Re: Zerk fittings.

[2hot4U]

Having just bought my Tundra 4x2 , I never got a chance to crawl under it (using my creeper) to check the greasy side to locate all the zerk fittings. I posted the question to the forum asking members for their input and felt afterwards that it was dumb of me to have asked that question.I finally did some checking on my own.

Anyway, after starting from under the front end and wheeling myself to the rear shaft U-joints immediately to the rear axle, I found...none! No zerk fittings at all! I really expected to find a few grease fittings on the front end upper/lower ball joints etc; but was surprised to find none whatsoever! All the grease fittings were of the sealed type.I read somewhere that Tacomas have all sealed grease fittings too (?)

I'm not too crazy about sealed fittings. Usually the joint or support arms fail without any warning which can cause a lot of damage when you are driving.I have witnessed sealed bearings
disentigrate to powder at high speeds, especially needle bearings. I wonder what Toyota's design engineers were thinking when they chose this route? It is too early to tell but I'm hoping the sealed fittings will last a while.

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by 2hot4U

Having just bought my Tundra 4x2 , I never got a chance to crawl under it (using my creeper) to check the greasy side to locate all the zerk fittings. I posted the question to the forum asking members for their input and felt afterwards that it was dumb of me to have asked that question.I finally did some checking on my own.

Anyway, after starting from under the front end and wheeling myself to the rear shaft U-joints immediately to the rear axle, I found...none! No zerk fittings at all! I really expected to find a few grease fittings on the front end upper/lower ball joints etc; but was surprised to find none whatsoever! All the grease fittings were of the sealed type.I read somewhere that Tacomas have all sealed grease fittings too (?)

I'm not too crazy about sealed fittings. Usually the joint or support arms fail without any warning which can cause a lot of damage when you are driving.I have witnessed sealed bearings
disentigrate to powder at high speeds, especially needle bearings. I wonder what Toyota's design engineers were thinking when they chose this route? It is too early to tell but I'm hoping the sealed fittings will last a while.

I hear you. I have a 4x2 also and the same as you found. I looked yesterday before that cold front came through. As for sealed I don't know why they went that route either, but I don't worry about it because when it happens the lifetime warranty covers it. So I don't worry about to much until I go in for maitenance and then the cost. So you really pay for a Lifetime warranty.

[2hot4U]

The only sealed bearings I had on all my (domestic built) 4x2 vehicles were always on the rear U-joint. Like you, I suppose,I have never been abusive with my cars or trucks and the sealed bearings on the U-J's lasted for a good 55,000 miles before they launched. You are right to say the warranty should cover any mishap but it did irk me to see the entire system sealed like that. Thanks for the reply Mickey.

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by 2hot4U

The only sealed bearings I had on all my (domestic built) 4x2 vehicles were always on the rear U-joint. Like you, I suppose,I have never been abusive with my cars or trucks and the sealed bearings on the U-J's lasted for a good 55,000 miles before they launched. You are right to say the warranty should cover any mishap but it did irk me to see the entire system sealed like that. Thanks for the reply Mickey.

No problem and that's what friends are for.