YodaPala

I did a search and couldnt find this. I know there is 2 different types of grease to use on the u-joints/cardan joints. Anyone?

YodaPala

bump-ba-de-bump

YodaPala

T-------------o---------------p

Texas_Ace

I could not find "THE" awnser when i did mine either.

I just used some lithium anis (or what ever it is!) 2 grease and it worked fine.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I just use a moly-disulphide grease for everything.

drguitarum2005

My Haynes says NLGI #2 Lithium for my 2000 tacoma.

Texas_Ace

That is the stuff i used ^^

YodaPala

Thank you.

MudHippy

Well, I did some looking around the net to see what others take on it was. I found a nearly identical question asked on another Toyota forum (Tundra specific, I think 'twas TundraSolutions) about why/where/which on the 2 types of grease. The gist I got from it was this, one type contains molybdenum and the other doesn't.

You would possibly want the added EP (Extreme Pressure) protection of the moly in the grease for certain bearings. Though, some argue this to both extremes.(sorry, lack o' a better word)

The first being that there are no friction bearings that need the EP additives provided in some greases (like molybdenum, graphite, etc.) found in the driveshafts in question(basically, a double-cardan is just 2 u-joints). Aside from it being used in CV's, it shouldn't be used at all for non-industrial equip. or non-friction bearings(no roller/ball/pin/needle). Your better off using one grease for all else and it should be a non-moly one at that. EP grease should also NEVER be used in wheel bearings

The second being that if the EP rated greases are not harmful to the bearings and provide at least equal protection, then why not use the same grease for all of them?

The only argument for the first view I would consider is that molybdenum in specific is detrimental to the bearing steel, esp. so with greases containing high concentrations of it. I haven't decided whether that notion has any validity or not.

The most convincing argument for the second is that the EP rated greases are MORE protective because the additives are left as a residue even when ALL the grease has been "pounded out" or melted away. That remnant layer then provides "dry" lubrication when/if the situation should arise.

I don't know where I fit in the scheme. I do use moly-disulphide in the CV that requires it. I use "high-temp/disk brake wheel bearing grease" for the wheel bearings. Other than that I don't care one way or the other what I use, really, for the rest. I just grease the hell out of 'em and hope it's enough. Seems to work, so I'm stickin' to it.

Bighead

Well the owners manual for my 4Runner has this in the "Specification" section:

CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Propeller shafts
Spiders: Lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2

Slide yoke and double cardan joint: Molybdenum?disulfide lithium base chassis grease, NLGI No.2

BajaRunner

I just used some Moly-graphite grease in my U-joints... Is this okay?

mkgarrison5

just buy a tube of M1 syn chassis/ bearing grease?? use that for all of them... the guys at the local yota place just uses valvoline multipurpose grease and he said that the M1 should work very well. i asked how often should i do it and he said whenever you feel like it. i said every other or every third oil change (5k oci) and he said that would do fine

jct61765

I use a marine grease. But heres a website.

http://bobistheoilguy.com/

MudHippy

I've used it for everything except wheel bearings with no problems. Exactly why they don't specify using it for u-joints I don't know, but they aren't friction/extreme pressure bearings like the slip yoke or double-cardan. So, that could be why.(Next question then is "what about ball joints?")

From:http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...tenancep4.html

mkgarrison5

man i forgot there were 3 fittings in the cardan! crap gotta get under and make sure they are greased.

mkgarrison5

on a 2002 how many fittings are there?? tacoma i mean. should be the same as the 4 runner but not sure

MudHippy

Some u-joints don't have zerks and can't be lubed. Other than that the double-cardan should have 3. 2 on the u-joints(usually), 1 for the center joint(always).