Zerk Fitting Broke off from Driveshaft

[d0nkeyxpunch]

My rear driveshaft made contact with my gas tank when I went wheeling. I was inspecting underneath the rig and saw that one of the zerk fitting broke off. Is this ok? Can it be fixed or is it not worth the trouble to replace?

My rig has developed this creaking sound in the rear when coming to a stop, and was hoping to try grease the U-joint.

 

[TMP]

Can you use an Easy Out and then just replace it? This reminds me that I need to replace a few on my driveshafts that won't take grease.

 

[MattJakobs]

As stated above, you can use an easy out. I used a torx bit, hammered it in, and unscrewed it. Put a new one in and everything is all good. Just make sure to cut your gas tank skid so it wont happen again.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/150884531@N04/35826798756/in/dateposted-public/" title=".254"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4287/35826798756_cf2f2af247_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt=".254"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/150884531@N04/35479606020/in/dateposted-public/" title=".255"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4292/35479606020_6673da98ec_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt=".255"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/150884531@N04/35479605300/in/dateposted-public/" title=".256"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4303/35479605300_7042688fe3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt=".256"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[69project]

Performance Tool Grease Fitting Cleaning Tool, Model# W54209 | Hoses, Valves Fittings| Northern Tool + Equipment

If your zerk fitting doesn't take grease, you need one of these instead of replacing.

To the OP who broke his off, yes, it needs to be replaced and you probably need to service your driveshaft. Toyota put it on there for a reason.

 

[alumarine]

Performance Tool Grease Fitting Cleaning Tool, Model# W54209 | Hoses, Valves Fittings| Northern Tool + Equipment

If your zerk fitting doesn't take grease, you need one of these instead of replacing.

To the OP who broke his off, yes, it needs to be replaced and you probably need to service your driveshaft. Toyota put it on there for a reason.

Doesn't that tool just drive the "hardened matter" into the bearing you're trying to grease?
Or am I reading it wrong.

 

[JayRolla]

Use an easy out.

Once out make sure to replace it with a 6mm Allen screw so it does not sheer.

 

[2old2soon]

Below is a link I saved, which suggests that for day to day usage, replace the zerks with a flush-mount plug. Seemed like a good idea.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/210029-rear-driveshaft-skip-yoke-grease-fitting-size.html#post2186533

 

[platonicbomb]

Use an easy out.

Once out make sure to replace it with a 6mm Allen screw so it does not sheer.

Speaking of servicing driveshafts, mine is rattling. Anyone have experience with this? Any fix? Or should I just buy one from a wreck on ebay and replace it myself?

2001 SR5 2WD... don't see a place for signature here, so there's my model

 

[phattyduck]

Speaking of servicing driveshafts, mine is rattling. Anyone have experience with this? Any fix? Or should I just buy one from a wreck on ebay and replace it myself?

2001 SR5 2WD... don't see a place for signature here, so there's my model

2WD factory u-joints are sealed (no grease fittings). If the u-joints are bad, they can be replaced. If the shaft is bad (vibrations after u-joints replaced and shaft balanced), then you need a complete replacement driveshaft.

-Charlie

 

[69project]

Doesn't that tool just drive the "hardened matter" into the bearing you're trying to grease?
Or am I reading it wrong.

That hardened matter is grease so it's no big deal. It opens up the fitting for new grease. When you pump the new grease in, it will pump the old out. Trust me it works great. I have a similar tool and it really opens things up so you get new grease into what ever it is you are trying to grease. The alternative is no grease is added or go get a completely new bearing, U joint or whatever it is your are trying to grease.