Symptoms
A clunk or 'thunk' when pulling away or stopping, driveline vibration and dry slip yokes.
The fix, step by step
- With the wheels on the ground, chocked and the parking brake on, remove the transfer-case insulator (four 12 mm bolts).
- Paint-mark both flanges, then unbolt the rear shaft at the transfer case (captured bolts, 14 mm nuts) and at the diff.
- Clean the shaft, grease the U-joints and slip yoke until fresh grease purges, and reinstall on your marks with the fasteners torqued.
- Do the front shaft the same way.
- Remember that with both shafts off, only the parking brake is holding the truck.
Tools & part numbers
- 12 mm and 14 mm sockets
- 14 mm wrench
- extensions
- torque wrench
- pry bar
- paint pen
- grease gun with MP grease
Where to buy the parts
Driveshafts and U-joints (2013 LX570 catalog)RockAuto ↗
Driveshaft parts (search)CruiserTeq ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Lexus LX 570 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.