DIY: Lubricate Propeller Shaft on Infiniti QX4 & Nissan Pathfinder

How to Lubricate Propeller Shaft on Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder R50

The owner's manual recommends greasing and lubricating the propeller shaft every oil change.

• Crawl underneath the QX4 or Pathfinder and find the propeller shaft between the exhaust pipe and automatic transmission pan.

• Locate the Zerk fitting which is circled in the picture below. The fitting sticks out of shaft and may be difficult to access if pointing upwards. Drive a few inches front or back until propeller shaft rotates and the Zerk fitting points downward. 

 

• Use a grease gun with a coupler that will attach to a Zerk fitting. I use Lumax LX-1152 Black Heavy Duty Deluxe Pistol Grease Gun with 18" Flex Hose and Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Grease. The service manual says to use NLGI #2 lithium complex grease, as long as that requirement is met any brand is compatible. 
• A cross member is located right below the fitting and shaft so maneuvering the hose will be necessary.

• Give the grease gun a few pumps. Do not excessively pump so grease leaks out of the shaft, you do not want to blow the seals.

Note:  The propeller shaft is known as the drive shaft everywhere else in the world. Japan calls it the propeller shaft.

I am willing to bet greasing the propeller shaft is often missed at quick lube shops and the dealership. This is a quick less than 5 minute job, take the time to do some preventative maintenance.

If there is drive train vibration and noise, greasing the propeller shaft may help.

This video is extremely helpful. 2001 Infiniti QX4 Propeller Zerk Fitting