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Want to learn how to properly lube the drive shaft in my Tundra

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by 1999cutiger, Aug 12, 2018.

  1. Aug 14, 2018 at 4:49 PM
    #31
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

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    Have you guys tighten the bolts @csuviper posted?
    never done it with my old Tacoma!
     
  2. Aug 14, 2018 at 7:27 PM
    #32
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    It is in the maintenance manual to tighten I believe but I haven’t done it myself.
     
  3. Aug 15, 2018 at 5:04 PM
    #33
    1999cutiger

    1999cutiger [OP] Top Flow Lifestyle

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    Can anybody confirm if the needle is required for lubrication on at least one zerk on a 2017 4x4 Crewmax?
     
  4. Aug 15, 2018 at 5:31 PM
    #34
    B737

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    needle? just jam the zerk fitting thing on the zerk and pump the gun. be sure to clean off factory paint from the zerks on the truck.
     
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  5. Aug 15, 2018 at 5:33 PM
    #35
    1999cutiger

    1999cutiger [OP] Top Flow Lifestyle

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    Yes...a previous poster mentioned a zerk that requires a needle.
     
  6. Aug 15, 2018 at 5:37 PM
    #36
    B737

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    you just need a grease gun
     
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  7. Aug 15, 2018 at 10:13 PM
    #37
    Tundra101

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  8. Aug 15, 2018 at 10:45 PM
    #38
    Sas

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  9. Aug 16, 2018 at 4:35 AM
    #39
    SOB

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    @gosolo I'd like to hear more about this needle too. Does the needle just push into the zerk on the U-joint? Last time I greased my shaft (giggity) I couldn't get to one of the zerks.
     
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  10. Aug 16, 2018 at 5:07 AM
    #40
    OBXTundra

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    $9 single tube?!?!?! Try to find it local, convince a small auto part store to start carrying CAM2 products. I payed $6.89/tube last month. It's good grease, but it's not $9 a tube good grease.

    http://www.cam2.com/

    They are a full line petroleum company. I like CAM2 products a lot. They were readily available to me in PA. 2 Gas stations near me even had CAM2 race fuel at the pump, I believe this is now just Sunoco Race Fuel.
     
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  11. Aug 16, 2018 at 5:38 AM
    #41
    Tundra101

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    I know, Did you see what they charge for shipping?! $25!
     
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  12. Aug 16, 2018 at 6:52 AM
    #42
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    Yep, that’s what you do. That’s a very difficult zerk to access.
     
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  13. Aug 16, 2018 at 7:33 AM
    #43
    tundras00

    tundras00 New Member

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    How much grease should you have at hand when doing this? What grease gun are you guys using?
     
  14. Aug 16, 2018 at 7:40 AM
    #44
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    you can probably lube your truck 4 times with 1 tube.
    I prefer the small 1 hand grease gun and always add a flexible line.
    Brand doesn’t matter, but cheap ones don’t last long.
    Lots of dirt contractors are supplying the field guys with battery pack electric guns.
     
  15. Aug 16, 2018 at 7:40 AM
    #45
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    One tube. You barely use any of it.
     
  16. Aug 16, 2018 at 7:41 AM
    #46
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Mine looks like this. Not sure of brand
    [​IMG]
     
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  17. Aug 16, 2018 at 9:43 AM
    #47
    SOB

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    Electric ones are very nice esp. if you do a lot of greasing. My dad has one at the farm since equipment is constantly being greased. They aren't cheap though so I can't get myself to buy one for home.
     
  18. Aug 16, 2018 at 9:54 AM
    #48
    tundras00

    tundras00 New Member

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    Most simple ones don't last long like you said from all the reviews. I looked into Milwaukee M18 line if there is a gun but it is too expensive for a bare tool that will be used once a year.

    Found this from Lincoln: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYDZ8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

    For $20 more you get a bundle with the needle like someone suggested here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHJL3ZK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

    Looks to be reliable.
     
  19. Aug 16, 2018 at 9:56 AM
    #49
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Problem i have is every one of the manual style lube guns leak. Think its when it gets hot and the grease gets thin it is able to seep out.
     
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  20. Aug 16, 2018 at 9:59 AM
    #50
    tundras00

    tundras00 New Member

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  21. Aug 16, 2018 at 10:17 AM
    #51
    OBXTundra

    OBXTundra Member

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    I like Lucas grease as well. This or the Red 'n Tacky is good stuff. The Red actually looks like it goes through more testing, has higher ratings, and a higher dropping point.

    https://lucasoil.com/pdf/TDS_XtraHDGrease.pdf
    https://lucasoil.com/pdf/TDS_Red-Tacky-Grease.pdf
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2018
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  22. Aug 16, 2018 at 10:40 AM
    #52
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    The red is what I use for my truck. Seems to be good stuff. Although what the hell what I know I’m no grease analyzer LOL. I have a cheap gun from O’Reillys. I’m able to get to each zerk fitting. Some are tough but I’m able to snap it on there. Just had to make sure the paint was scraped off each one the first time.
    My gun does seem to weep a little bit when hanging on the wall. I just put a bag around it.

    I grease at each oil change. GTG!
     
  23. Aug 16, 2018 at 1:07 PM
    #53
    tundras00

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    Are the Lucas oil with moly content? Didn't see it anywhere on the label.
     
  24. Aug 16, 2018 at 1:21 PM
    #54
    Skippy

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    SmartSelect_20180816-151941_eBay.jpg You can pick this up from Summit for $20, or make one out of PVC
     
  25. Aug 16, 2018 at 2:24 PM
    #55
    Professional Hand Model

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    Go to AutoZone and get one. Send me a check for saving you money.
     
  26. Aug 16, 2018 at 2:26 PM
    #56
    Professional Hand Model

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    Put your gun in a plastic bag during storage to catch the mess. Thats what she said.
     
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  27. Aug 16, 2018 at 2:38 PM
    #57
    smslavin

    smslavin Behind a lens...

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    and no one jumped on that? god, you guys are slacking.

    fall is coming so, you'll want this...

    [​IMG]
     
  28. Aug 16, 2018 at 2:42 PM
    #58
    Pudge

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  29. Aug 16, 2018 at 3:02 PM
    #59
    15whtrd

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    It was too easy! Almost not as fun.
    Nevertheless... got to make sure you keep it lubed
     
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  30. Aug 16, 2018 at 4:18 PM
    #60
    GAknight

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    Ok gents....So I just did this last night. Easy peasy!

    Few points and thoughts:
    • SAFETY FIRST: Parked it, chocked the wheels and put it in Neutral (so I could spin the drive shafts).
    • Any good, single arm grease gun like the one @csuviper listed (above), is the way to go.
    • Having a flexible hose is a must, if the grease gun you get doesn't already come with one. If your rig is lifted, I recommend getting a hose at least 18".
    • The standard grease gun fitting (like the one in the pic above) will fit all the zerks on our rigs.
    Regarding the zerk's locations and accessibility:
    • The diagram (pdf) listed earlier in the thread is for an '07 (and I'm assuming all Gen 2's). The only difference for the Gen 3's is the center universal joint/shaft connection on the main drive shaft doesn't have 3, like in the diagram.
    • So, for the Gen 3's there are a total of (5): (3) along the main drive shaft, and (2) for the front drive shaft (for those w/ 4X4).
    • The (3) along the main drive shaft are easily accessible as they are all on the end of one of the four heads, like in the pic below.
    • I parked mine such that the zerk faced down. Perhaps coincidental, but all three along the main shaft were in line and faced down, so I was able to move along pretty quick.

    [​IMG]

    • The front drive shaft is a bit more tricky...especially the one coming off the transfer case b/c of the cross member's perfect placement. Also, the zerks on these joints are in the middle like in the pic below.

    [​IMG]

    • Using an angled fitting will make it more easily accessible. The other option is to rotate the shaft so the zerk is facing upward. I found this makes getting the fitting off a harder task b/c you don't have as much room to pull/push it off the zerk when you're done, regardless of what fitting you use.
    • The front joint zerk is easily accessible. Just rotate the shaft so that the zerk is facing downward and go at it.

    Regarding the Grease:

    • I used the Lucas Oil, Red 'N Tacky: NLGI #2.
     
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