Replacing U-Joints?

[415runner562]

Hey everyone,

I think I found out what's wrong with my 4Runner. Every time I'm driving 40mph or faster, I hear this growling noise. I think it's my U-Joints.

Does anyone know how to replace the U-Joints? Does anyone have any recommendations on what type of U-Joint to buy? I'm considering buying it from Rock Auto.

Thank you for your help.

 

[Smobien]

You sure it's not a bearing and or tires?

 

[aha2988]

Hey everyone,

I think I found out what's wrong with my 4Runner. Every time I'm driving 40mph or faster, I hear this growling noise. I think it's my U-Joints.

Does anyone know how to replace the U-Joints? Does anyone have any recommendations on what type of U-Joint to buy? I'm considering buying it from Rock Auto.

Thank you for your help.

just make sure it's for your 4runner and that they're greaseable. Rock auto is likely your best place to find them.

 

[415runner562]

When are U-Joints supposed to be replaced, btw? Any write-ups, special tools, anything that I need to look out for specifically for the 4th Gen?

 

[aha2988]

If there greased properly, never. If not maintained they can wear out pretty fast it all depends on the conditions the under side of the vehicle has been through and wether or not they've been kept up with maintenance wise

some u-joints just have c-clamps that hold them in place with nuts and bolts some are held in with snap rings in which you would need a snap ring removal tool.

when removing the drive shaft be sure to not let the splines come apart from the telescoping section as there aligned so that the shaft remains balanced. (you can make a mark were the two pieces connect to insure it goes back in the way it game out if it does happen)

I can't remember right off hand right now the way our u-joints are fixed in place hopefully someone else may chime in to give you more direct advice

 

[lumpycat]

If you can see grease coming from under the seal at each cup on the u joint when you grease them, thats probably not your problem. U joints typically dont growl when failing. You could get a vibration and sometimes a chirping noise as they get worse. Would suspect a bearing or tires. Think my 04 has clips that hold the u joint cups in.

 

[415runner562]

If you can see grease coming from under the seal at each cup on the u joint when you grease them, thats probably not your problem. U joints typically dont growl when failing. You could get a vibration and sometimes a chirping noise as they get worse. Would suspect a bearing or tires. Think my 04 has clips that hold the u joint cups in.

Do Michelin LTX/MS2's typically make noise? I doubt it's a wheel bearing since I don't hear the noise getting louder or quieter as I turn.

 

[lumpycat]

Beware of the cords that could be exposed if your tires are low.You can get a nasty cut from exposed tire cords. Do a visual check or run your hand over the tread especially the inside of the front tires. If they are not smooth you could be hearing them. I'm assuming the tires are in reasonable condition. Other option is to run the truck on a lift(with the wheels hanging) so you can listen to the drivetrain. Is the noise alwayse there? Any gear oil leaks?

 

[Tomsea999]

Thinking I have the same failure on a 2WD 200k+ miles. Was running fine until about 5k of long distance driving, and now it vibrates from 28-33 MPH - strongly suspect it's a transmission issue as it immediately resolves on throttle pull-back and doesn't return. Everything seems to point to u-joint; took it to a shop that said the transmission was fine. It's pretty subtle, but getting worse with another 2k miles added.