Symptoms
Due every 5,000 miles on dirt or dusty roads, or when towing/heavily loaded, per Toyota's schedule as quoted by Trail4R. Dry joints may pop when greased.
The fix, step by step
- 4x4 trucks have two shafts with six zerks total (two spider joints and a slip yoke on each).
- Clean each fitting, pump NLGI No. 2 lithium grease into the spider joints until fresh grease shows at all four caps, then wipe the excess.
- Go easy on the slip yokes — Trail4R uses about four pumps rear and two front, since over-packing stops the shaft extending properly.
- The front shaft is tight against the exhaust; rotate it by hand for access.
Tools & part numbers
- Grease gun (a locking coupler helps)
- NLGI No. 2 lithium chassis grease
- shop towels
- wheel chocks
Where to buy the parts
Universal joints (if a joint won't take grease)RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.