Prado SX5 4wd grinding

[pradosx5]

Hi again all

Just been testing my 4wd engagement. Everything locks up as advertised when manually turning the forward propshaft from underneath(locking hubs, engaging H4 etc)

But when driving in 4wd, I have a grinding noise that sounds like it is coming from the forward part of the transmission.

The noise is only evident when 4wd is engaged, and front hubs are locked.

No noise when only front hubs are locked, or when only H4 is engaged. (also in L4)

Any tips to isolate the fault? I haven't checked fuid levels yet, but am on that next.

Thanks

 

[roscoFJ73]

The front driveshaft splines can make that noise if the grease is dry

 

[pradosx5]

Thanks, I will have a look at that.

 

[pradosx5]

OK, I give up. How do I re-grease the driveshaft splines? I have had a look, and can't see any nipples, other than the two on the driveshaft universal joint.

Or do I have to take something apart, and grease manually?

Also, where else could I grease up front with the grease gun while I am at it?

Thanks

 

[kbushnz]

The nipple sticks out of the short splined part on drive shaft just before the uni portion. You cant miss it unless its been knocked off.
The nipple to grease the uni's are on the cross inside the joint and hard to get to...
There ain't much else to grease...
Put a bit on the ball of the swivel hub....

 

[pradosx5]

OK, figured out to re-grease the splines, just pump grease into the nipple on the driveshaft.
I have done this on both shafts, also the u-joints. I have also drained and filled both diffs and the transfer case with new oil. No positive result. The front diff was full of black thick gunk, probably the culprit. Hopefully not though.

The sound is almost like a gear is not engaging properly.

I did find one possibility. When I spin the front driveshaft manually, i can hear a clonking sound in the fwd diff. I dont hear this when driving with the front hubs locked though. Could it be the driveshaft bearing? Or something worse?

Thanks

 

[jimy2]

I had the same exact problem when driving in 4H and 4L and it was worse when i had the lift kit installed I even removed the gear box and transfer case could never find the problem as I was wanting to fix it before I sold it
Never grinded as much when the lift kit was out. In the end was honest with the buyer he took the car as was with out the lift kit and is happy till today . I was told it could be the bearing inside the ball joint and axel not sure but have looksy.and if u ever do find what's causing it let me know pls

Good luck

 

[kbushnz]

The front diff was full of black thick gunk, probably the culprit. Hopefully not though.

That doesn't sound good.
I wouldn't drive it in 4WD and locked hubs until you find out what it is.
The fact the front diff oil was blank and full of gunk could mean the diff bearings could be shot due lack of maint and non use....
It pays to put the hubs in once in a while and get the oil all stirred up in the diff head to lube everything...Just don't put it in 4wd....

As PM'd you can come by one day and I could take a look for you....