Hi all

Just a quick one, I've been under the rear of my car, and having seen all the grease nipples, checked the universal joints.

I found that the one on the propshaft going into the diff didn't have a grease nipple, but the 2 coming out that go to the wheels, did have.

Is this correct, or am I missing something?

Thanks

 

Nope.

Some do, some dont. Probably been replaced at some stage with a sealed unit.

Up near the trans will be another, near the centre bearing, and at the rear of the trans.

These are a PAIN to get at. MEMORY, HA, the metal shield has to come off to get at them, and I have a recolection of drilling a large hole in that pan so I could get at those joints without dismantling half the bloody car.

 

Good point. Will have to remember that later or just get sealed UJs.

 

Thanks Grant, am I correct in assuming that the sealed UJ's are "maintenance free"?

 

Correct.

They were all you get as replacements, some many years ago, now they are all turning up with grease nipples again, something went wrong with the "sealed for life" as we all know.

The joints on the prop shaft itself have very little angular movement, the rear cradle is attached to the car, and they will last a very long time either with or without greasing provision.

The half shaft, work hard, so a squirt twice a year is a good thing.

 

Many thanks Grant, I'll see to it.

 

Should be a nipple at each end of each half shaft as well as one at the bottom of each hub carrier. Sometimes these on the carrier are missing. Also there are plugs that cover the wheel bearings , remove the rubber plugs to grease.

 

Thanks alynmurrsy. Had a shot at the UJ's yesterday, didn't get much in... Usual I assume? Must be small clearances?

 

Hmm.......
When I last greased all Nix's joints I neglected the outer half shafts - outta sight, outta mind as they still have the bell guards on.

I suppose before I get seriously on the road I had better address that little oversight.
(';')