Replace u-joint on steering linkage to fix stiff steering?

[sibanez]

I drive a 2004 4Runner and started experiencing stiff steering issues. Looking at the site, it appears that most people are fixing it by swapping out the entire lower shaft as shown at http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96639-steering-column-u-joint.html.

Have any of you tried replacing the failed u-joint itself? I read that some people were looking for the part, but they never updated their posts.

Here's the part: http://www.amazon.com/4520335310-Universal-U-Joint-Toyota-Febest/dp/B00DM9XGSE#productDetails

I may give it a try, but was hoping that somebody else has already played the role of guinea pig.

 

[Gatafly]

I had the same issue and tried spraying PB lubricant on the u joint and it worked great for 2 weeks. When it came back I did the same and it worked great once again for 2 weeks. I sprayed it a third time and that was the last I have had to do it. That was in June and my steering feels perfect with no loosness, stiffness or binding. I tried this because I didnt have the $$ at the time to replace the secondary shaft and glad I didnt. I might have to one of these days yet, but no indication of there being any issue.

 

[TechWrench]

I drive a 2004 4Runner and started experiencing stiff steering issues. Looking at the site, it appears that most people are fixing it by swapping out the entire lower shaft as shown at http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96639-steering-column-u-joint.html.

Have any of you tried replacing the failed u-joint itself? I read that some people were looking for the part, but they never updated their posts.

Here's the part: Amazon.com: 4520335310 - Universal Joint / U-Joint 16X40 For Toyota - Febest: Automotive

I may give it a try, but was hoping that somebody else has already played the role of guinea pig.

I have been having this problem with my lower shaft for over a year now. I located the u-joint on amazon that your link leads to, and ordered one. When I removed the lower shaft, it became apparent to me that replacing just the u-joint was not going to be easy. I have replaced hundreds of u-joints in drive shafts, and thought it should be easy, NOT...

This joint is pressed into the yokes, and it looks like the outer edge of the opening in the yoke is crimp rolled to hold the u-joint caps in place, instead of the clips that are normally used on drive shaft u-joints. After cleaning the shaft and u-joint, and soaking it in GIBBS, I managed to get it to move freely. I decided to reinstall the shaft without trying to replace the u-joint because I was not sure I could replace it without causing damage to the yokes. Since I didn't have a back-up if I did damage the yokes, I decided to not try it. Since then, I have had to spray the u-joint twice more to relieve stiffness when it starts to return. If I had a spare shaft, I would try to press the old joint out and install the new one, but only if I didn't have to count on that one working.