1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Propeller Shaft??

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by DGP1961, Nov 12, 2018.

  1. Nov 12, 2018 at 4:19 AM
    #1
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2018
    Member:
    #7154
    Messages:
    983
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    Owners manual mentions inspecting and lubricating the "Propeller Shaft." What's the Propeller Shaft are they talking about the Drive Shaft? Can someone with very little mechanical skills do this themselves at home? Where do you lubricate it, is there grease fittings?
     
    meowKittieh likes this.
  2. Nov 12, 2018 at 6:43 AM
    #2
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: @triplecchopshop

    Joined:
    May 6, 2017
    Member:
    #4006
    Messages:
    311
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    ChrisTopher
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    13 T4R
    Just bought dat bish
    You have 3 grease fittings on your rear propeller shaft/drive shaft. Both u-joints and the slip yoke. I suggest using Lucas Red n Tacky in your grease gun, but any recommended grade grease will do fine. The next recommended thing on that service is to tighten the propeller shaft bolts. You have 8 total, 4 from shaft to transmission and 4 from shaft to rear diff. The hex is 14mm and the torque spec is 63ft#'s. Let me know if you have any other specific questions.
     
    GJ4R, Spare Parts, seldom25 and 3 others like this.
  3. Nov 12, 2018 at 9:05 AM
    #3
    DGP1961

    DGP1961 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2018
    Member:
    #7154
    Messages:
    983
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 Premium
    Thanks!
     
  4. Nov 12, 2018 at 10:52 AM
    #4
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: @triplecchopshop

    Joined:
    May 6, 2017
    Member:
    #4006
    Messages:
    311
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    ChrisTopher
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    13 T4R
    Just bought dat bish
    Also, if you have 4wd, do the same to the shaft between the transfer case and front diff.
     
    seldom25 likes this.
  5. Feb 9, 2021 at 5:49 AM
    #5
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    So my 2WD 4Runner needs this done also? My 2WD Tacoma doesn’t, that’s why I’m asking.
     
  6. Feb 9, 2021 at 6:24 AM
    #6
    doublewide

    doublewide New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    Member:
    #6133
    Messages:
    255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    TRD OR PREM

    According to the maintenance schedule from Toyota it states only 4wd/AWD (if applicable) I just put in your 4runner had 40000 miles on it so the propeller shaft would be mentioned.

    https://www.toyota.com/owners/parts-service/maintenance-schedule


    Recommended Maintenence

    DOWNLOAD PDF
    • Check Installation Of Driver's Floor Mat
    • Rotate Tires
    • Inspect Wiper Blades
    • Inspect /Adjust All Fluid Levels1
    • Replace Engine Oil And Oil Filter2
    • Visually Inspect Brake Linings/Drums And Brake Pads/Discs3
    Where and how you're driving impacts your servicing needs.
    Please speak to your servicing dealer about any special operating condition.

    Driving on dirt roads or on dusty roads
    • Inspect Ball Joints And Dust Covers
    • Inspect Drive Shaft Boots
    • Inspect Steering Linkage And Boots
    • Inspect Engine Air Filter
    • Lubricate Propeller Shaft (4WD/AWD, If Applicable)
    • Torque Propeller Shaft Bolt (4WD/AWD, If Applicable)
    • Torque Nuts And Bolts On Chassis And Body
    Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading 4
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2021
    bobcat931 likes this.
  7. Feb 9, 2021 at 6:48 AM
    #7
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    thanks for the response! I figured only 4WD as well but wanted to make sure.
     
    bobcat931 and doublewide[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Feb 9, 2021 at 9:02 AM
    #8
    Jemplyr77

    Jemplyr77 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #6688
    Messages:
    242
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM Nightshade
    Tinted windows. USR tail lights.
    I have a 2WD and it definitely has one grease zerk on each u-joint. No slip yoke. I use Mystik JT-6.
     
    doublewide likes this.
  9. Feb 9, 2021 at 9:59 AM
    #9
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    I’llhave to crawl under this weekend and check. Can I just use red n tacky to grease?
    Also, how many total u joints am I greasing and do you have a recommendation for a grease gun?

    I’mall new to this.
     
  10. Feb 9, 2021 at 2:06 PM
    #10
    Jemplyr77

    Jemplyr77 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #6688
    Messages:
    242
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM Nightshade
    Tinted windows. USR tail lights.
    2 U-Joints, 1 zerk each. As long as you use a lithium nlgi-2 grease you should be fine. A gun with a flexible hose will do. Amazon has several good ones. I have the thinkwork brand and it works fine.
     
  11. Feb 9, 2021 at 5:46 PM
    #11
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    here is one. I see the other as wel but couldn’t get a picture. Can you confirm?

    EB843CDA-CCD5-470D-A64F-8A6C06716814.jpg
     
  12. Feb 9, 2021 at 5:57 PM
    #12
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    Appreciate all the responses. I’m going to order this grease gun:

    THINKWORK Grease Gun, Pistol Grip Grease Gun, Heavy Duty Marine Grease Gun, Widely Used in Car, Ships, Industrial Machinery and Agricultural Equipment, 8000PSI with 18 Inch Flex Hose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089W93T3...abc_GX0HCKANDSC41RQAS8R7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1



    Is it good to go out the box or do I need anything else?
     
  13. Feb 9, 2021 at 6:03 PM
    #13
    Jemplyr77

    Jemplyr77 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #6688
    Messages:
    242
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM Nightshade
    Tinted windows. USR tail lights.
    You got it Erik! The gun is good to go. You will just need to attach the hose if I recall correctly. Just follow the assembly instructions.
     
    socal_erik likes this.
  14. Feb 9, 2021 at 6:05 PM
    #14
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    thanks @Jemplyr77!

    i owe you a beer if you’re ever in SoCal.
     
  15. Feb 9, 2021 at 6:14 PM
    #15
    Jemplyr77

    Jemplyr77 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #6688
    Messages:
    242
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM Nightshade
    Tinted windows. USR tail lights.
    Lol...no worries! Just paying it forward.
     
    socal_erik likes this.
  16. Feb 11, 2021 at 8:45 PM
    #16
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    Grease gun and grease arrived today. Should have this done on Saturday. I’ll report back!
     
  17. Feb 14, 2021 at 10:34 AM
    #17
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    Did 3-4 pumps in each. Never really saw anything come out except the rear, however, I don’t think I secured it properly the first time. Should I have seen grease spew out?
     
  18. Feb 14, 2021 at 4:17 PM
    #18
    Jemplyr77

    Jemplyr77 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #6688
    Messages:
    242
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM Nightshade
    Tinted windows. USR tail lights.
    Yea, pump until you see the new grease come out of the joints. Then clean up excess and your done!
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2021
    socal_erik likes this.
  19. Feb 14, 2021 at 5:11 PM
    #19
    socal_erik

    socal_erik New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2019
    Member:
    #11685
    Messages:
    73
    First Name:
    Erik
    Vehicle:
    16 SR5
    Walked back outside and pumped one more time into the Zerk and grease came out so job well done! Thanks again man
     
    Jemplyr77[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Feb 14, 2021 at 5:20 PM
    #20
    Jemplyr77

    Jemplyr77 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2018
    Member:
    #6688
    Messages:
    242
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Oklahoma
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM Nightshade
    Tinted windows. USR tail lights.
    Great!
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2021
  21. Oct 4, 2021 at 4:58 PM
    #21
    TheMightyGoose

    TheMightyGoose New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2021
    Member:
    #23657
    Messages:
    3
    First Name:
    Fleiman
    Vehicle:
    1999 T4R Limited 4WD
    I feel so stupid. All this time I thought the "Propeller Shaft" had something to do with the radiator fan. You know, because it looks like a propeller? I feel so dumb. It should be called a propulsion shaft, or maybe just call it a driveshaft like everyone else??? I hate it when engineers make me feel dumb.
     
  22. Feb 6, 2022 at 11:46 AM
    #22
    TeslasBigCarbonFootprint

    TeslasBigCarbonFootprint New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2022
    Member:
    #25462
    Messages:
    524
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    '23 TRD ORP Super Ice Cap White
    2014 Neglected by the previous owners 2020 is an abused former rental... 2023 New I've been buying above my pay grade ☹️
    Hahahaha! Me too! Because fans always have those special fittings and tools to remove them because they're reverse threaded and all, that was my first thought.

    Thanks to all that participated in this thread, you kept me from going crazy. After watching tons of videos with all these four-wheel drive elitists, my poor two wheel drive only has two grease fittings instead of the expected four. I rolled the car around pushing it in 6-inch increments trying to find it. I suffer from a neurological condition, so I'm like a complete klutz when it comes to getting under the damn thing; it was rather taxing to repeatedly do that.

    I'm going to put some Lucas super tacky red product NLGI #2 and be satisfied that those two spider joints are all that need to be lubricated on this particular vehicle.

    This new to me 2014 SR5 appears to have been neglected on a few things, poor service records both at Toyota and on Carfax.

    Gut feeling is that it has been lubed at least once after the initial factory work. I say so because I see a light trail on the underside of the car of spots as if somebody lubricated it and then spun the excess off. It looks like it only happened once though. Both my service advisor and a friend with a two-wheel drive Tacoma with the same transmission say that it shouldn't be a problem, I hope so. I spent a lot of money on this with the expectation this will be the last car I own and then I can hand it down to one of my kids to be their adventure vehicle.

    This is my first time working on a rear wheel drive vehicle. I owned a 1993 Ford ranger but didn't even bother to change the oil myself.

    Under there, I had a flash memory of how Mark Fidrych had died. That was rather unnerving. How in the hell would he have that damn thing running and get under it? Must have been an awful death.
     
  23. Nov 1, 2022 at 9:52 AM
    #23
    bobcat931

    bobcat931 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2022
    Member:
    #28569
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Roger
    This link is a good resource. Downloadable pdf.
     
    doublewide[QUOTED] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top