Parts for your 2017 Toyota Land cruiser-Universal joints

2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Universal Joints (Uni Joints)

Based on Toyota’s factory Repair Manual for the 200 Series Land Cruiser (Propeller Shaft section) and Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the URJ202 platform, the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser is fitted with front and rear propeller shafts that use universal joints. These uni joints are therefore relevant service items on this model.

On a 2017 LandCruiser, the universal joints sit in the prop shafts running between the transfer case and the front and rear diffs. Their job is to let the shaft keep spinning smoothly while the suspension moves and the driveline changes angle. That flexibility is what keeps the big Cruiser quiet and composed on corrugations, towing duty, and low-range work alike. Up front you’ll also find CV joints in the half-shafts for the independent front suspension, but the prop shafts themselves rely on good old uni joints.

As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to check and, where fitted, grease the uni joints every 10,000 km or at each service—more often if the vehicle lives on beaches, in mud, or tows heavy. Many local LC200s have grease nipples on the uni joints and slip yokes. Use a quality NLGI #2 chassis grease for the uni joints and a moly grease on the slip yoke, pumping until fresh grease appears and any old, contaminated grease is purged.

Tell-tale signs a uni joint needs attention include:

• A light chirp or squeak on take-off that gets quicker with road speed
• Driveline vibration at highway speeds
• A clunk when shifting from reverse to drive, or after stopping and starting
• Visible rust “dust” or play at the bearing caps

During inspection, safely chock the wheels and put the transmission in neutral. Rotate the shaft by hand and feel for notchiness. Any free play across the joint, dried-out seals, or brinelling means replacement time. When replacing, mark the flanges so the shaft goes back in phase, support the tube (don’t crush it in a vice), and torque all fasteners to the factory spec. Aftermarket sealed uni joints are fine, but many owners prefer greaseable units for touring and off-road use. A quick post-job road test to confirm smoothness and absence of vibration is the finishing touch. Look after the uni joints and the LC200’s driveline will stay silky and dependable for the long haul.

Popular questions about 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser universal joints

Do all 2017 LandCruisers have greaseable uni joints?
Many Australian and New Zealand–delivered LC200s have grease nipples on the prop shaft uni joints and slip yokes, but some vehicles may have sealed (non-greaseable) joints depending on build and replacement history. A quick look underneath for zerk fittings will tell the story, if they’re not present, the joints are likely sealed and replaced when worn.

How often should the uni joints be serviced?
As a rule of thumb, inspect and lube them every 10,000 km or at each service. If the Cruiser regularly sees water crossings, sand, red dust, or heavy towing, cut that interval in half. Use NLGI #2 chassis grease for the joints and a moly grease for the slip yoke.

What symptoms suggest a failing uni joint on an LC200?
Common symptoms include a chirp at low speed, a shudder or vibration at highway speed, a driveline clunk when shifting, or visible red dust around the caps. Any measurable play when twisting the shaft by hand is also a red flag and calls for prompt replacement to avoid further driveline damage.