Rear u-joint greasing
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Rear u-joint greasing
This is a kinda basic non-issue but I was curious if anybody had a good method. I had my OEM driveshaft overhauled with fresh Spicer greasable u-joints and a balance back in the fall. Now I really don't intend to debate greasable vs. sealed u-joints as both work well if they are a good quality unit in my experience, though for my use a sealed unit is maybe a better fit IMHO. Any how went under there today to do the first regrease since the shaft was installed and was happy to notice they did the job right and all the zerks were lined up. When I got to the rear u-joint though I noticed the clearance to fit the grease coupler was rather tight- in fact I had to position it so the zerk was pointed straight up and then I had to apply a good amount of manal pressure on the coupling to prevent leakage due to the interference with the coupler and the surrounding joint/driveshaft.
Has anybody else run into this problem? If so, did you come up with any suggestions? This joint sees a lot harsher environment and anything to make greasing easier would likely increase the frequency of greasing and thus the longevity... ya know?
Has anybody else run into this problem? If so, did you come up with any suggestions? This joint sees a lot harsher environment and anything to make greasing easier would likely increase the frequency of greasing and thus the longevity... ya know?
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,450
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From: South Jersey
no my u-joints do the same thing, i know this isnt what you want to hear but this is what i do...
remove the four bolts from the pinion
remove the shaft
grease the slip joint
then i grease the u-joints
reinstall the shaft and bolt her back up, i do this ever three to four months. takes about twenty minutes
remove the four bolts from the pinion
remove the shaft
grease the slip joint
then i grease the u-joints
reinstall the shaft and bolt her back up, i do this ever three to four months. takes about twenty minutes
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Other than the fact that is even more work than what I had to do today, and that the slip joint isn't supposed to require that type of service interval with the proper PTFE grease, what concerns me is that those straps are supposed to be one time use. I could see reusing them, especially if they are low miles but frequently doing so would make me worry about metal fatigue.
As for the double cardan I honestly don't remember. Had it done through an inside connection and didn't get an official itemized bill. They did a top notch job though, even balanced and painted so I suspect if it was needed it was done.
I wonder if an angle head zirk would work, might have to take a closer look next time and see... though I am not optimistic.
As for the double cardan I honestly don't remember. Had it done through an inside connection and didn't get an official itemized bill. They did a top notch job though, even balanced and painted so I suspect if it was needed it was done.
I wonder if an angle head zirk would work, might have to take a closer look next time and see... though I am not optimistic.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
no my u-joints do the same thing, i know this isnt what you want to hear but this is what i do...
remove the four bolts from the pinion
remove the shaft
grease the slip joint
then i grease the u-joints
reinstall the shaft and bolt her back up, i do this ever three to four months. takes about twenty minutes
remove the four bolts from the pinion
remove the shaft
grease the slip joint
then i grease the u-joints
reinstall the shaft and bolt her back up, i do this ever three to four months. takes about twenty minutes
you need this:
NAPA AUTO PARTS
has a zerk on the back to hook into your grease gun then a long hollow "needle". the end of the needle is exactly the right size to depress the ball in the zerk on the u-joint. just hook it up push it up against the zerk and pump.
works like a charm! i will NEVER do u-joints any other way again.
a mechanic at work told me about these.
i got mine at napa ... just a few bucks.
get one, you won't regret it ...
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 532
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Hmm, very interesting! Just spent $6 for a 90 degree slide on adaptor to facilitate rediculously easy upper ball joint greasing maybe I'll spoil myself next oil change with that needle- at least to give it a try.
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