Toyota Mechanic Says, "I Want To Show You This Very Often Overlooked Item Which Should Be Part of The Maintenance" of His Client's 2019 Toyota 4Runner That Most Owner's Never Think to Check

If you've ever watched MeTV and the ever-popular The Andy Griffith Show, set in the fictional town of good ol' Mayberry, you will likely recall an episode or two in which Andy takes his police cruiser to comic relief "Goober" (actor George Lindsey), the town mechanic who is forever with grease on his hands and face.

His was a common caricature of how America saw mechanics as "grease monkeys," a term I still hear used occasionally.

"Grease monkey" is a slang term for a mechanic who works on cars, trucks, or other machinery. It refers to someone who gets their hands dirty doing mechanical repairs, oil changes, and maintenance work.

Chief of which, is servicing older vehicles with numerous grease fittings to ensure continued lubrication of moving parts on and under the chassis.

Does My Modern Car Need a Grease Job?

Modern cars still require the occasional grease job, but much less frequently than older vehicles.

Typical lubrication points include:

1. Sway bar bushings
2. Ball joints
3. Pittman arms
4. Idler arms
5. Inner and outer tie rods
6. Control arm bushings

However, many of these lubrication points may not apply on some modern cars, which generally have sealed, permanently lubricated joints in components like ball joints, tie rods, and U-joints, eliminating the need for regular greasing.

Some trucks, SUVs, and heavy-duty vehicles, however, still have grease fittings or "nipples" (aka Zerk fittings or Alemite fittings) on suspension and drivetrain components to prevent wear and maintain smooth operation.

This is especially true of older and modern vehicles used for off-roading, as pointed out in a recent episode of the Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel, in which the host demonstrated how to grease a client's 2019 Toyota 4Runner.

I started with that basic engine oil and filter change, but I wanted to show you this very often overlooked item which should be part of the maintenance. And that is: Using your grease gun and finding all the grease points and putting grease into them.

Follow along with the host in this short video in which you will learn:

1. Even though modern cars have eliminated most typical grease nipple applications, there could be one or two, at least, on the joints connecting the drive shaft.
2. Where to look for grease nipples on your Toyota 4Runner.
3. How can you tell if your car has been serviced with a grease job or skipped by a service technician?
4. The sound you should listen for that tells you to stop pumping your grease gun.
5. An important nipple not to grease even though it looks like a grease fitting.

Vehicle Maintenance―Don't Miss The Grease Points!

Related Video: Used Toyota 4Runner Walk Around Demo

What If My Vehicle Never Goes Off-Road? Can I Skip Having a Grease Job?

While you can skip having your strictly on-the-highway car or truck serviced with a grease job if you have no plans of keeping it over a few years, dust and rainwater will eventually take their toll on exposed moving parts like the drive shaft's U-joints. Therefore, it is good maintenance practice to examine the drivetrain at least once a year and add a few hand pumps of grease to the fittings located there if present.

DIY Your Grease Job

If you are unsure where or whether your car has grease fittings, a good resource is the recently improved modern Hayne's repair manuals for your make and model. Even though the manual might be for a trim or model a little earlier than the car you own, it can still show you where to expect to find grease fittings that may still be used in your later model car or truck.

But wait, don't I need my car raised to get under it to the grease fittings?

Yes, to get yourself and your grease gun under a vehicle and gain access to the fittings, you will more likely than not need to raise your vehicle at least a few inches. If a recommended floor jack and jack stands are insufficient, there are Affordable Car Lift Solutions for Your Home Garage.

Related article: Is Harbor Freight's Plastic Car Ramp Safe for DIY Mechanics?

Important DIY Grease Tips

1. If you buy a grease gun, be sure to read the manual―Not all grease guns are intuitive and reading ahead can save you from a mess and loss of expensive grease.
2. There are several types of grease―Be sure to choose the correct grease for its application on your vehicle.
3. Always clean the grease fitting―Dirt and mud on the nipple can clog the port and/or push contaminants into the joint you are trying to protect.

For more articles about DIY servicing and repairs on your Toyota, here are a few helpful recommendations:

1. How to Maintain your Toyota with DIY Instruction from These Toyota Mechanics
2. Toyota Mass Air Flow Sensor DIY Testing and Cleaning Advice From a Toyota Mechanic
3. This Repair Fixes A Huge Issue With Lots Of Toyotas On The Road Today

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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