U-Joint Replacement

[CitadelBlue]

I have a 2002 4Runner and probably need to replace the U-joints - I'm hearing a clunk when I put it in gear (automatic). The last U-Joint replacement I did was in 2000 on a full size Dodge van - a simple undo the shaft from the diff with a couple of bolts and pull the drive shaft from the tranny; replace the u- joints (a couple of u-bolts) and re-install the drive shaft .....

Is there any "rocket science" or "tricks" that I need to know to do the 4Runner?

Thanks.

Ken

 

[CitadelBlue]

Found this response after posting in this forum

DIY for U-Joint Replacement for my Model Year (MY) 2002 - Toyota Forum

 

[fourwd1]

If you separate the drive shaft at the slip joint, make sure you make alignment marks on each side first. If it's off even 1 spine you will get vibrations.

 

[CitadelBlue]

This is probably a band-aid fix, but I greased up the fittings and it seems to be doing better. I didn't notice any play around the U-joints (and there are 3 of them on my 2002 4WD 4Runner - the parts listing only sites 2 for the rear drive shaft .... - even at RockAuto.com)

So I think I'll put this on the back burner and just see what happens ....

Thanks for the views and advice.

Ken

 

[Ron Helmuth]

as you already discovered

It's not necessarily the U joints and this is covered on this forum and Yota Tech


some describe it as a clunk in the driveline and you do seem to have solved it for the most part.

google is somewhat easier to use as a search than this forum itself.

 

[buch75]

Grease U-Joint

my 2002 4runner had the same issue. i bought a grease gun, and the Mobil1 grease. my 4runner has 110,000 and i now grease all the U-Joint grease points every 5,000miles. the problem is largely gone.

 

[1badgtx]

How do you guys replace u-joints? I have to do them on my cousins 4runner soon and i came across this youtube clip and wonder what you think.

YouTube - ‪Service U-joints in minutes using the Tiger Tool 10105 U Joint Puller & 10202 Bearing Cup Installer‬‏

 

[fourwd1]

A vice, a big hammer, and some sockets can be used to do it.

 

[JetTech]

If you separate the drive shaft at the slip joint, make sure you make alignment marks on each side first. If it's off even 1 spine you will get vibrations.

Sorry to dredge up an old thread but I have made this exact mistake. Unfortunatley the chalk I used for the alignment marks wore off while I was working on the joints on my toolbox.

Am I going to have to try each different spline position and test to find the right one? Or is there some other way to identify which spline to engage?

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

jared

 

[YarSmythe]

Noise in reverse

Last week I heard a sound coming from under my truck when I was pulling out of the driveway. At first I thought it was my brakes but a day or so later the same sound was emanating from under the car when with my foot on/off the brakes.

My next test put the car on the street, backed it up in reverse, and then shifted into neutral. The sound disappeared. So now I know the sound only appears when the car is in reverse.

My mechanic and I believe it's the U-Joints. I called my dealer today to get a price on replacing them and they told me that they've never had luck replacing JUST the u-joints on this car. In his words: "Because this drive shaft is tapered, you have to replace the shaft and the u-joints for it to work properly." I'm calling BS.

What do you think? Is the dealer right? If I choose to buy u-joints myself, is this fairly simple? Is there a better brand/model I should purchase for a 2002 2WD 4Runner SR5?

 

[trdracing5]

$466 to replace both U Joints

I just got quoted $466 to replace the U Joints on my 2WD 4Runner from the stealership. Ouch!!!

 

[Atlanta_man]

Whoa, guess I better look at them. I've done these several times many years ago on other cars with no complications at all. Some kind of exotic press fit perhaps ?

 

[fourwd1]

Sorry to dredge up an old thread but I have made this exact mistake. Unfortunatley the chalk I used for the alignment marks wore off while I was working on the joints on my toolbox.

Am I going to have to try each different spline position and test to find the right one? Or is there some other way to identify which spline to engage?

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

jared

Just make sure both ends (yokes) are in the same plane, see pics

 

[fourwd1]

Whoa, guess I better look at them. I've done these several times many years ago on other cars with no complications at all. Some kind of exotic press fit perhaps ?

There are some specialized tools that make it easier, but it can also be done using a vice, hammer, and a couple of sockets. Plenty of video how-to's if you look.

 

[GET BENT]

So I have a 2005 4Runner with 200,000 miles. I noticed a year ago the "Clunking" sound. I greased the U-Joint and it immediately went away. It's now back with a vengeance! I live in AZ and as it gets hotter the clunk gets worse (hot grease I guess). I'm about to get new U-Joints but want to confirm this is the problem - from what I've read and heard I'm 99% sure. Can anyone give me any advise not to, or look at something else? Thanks!!! Bob

 

[Otgixxer]

So I have a 2005 4Runner with 200,000 miles. I noticed a year ago the "Clunking" sound. I greased the U-Joint and it immediately went away. It's now back with a vengeance! I live in AZ and as it gets hotter the clunk gets worse (hot grease I guess). I'm about to get new U-Joints but want to confirm this is the problem - from what I've read and heard I'm 99% sure. Can anyone give me any advise not to, or look at something else? Thanks!!! Bob

Did it help?

 

[CitadelBlue]

Sounds like u joint(s) to me...... You can either do it yourself for the cost of parts or take the drive shaft in and have the shop do it for a a little less than if they had to remove the drive shaft ...... your call.

 

[dexter69]

Get the shaft

Sounds like u joint(s) to me...... You can either do it yourself for the cost of parts or take the drive shaft in and have the shop do it for a a little less than if they had to remove the drive shaft ...... your call.

I like this option better! Remove and reinstall!lane: