Toyota 04371-04020
Universal Joints

The universal joint servicing process begins with propeller shaft removal after differential and propeller shaft flanges receive matchmarking and the 4 bolts and washers and nuts are taken out. The first step involves removing 2 mounting bolts together with center support bearing from the frame crossmember alongside the propeller shaft yoke extraction from the transmission. Special Service Tool: 09325-40010 should be placed inside the transmission to avoid transmission oil leakage. Begin installation by taking out Service Tool 09325-40010 from the transmission before inserting the yoke and installing two mounting bolts onto the center support bearing which must have its drain hole facing down. The installation requires users to position matchmarks on the flanges before securing them together by applying nuts and bolts along with washers. Torque the installed bolts to 74 Nm (750 kgf-cm, 54 ft. lbs.). Follow the specified maintenance intervals when performing an unladen vehicle check of the center support bearing axial direction line. Necessary adjustments should be made to the bearing during this process. After unloading the vehicle the center bearing center lines and center bearing housing center lines must be within 0.236 - 0.039 inch (6.0 plus or minus 1.0 mm) of one another before tightening both bolts to 40 Nm (410 kgf-cm, 30 ft. lbs.).

Begin universal joint service by first disassembling propeller shaft and intermediate shaft while placing matchmarks on the yoke and propeller shaft before disassembly of center yoke. Begin by positioning the yoke inside a vise for the next step. Use a hammer with a chisel to unstake the nut of the intermediate shaft for center support bearing removal. Then remove the spacer and nut while making matchmarks on both shaft and yoke. A combination of brass bar and hammer permit center yoke, spacer and center support bearing extraction from intermediate shaft components. A dial indicator must be used to inspect the propeller shaft and intermediate shaft for any damage or runout. If maximum runout exceeds 0.8 mm (0.031 inch) either shaft needs immediate replacement. A dial indicator should be used to check the spider bearing because excessive 0.05 mm (0.0020 inch) axial play requires replacement of the bearing component. Examine the center support bearing for smooth operation because replacement is needed when damage or wear is present. During reassembly first install the center support bearing onto the intermediate shaft correctly oriented followed by applying MP grease to the intermediate shaft splines along with installing the spacer and center yoke which needs to be aligned through matchmarks. Replace the intermediate shaft center yoke while maintaining the same orientation of its front yoke side relative to the center yoke. Clamp the yoke into a vise after spacer installation then apply torque of 181 Nm (1,845 kgf-cm, 133 ft. lbs.) to the new nut until the bearing reaches its correct position before loosening and retightening to 82 Nm (835 kgf-cm, 60 ft. lbs.). Finish the procedure by staking the nut using a hammer and punch. The final step in the construction includes yoking the center section between the propeller shaft and the intermediate shaft.

Tap the yoke with a hammer until there is no clearance between the bearing outer race and snap ring.