Front differential U-joint

New to me 2015 4x4 Tundra CrewMax was purchased at 74,000 miles, currently at 84,500.

Was greasing my u-joints (for the first time) and discovered in the foremost section of my drive-live (drive train?) had a grease fitting that was broken.

Some zerk threads are still inside sadly.

Anyone have a guide on how to remove the u-joint and if its worth it to "easy-out' or re-drill and tap (re-thread) to remove left behind threads?

Or replace the joint?

Thanks in advance!

 

I don’t think that’s fixable without removing the joint. Might as well swap in the new part while you have it out.

There should be four bolts holding the front shaft in on each end. After you get it out, google the process of swapping the joint.

 

I’m thinking the 4 bolt flange could be removed from the diff, then the flange turned “sideways” so the broken zerk could be removed from the u-joint cross using an extractor without any further disassembly.

If not, I agree, through a new spicer u-joint in there if it takes more effort and disassembly than that.

 

Just remember to mark your drive shaft and flanges so you can replace them in the same positions etc.

 

I was curious if there are sealed U-joints for this area.

Sorry if I'm asking dumb questions but this section of the drive-line (front diff to x-fer case) seems smaller.

Anyone know where I can find the specs on this part as I want to order soon and do the work. (nervous)

Thanks again!

Will do!

If it isnt too difficult I want to try removing and replacing bot joints on this front diff to transfer case shaft. Is there a proper name for this, I feel like I cant even search properly as I don't know the proper name.

A little nervous since no one has make a post about replacing this, and I tried downloading some service manuals but no luck yet.

 

I have not replaced U-joints on a Tundra, but have changed more than I care to remember on other stuff and they all had seals on the cups. In theory U-Joints are easy to replace, its removing them from the yoke that's the trick. I use a 6" Bench vise and a couple of sockets, sometimes a 4lb sledge and sockets then the vise. It can be difficult to get them out, you also have to be careful that the needle bearings stay in place during installation. Watch some videos and see what your up against. Some auto parts stores will press the U-Joints in and out for you for a nominal fee, but that service is getting harder to find.

 

You can rent a U-Joint press tool from almost any chain auto parts store for free (deposit required) and it makes the job 100x easier than trying to use a vise and sockets. Especially if you have an impact

 

I’d use this as an opportunity to slap in a new Spicer SPL non-greaseable series and not worry about having to grease them, or messing with zerk fittings in the future. None of the latest 2.5 gen Tundras have them. Not sure if any Gen 2 Sequoia had them. Our 2014 has no zerk fittings.

 

OP what did you end up doing? I have this same issue on my '07. front zerk on the 4WD shaft snapped off when i was greasing it this weekend. grease is slowly oozing out.