I have read many differing opinions on this and thought I’d help explain a little.
This applies to the 5th gen 4runners. The 4wd models will have 6 zerks total.
First, for whatever reason, it does not appear the dealership does this maintenance item. I have heard that mentioned multiple times on here and it appears to be the case on mine as well.
You can start to get a “clunking” noise if this is neglected. Toyota recommends every 15,000 miles.
Therefore, I’d recommend everyone slide under there and check for themselves that this is done.
This is a very simple maintenance item that can be done in under 30 minutes and with minimal tools. You don’t even need to lift the vehicle.
You’ll need a grease gun and a lithium based grease. A flexible hose on the grease gun will GREATLY simplify this.
A common confusion point is what type of grease. Many people say you need two types of grease and the manual does indeed mention two types. HOWEVER, the manual expressly states you can use lithium based on BOTH the slide yoke and spider zerks. If you want to have two guns and two types of grease, go for it. But the engineers at Toyota are fine with lithium grease in all 6 zerks.
I used StaLube new generation wheel bearing grease from NAPA. I wouldn’t over think this. Not all greases are compatible so just make sure it’s lithium based NLGI-2.
There are 4 spider zerks and 2 slide yoke zerks. Clean off the dirt from the zerk before pumping grease in to avoid getting dirt in the joint.
The spider zerks will take 3-5 pumps. This kind of depends on if this maintenance has ever been done or how long ago it was done. Just listen for the grease to squeeze out the joints. You’ll easily hear it. Wipe the excess off.
The slide yokes are another common area of confusion. Some people state that pumping too much grease in here is dangerous. You won’t necessarily hear these squeeze out when they are full like the spiders. Too much grease can cause too much pressure. Slide yokes allow some movement in your drive shaft. Too much pressure equals too little movement.
An easy way to do this is give the slide yoke zerk 4-5 pumps or so. Next using a 7mm socket, remove the zerk. Now push up and down on the front and rear bumpers to get a little movement in the slide yokes. Check back under the car and wipe off any grease that squeezed out. Replace the zerk. Do not overtighten this. Just needs to be snug. Now you can be sure there is not too much grease there.
That is it. Now your drive shaft is properly lubricated and good to go for the next 15,000 miles.
Hope this helps.
This applies to the 5th gen 4runners. The 4wd models will have 6 zerks total.
First, for whatever reason, it does not appear the dealership does this maintenance item. I have heard that mentioned multiple times on here and it appears to be the case on mine as well.
You can start to get a “clunking” noise if this is neglected. Toyota recommends every 15,000 miles.
Therefore, I’d recommend everyone slide under there and check for themselves that this is done.
This is a very simple maintenance item that can be done in under 30 minutes and with minimal tools. You don’t even need to lift the vehicle.
You’ll need a grease gun and a lithium based grease. A flexible hose on the grease gun will GREATLY simplify this.
A common confusion point is what type of grease. Many people say you need two types of grease and the manual does indeed mention two types. HOWEVER, the manual expressly states you can use lithium based on BOTH the slide yoke and spider zerks. If you want to have two guns and two types of grease, go for it. But the engineers at Toyota are fine with lithium grease in all 6 zerks.
I used StaLube new generation wheel bearing grease from NAPA. I wouldn’t over think this. Not all greases are compatible so just make sure it’s lithium based NLGI-2.
There are 4 spider zerks and 2 slide yoke zerks. Clean off the dirt from the zerk before pumping grease in to avoid getting dirt in the joint.
The spider zerks will take 3-5 pumps. This kind of depends on if this maintenance has ever been done or how long ago it was done. Just listen for the grease to squeeze out the joints. You’ll easily hear it. Wipe the excess off.
The slide yokes are another common area of confusion. Some people state that pumping too much grease in here is dangerous. You won’t necessarily hear these squeeze out when they are full like the spiders. Too much grease can cause too much pressure. Slide yokes allow some movement in your drive shaft. Too much pressure equals too little movement.
An easy way to do this is give the slide yoke zerk 4-5 pumps or so. Next using a 7mm socket, remove the zerk. Now push up and down on the front and rear bumpers to get a little movement in the slide yokes. Check back under the car and wipe off any grease that squeezed out. Replace the zerk. Do not overtighten this. Just needs to be snug. Now you can be sure there is not too much grease there.
That is it. Now your drive shaft is properly lubricated and good to go for the next 15,000 miles.
Hope this helps.
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