Q: How to Service and Repair the Drive Shaft on 2001 Toyota Tacoma?
A: To service and repair the drive/propeller shaft for models RZN191L-TRPDKAB, RZN196L-CRPDKAB, and YZN195L-CRPDKAB, begin by removing the front propeller shaft from 4WD vehicles by placing matchmarks on the propeller shaft and front differential flanges, then removing the 4 nuts, bolts, and washers with a torque of 74 Nm (750 kgf-cm, 54 ft. lbs.), suspending the front side of the propeller shaft, placing matchmarks on the propeller shaft and transfer, and removing another 4 nuts and washers with the same torque before finally removing the front propeller shaft. First step for pre-runner along with rear propeller shaft on 4WD vehicles requires matchmarking of the transmission (pre-runner) and transfer (4WD) flanges alongside the propeller shaft. Then remove 4 nuts with washers using 74 Nm (750 kgf-cm, 54 ft. lbs.) torque and mark the propeller shaft and rear differential flanges before taking out the same 4 nuts, bolts, and washers with equal torque. The 3-joint type requires a torque of 36 Nm (370 kgf-cm, 27 ft. lbs.) for removing the center support bearing 2 set bolts and 2 frame crossmember before pulling the propeller shaft. Disassembly use gentle force when securing the propeller shaft tube in a vise to prevent deformation while you need to mark both shaft flanges before removing 4 nuts and washers to separate them. Begin by loosening the nut staked part with chisel and hammer then use Special Service Tool: 09330-00021 to hold and remove the flange along with the nut and spacer after which you must place matchmarks on the flange and shaft before utilizing Special Service Tool: 09950-30011 (09951-03010, 09953-03010, 09954-03010, 09955-03030, 09956-03020) to remove the flange from the intermediate shaft. Begin by placing mark points on the sleeve yoke and shaft then draw out the yoke to take away the yoke and center support bearing from the intermediate shaft and the dust cover from the propeller shaft. Inspection of the propeller shaft and intermediate shaft requires a dial indicator to check for damage or runout within 0.8 mm (0.031 inch) of maximum runout; spider bearings should be checked for wear and damage while examining their axial play should be at least 0.05 mm (0.0020 inch) and the center support bearing should turn freely with replacement if damaged or worn. Inspect the double cardan joint propeller shaft for damage while checking for wear conditions because any evidence of damage will require replacement of the assembly. To assemblies the intermediate shaft accept the center support bearing along with its spacer, position the cutout facing rearward while applying MP grease to the shaft splines and using Special Service Tool: 09330-00021 to stabilize the flange during nut tightening to 181 Nm (1,850 kgf-cm, 134 ft. lbs.) torque, followed by loosening and re-torquing to 69 Nm (700 kgf-cm, 51 ft. lbs.) and finally nut staking. Secure the propeller shaft to intermediate shaft using matchmarks then fasten it with four bolts and washers and nuts tightened to 74 Nm (750 kgf-cm, 54 ft. lbs.). Use grease on the spline and sliding surface before inserting the sleeve yoke into the propeller shaft while installing a dust cover. The installation sequence runs opposite to removal while maintaining that center bearing lines stay aligned within 0 plus or minus 1 mm (0 plus or minus 0.04 inch) of each other when the vehicle sits empty in front and rear positions and the center bearing housing line stands perpendicular to the front propeller shaft. For finishing the procedure install the specified grease at each fitting allowing it to circulate through the oil seal by using lithium base chassis grease NLGI No. 2 for spiders while the sleeve yoke and double cardan joint require molybdenum disulfide lithium base chassis grease NLGI No. 2.