Are two different greases really required for drive shafts?

[Seymore Butts]

I saw a fleeting reference to two different grease specs, but there is nothing about that in my owners manual. I currently have Mobil 1 grease loaded into the the grease gun and I'm wondering if that could cause problems in one part of my drive train.

 

[woodman60]

I saw a fleeting reference to two different grease specs, but there is nothing about that in my owners manual. I currently have Mobil 1 grease loaded into the the grease gun and I'm wondering if that could cause problems in one part of my drive train.

I hope not...cause I used same on all fittings...

 

[Bossman]

Some threads that might help:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maintenance-detailing/28414-07-v8-4x4-zerk-fitting-pics.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/56615-lubrication-underneath.html

 

[theoutbackdream]

By the manual, yes.

But I've been using the same grease in both drive shafts without issues...

 

[5vzT4R]

I use the same type of Mobil 1 grease in all the fittings.

 

[JeffMerr]

From the reading I've done, moly is bad for the spider gears. Those of you who are just using one type of grease, is this a non-moly synthetic?

 

[Slowgoat]

When I first got my 4th gen, I remember reading a bunch about this.

Summary:

One grease is fine. I believe the consensus is to just keep them greased. I use the Mobil 1 synthetic also.

 

[Berty_K]

Easy to fall deep down the rabbit hole on this one.

Tldr from what I read:
-People have used moly on all zerks and had no problems for +100k miles
-People have used non-moly on all zerks and had no problems for +100k miles
-People have used moly and non-moly on all zerks and had no problems for +100k miles

I chose Mobil1 synthetic (pink) for everything.

 

[ZiaMan]

Easy to fall deep down the rabbit hole on this one.

Tldr from what I read:
-People have used moly on all zerks and had no problems for +100k miles
-People have used non-moly on all zerks and had no problems for +100k miles
-People have used moly and non-moly on all zerks and had no problems for +100k miles

I chose Mobil1 synthetic (pink) for everything.

Best summary ever - should be stickied! :guitar3:

 

[Whiskey & Wrenches]

After much research, I chose to use Valvoline Synthetic https://www.valvoline.com/our-products/grease-gear-oil/synpower-synthetic-grease .

It is lithium and moly fortified and seems to be working fine.

 

[williamteichroeb]

ive used only one grease on all zerks and aftermarket balljoints. no issues since owning the vehicle for 2 years including in severe winter conditions (down to -30 Celsius)

Personally I used lucas red and tacky synthetic I believe it's called.

 

[BackOff]

This stuff seems to work good too.
Royal Purple UPG
Ultra-Performance Grease | Royal Purple

 

[WMU53]

GreaseS - Plural

You should not use Moly grease on frictionless bearings (ie: ball or roller bearings like in a U-Joint). The Moly will "plate" the surfaces and the bears will chew themselves up. Moly grease is used on sliding surfaces like the slip joint. The Moly will form a low friction plating on these surfaces.

So... the answer is "yes" you should use two types of grease. Just
because the mechs at the Toyota house don't do it does not mean they are right. I have had "professional" mechanics FU lots of stuff for me.

 

[Vespula]

This stuff seems to work good too.
Royal Purple UPG
Ultra-Performance Grease | Royal Purple

That's what I used when I got it 8 months ago and fixed the driveline "clunk" ... good or bad... I used it. :car: