should grease the driveshaft. 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. Other option is to run the truck on a lift(with the wheels hanging) so you can listen to the drivetrain. With adverse driving conditions, hard driving, and enough miles on the car, the universal joints may give up faster than expected. 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. 
Its just an annoying/embarrassing sound that will drive you crazy. In 2006 it received a few cosmetic updates. For vehicles that need to haul heavy loads daily, it is essential to get heavy-duty U joints to pair. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Advertising -
Over time, normal wear and tear take a toll on every component of the car, not just the U-joint. While small in stature, a U-joint can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. The Rear Air Suspension was only offered in combination with Toyotas X-REAS suspension. 
This is really a trick question because you cant go wrong with any year 4th gen 4runner. Upgrade your ride with the NEW Geniune TRD Bronze Wheel. As you can see from the images below, there are two zerk fittings located towards the front of the transfer case. However, I do think its a good idea to choose a maintenance schedule that is reasonable and stick to it. The manifold is a one piece design that includes the primary catalytic converter. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. Install the clamps to fasten the U-joint to the yoke and secure the bolts and nuts. When I'm not writing and not working my day job, you can find me spending time with my family and working on home and car projects. This was more of an appearance package that added some of the features from a Limited to a Sport Edition. Take off the rubber band or tape and set the joint cups into the differentials pinion yoke. 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. These received a few mechanical upgrades but kept the same styling from the older models. Although they are not supposed to depreciate over time, it happens. How to tell if bad? Turn the tool around and redo the process to remove the opposite cap as well as the cross of the U-joint. Alternatively, my Haynes Manual for the 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner says that it should be done every 7,500 miles or every 6 months. 
Heres a breakdown of the differences between each 4runner model: The SR5 trim level was the entry level 4runner. The appearance of the SR5 is a bit blander than other models. Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by mdmt800, Sep 27, 2016. Some vehicles wont work at all without a properly functioning U-joint. Are you considering a 2nd Generation Toyota Tacoma? Get another cup that is bigger than the U-joint cups but smaller than the opening of the yoke. 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. All prices are Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices and do not include any applicable tax and/or installation charges. This is easy to do especially since youre under the vehicle and already have the grease gun ready. The V8 hitch hangs lower and mounts directly to the frame. Would suspect a bearing or tires. The driveline would catch on every pothole and bump. Hey, Im Tim! Savvy 4runner owners stick to a monthly Use it or lose it routine. If you have owned a car for a while now, you probably came across the term U-joint, otherwise known as Universal Joint. In 2009, it was offered in Blizzard Pearl. Do Headers Add Horsepower Rev Up Your Car Today! Scott 75130 Shop Towels, 55 Towels (12 rolls). If you have a 4WD 4th gen 4Runner, youll have two zerk fittings for the slip yoke (a.k.a. X-REAS was only available on the Sport Edition and Limited models. Got home, smelled something odd, and there was grease all over. Theyll likely never have a V8 again if their current direction is any indication. 
Type above and press Enter to search. Left photo: front differential to the front driveshaftMiddle photo: front driveshaft meets the transfer case and then continues to the rear driveshaftRight photo: rear driveshaft to the rear differential. It makes greasing maintenance easy. The u-joint doesnt fail overnight; its a gradual process. Universal joints power this motion while letting the driveshaft turn continuously. This system was created to help with body roll and on road handling. When you remove the snap rings/C-clips, it will secure the caps. Ive driven both versions and theres just no way thats the case. Universal joints could last decades, but they can also break despite the vehicle being new. 
The 4runner is currently deep into its 5th generation but newer doesnt always mean better. 
Press Esc to cancel. Enter your VIN for the most accurate results. CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner Non-Flammable -19 Wt Oz (05089)Simple Green, SMP13012, Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 Each, White. You can edit the name of your vehicle by clicking the pencil icon on the right. Thanks to the adjustable connection on the driveshafts end, the driveshaft can move up and down. I believe this is the #1 killer of Toyota 4runners. Its been noted on the forums that the early (03/04) model V6 4runners had some issues with head gaskets. Sport Edition 4runners also have X-REAS suspension and model-specific seat fabric. Terms of Service -
Luckily, you really cant go wrong with either one. 
Toyota actually offered to fix a bunch of these free of charge but I believe that program has since ended. 2022 The Track Ahead. I would recommend sticking with the tow rating of your hitch rather than your engine. My goal is to provide helpful articles and tutorials based on my experience and research related to car maintenance and automotive detailing. Remove the tool and flip it before repeating on the other side. 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. Inspect for binding on the installed joint. 
Its best to take precautions while you can. The Trail Edition and Urban Runner were both available this year. If you look at the set of three photos below, they are taken from the drivers side of the vehicle looking at the undercarriage. These can be a somewhat costly fix and could potentially leave you stranded in the event of a catastrophic failure. 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. A few U-joints are made to receive lubrication maintenance, which can be quite helpful in lifted, off-road, or heavy-duty vehicles. Rotate the yoke/driveshaft 180-degrees. Replacing a U-joint is usually a simple matter, and our technicians are standing by to assist. I would recommend buying the nicest and newest one your budget will allow. This was the only 4th gen 4runner to ever be painted in pearl white. Address the problem right away and save yourself from a potentially punching-hole-in-wallet bill. 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. 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. Each shock is connected to its opposite corner with a hydraulic line. 
I should probably dig deeper into this. During the entire lifetime of the 4runner, Toyota has only offered a V8 for these 7 years. It is fairly simple and requires one to one and a half hours at the most. The 4.7L V8 has an EPA rating of 15 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. Your email address will not be published. 16 wheels will not fit like they do on the sr5. Keep in mind that you will also be increasing the strain exerted on the driveshaft, as well as the U-joints. Keep a bearing cup below any of these openings and slightly tap the yoke. 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. MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves (Box of 100): Small / Medium / Large. You could get a vibration and sometimes a chirping noise as they get worse. Never ignore the signs your car is giving you, especially if they may be related to a poor U-joint. This is not a major problem at all. Hi there! Follow the same grease procedure as location 2. They also had Bilstein monotube shocks, 16 wheels from the FJ, waterproof fabric seats, and a detachable TomTom navigation unit. I was quoted over $2,000 CAD for one manifold alone from a Toyota dealership and that doesnt include labor. Do a visual check or run your hand over the tread especially the inside of the front tires. Restrictions May Apply. Its a 32 valve quad cam engine with a cast iron block and aluminum heads. That sucks. 4runners have a no hold start system which means you dont need to hold the key in the on position to start it. And now, lets discuss processing with a U-Joint tool. 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. This was the year the 4runner underwent a facelift. I have had issues with 2 calipers within a year. These were geared toward people who wanted the capability of an FJ with the mature styling of the 4runner. 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. One of the 4runners biggest strong suits continues to be its longevity. The transfer case can be locked in both 4 high and 4 low modes. Following this routine is a great way to ensure your 4WD system works perfectly for a long time. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. All information applies to U.S. vehicles only. Under normal operation, it sends 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. The Trail Edition was essentially an FJ Cruiser with a 4runner body on it. I believe these hotrods of the 4runner family will become the holy grail as time goes on. Lubricants can extend the service life of a U-joint but you may have to replace it down the line; keep that in mind. So I jacked up the car, placed jack stands, and chocked the wheels. Heres a helpful video guide for you to check out to understand the working mechanism of u-joints. These Toyotas are vehicles you can likely take anywhere in the world and still be able to find parts to fix them. Again, the discrepancy is a bit frustrating, but I tried to stay safe by only pumping a few times into the slip yoke fitting. All Rights Reserved. As cars do not move on super-flat surfaces, driveshafts have to be able to move up and down alongside the suspension while they rotate. Then you are going to have a whole different vibration source to deal with. For the slip yoke, I have that you should only pump a few pumps of grease into this fitting rather pumping it until it oozes out of the seals. The drastic temperature changes from driving in cold weather are hard on them, not to mention the corrosion from all the road salt. For vehicles with horsepower more than standard, the U-joints have to be equally strong. 2022
Also, these posts are based off my own experiences. They also had special alcantara/leather seats that were only available on this model. 
Reliability is one of its most well-known character traits. Theyre all capable and reliable. 338 people have looked at this part recently. P0136 Everything You Need To Know About O2 Sensors. Look out for broken or chipped bearing caps, missing bearing, rust, or retaining clips in the yokes. The only changes for 2009 were the location of the rear power window switch from the dash to the center console and the shape of the overhead console. I replaced mine with these Fox 2.0 coilovers. Toyota recommends using 91 octane fuel but you can use 87 octane safely. 
Thats a pretty bold statement from someone who is possibly the most knowledgeable on the subject. This engine is a bit rougher and noisier than the V8 but requires less maintenance thanks to its timing chain. A U-joint also supplements the height misalignment within the rear axle and the transmission. If that is the case for you, do steps 2 and 3 for the second yoke too. 
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. Your statement is incorrect as you said above. page, Contact Us -
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. 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. 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. By replacing it with another OEM part, chances are it will fail down the road again. If you can keep your 4runner from rusting, you can keep your 4runner forever! In simple words, a vehicle cannot function with a U-joint, so it fails. Make sure it is easy to pivot the joints. Below is a diagram I made of the whole driveshaft assembly and where youll need to grease the various zerk fittings. During my search I compiled as much info as I could find online and talked with a few mechanics and Toyota dealer employees. All 44 4runners have Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Downhill Assist Control and Hill Start Assist Control. 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. 2006-2022, ToyotaPartsDeal.com by Genuine Parts Source, Inc. Search by Part Number, Part Name, Description. I am not responsible for any action you take as a result of reading this. Lower the vehicle to ground level, start the engine and note any clunking in the U-joints/driveshaft. Just that some do and some don't. These have become rather rare finds nowadays and can be quite sought after. You can get a replacement U-joint for under $50. 
If youre currently considering one of these as your next vehicle, this buyers guide is for you. Smack the yoke using a hammer to release any tension on the snap ring/C clip. Insert the driveshafts transmission end into the tail shaft until it bottoms out. You can save coins by doing the replacement yourself. Press down the threaded rod to push the cap against the yoke until it is seated properly. 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. How many of you have replaced them on your 4th gen? The 4.0L V6 has an EPA rating of 17 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. That first reason is the biggest one for me. If not maintained they can wear out pretty fast it all depends on the conditions the under side of the vehicle has been through and wether or not they've been kept up with maintenance wise. Insert the grease nozzle into the zerk fitting as shown in the below photos. Free Ground Shipping on Orders Over $75 Sitewide when using code: FREESHIP (up to $200 value). We shift from 4 high to 4 low as well as lock/unlock the transfer case once a month. Instead of waiting for something to go bad and then repairing it, it is a good habit to examine the U-joints regularly. 1 (FOR PROPELLER SHAFT). This is when you have to get the universal joint replaced by a professional mechanic. It is crucial to address a bad U-joint as soon as you suspect there might be problems with the component. Leaks from the rubber airbags or fittings on the lines are common, as well as faulty height sensors. Any write-ups, special tools, anything that I need to look out for specifically for the 4th Gen? Usually, U-joints are serviceable parts that can be changed without needing to replace the whole driveshaft. So, how can you know when your cars universal joints are going bad? 2003-2005 were considered the early years, or pre-facelift. V8 models now had VVT-i (variable valve timing) which helped to boost horsepower and fuel economy. These are thick stainless steel and have a lifetime warranty. If you can figure out the cause of a faulty U-joint, it is easy to choose a solution for it. U joints typically dont growl when failing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This isnt a big deal if you never plan to take your 4runner off road. 4th Generation 4runners had 3 popular trim models SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited. Make sure to check out that buyers guide here: A forum user mentioned that a head Toyota engineer once told him that in his opinion: the 4th gen 4runner was the best 44 Toyota had ever produced in terms of reliability, longevity, and durability. Beware of the cords that could be exposed if your tires are low.You can get a nasty cut from exposed tire cords. Learn More. The V8, air suspension, X-REAS suspension and JBL audio were all options right from the very beginning. Then, right next to the slip yoke fitting is another zerk fitting for the spider. 2006 and newer models also came with 18 6 spoke wheels. 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. Conversely, Person B has run lithium grease with moly everywhere and has gone the distance too. The 4.7L V8 is rated at 235 hp and 320 ft lbs of torque for 03/04 models and 270 hp and 330 ft lbs of torque for 05+ models. If the noise speeds up when the engine speeds up, its likely that an exhaust manifold is cracked. The V6 and V8 models both come with different trailer hitches. I'm assuming the tires are in reasonable condition. Dealer sets actual price. Greasing the driveshaft is a messy job, so you dont want to get this all over your hands. It was the first all aluminum engine Toyota ever put in a truck. Its very easy to get set up and it comes with two different reinforced nozzles for use with zerk fittings. Repeat on the other side. 
With tape or rubber band, fasten the 2 opposing bearing cups to the replacement joint. Since they are simply a set of bearings, they need to have the right chassis grease to function optimally. 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. These are a nice compromise between the other two models. Its not going to tow as well as a full size pickup truck. The 4.0L was also used in the Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra and FJ Cruiser. 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. For instance, pickup trucks come with u-joints at both ends of the driveshafts. These are the cheapest and easiest to find on the used market. At that point, you may not be able to get away with just a U-joint replacement; the entire driveshaft might need to be changed. And theyll fix the cvs. If not at every oil change, get them checked at least twice a year. Strangely, some Canadian V8 models were actually sold with the V6s hitch. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Welcome to Motor Verso. My Haynes manual says for chassis grease, an NLGI No.2 lithium base chassis grease is to be used. Usually, this is the next stage after deterioration due to inadequate grease in the bearing. Examine the U-joints with a flashlight. Made modifications or gotten a bigger engine to improve your vehicles horsepower? 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. The most noticeable attribute of the Sport Edition is their large hood scoop. I do want to point out that my Haynes manual doesnt make any mention of these specific instructions. The Urban Runner featured different badges and the 18 wheels from the Limited. I'm Scott and I run The Track Ahead. As mentioned multiple times before, lack of lubrication is harmful to the health of U-joints.
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