The owner manual for my 2005 F350 states the "4X4 front axle U-joints" must be lubricated. However, my truck has no grease fittings...none. Any suggestions?

 

if there aren't any grease fittings then, most likely the joints were replaced with non-greaseable ones.

 

Mine does (factory),not to be a smart azz, turn the axle all the way around and "feel" all 4 sides.Possible the zerk broke off but not likely.

Then again, as mentioned above,they may have been replaced.
Who would install u-joints w/o a grease fitting is beyond me.

( I don't know if I've ever seen a replacement u-joint w/o one)

 

These are original U-joints and I've owned the truck since new. I had it at the dealer yesterday for tranny filter change and asked them to grease the U-joint. They said my truck has no grease fittings...none.

 

They are full of poo. I took my truck to the dealership one time (the first time 'cause it was free) for an oil change/lube. When I went to pick it up, I checked everything and when I checked the u-joints I could tell they had not been greased.

When I went back inside I asked to talk to the service mgr and he told me that there were no zerks on the superduties - so I dragged him outside and showed him. Needless to say, he and the tech looked stupid and offered me another free oil change. I declined. I also watched them put it back on the rack and pointed out all the zerks for him.

They are there and they are not hard to find.

 

Those joint zerks are hard to see sometimes. The good thing is; if they don't have them you might not need them because the power is split between both sides and the rear (in the front) and are rarely used to boot. (1/3rd of the action each when used).

 

My 2005 4x4 F250 Crewcab has zerk fittings on the front axle u-joints. If I remember correctly, those are the only 2 grease fittings on the entire truck. Unless you have a dually 4x4, you have the same front axle as mine. Crawl under the truck and spin the u-joints around. I am willing to bet that you will find zerk fittings on them.

 

My ex has 2 on the tie rods and 2 on the drag link. I'm going to look again for ones on the u-joint.

 

Im noticing most of yall have a 2005 and newer...anyone know when they started putting zerks on the U Joints?!

 

My wife's 2005 EX has four zerks on the stearing links AND one on each of the front axle U-joints.

My 2003 F250 only had them on the stearing links. Needless to say when I replaced the ball joints and a rear drive shaft U-joint, I replaced them with greasable ones.

I don't know if it helps but I spray the front axle U-joints and drive shaft U-joints (front & rear) that don't have zerks with a penetrating oil (like a PB Blaster or WD-40). I'm not sure how much "penetration" is taking place but it makes me feel better.

 

That would be fine if they were dry but it could easily dilute your grease properties and cause accelerated wear.

 

That may be true but I never see any signs of "wetness" around the cups between spraying; this makes me believe that noting is getting in in the first place!

I have 118K on my truck and have had no problem with the front axle u-joints. That being said, I do lock the hubs for a few days each month or so which keeps everything moving. Just my $0.02.

Steve

 

Luckily the front joints only get 1/3rd of the total action each and that is only once in a while. I think too many people change them for nothing.

 

I finally had a chance to get under my truck to check for myself. My 2005 F350, 4X4 dually has no grease fittings anywhere.