Greasing U-joints

[MTBLAZER89]

OK got a question. Can you guys grease your U-joints while they are installed? I can't It's a PITA having to take the shaft off to grease them. I can almost get to them, but the yoke is just in the way by 1/4" or so. Can I get a different style zerk? I know the grease fittings on our aircraft take a big needle style grease tip. I could also grind a little notch in the yoke, but thats prolly not good for it, or do I just need a different tip for my grease gun?

My grease gun looks like this with the soft hose.

 

[Muddytazz]

take out all your regular zerks and put in needle fittings, makes a difference

 

[sweetk30]

also there is a correct way to install the cross in the shaft. grease hole to the center of the shaft to help clear the yoke better. most i see are in backwards and would take grease if in correctly. and i have used a needle greaser on regular style zerk heads just push in on the ball. then pump.

 

[Ned Kelly]

Or next time get U-jts with the grease nipple on the cap instead of the cross. That's what I did.

 

[mxfireman]

Autozone makes a fitting that installs onto your grease gun it was like $8 or so. I will see if I can find a pic of it.

here it is

 

[Can Can]

I use a grease needle to get to the hard-to-access zerks. I'll post up a pic tomorrow.....

 

[MTBLAZER89]

also there is a correct way to install the cross in the shaft. grease hole to the center of the shaft to help clear the yoke better. most i see are in backwards and would take grease if in correctly. and i have used a needle greaser on regular style zerk heads just push in on the ball. then pump.

Yeah they are oriented correctly, but the yoke is just barely in the way.

take out all your regular zerks and put in needle fittings, makes a difference

OK thats what I need then, and the other tip pictured above for my grease gun

 

[73k5blazer]

Yep, put needle zerks in mine. Works like a charm.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Sweet thanks don't know why I have waited so long to ask this question

 

[stallion85]

While we are on the subject, whick grease do you guys use? I have been using some cheap grease but want to put some good grease in all my joints sometime soon.

 

[Zeus33rd]

You can grease a normal zerk with a needle fitting... Requires bit more hand-eye coordination, but I do it everyday. Prolly 10-20 u-joints a day.

 

[K30CJ]

I use the regular cheap grease and make up for it with frequent applications! My rig is off road only, and I grease everything before or after every trip. I try to do it right after, because I usually push water out with the old grease.

I do have a separate gun with high temp grease for the trailer wheel bearings though.

 

[mxfireman]

While we are on the subject, whick grease do you guys use? I have been using some cheap grease but want to put some good grease in all my joints sometime soon.

I use marine grease it seems to hold up better to me. I would rather spend a little extra on grease then to keep replacing u-joints, etc.......

 

[SUPER'BURB]

I saw a reveiw someplace that said to use the "green marine grease".
Think I will look for it next time but for now I use el chepo greaso.

 

[Stephen]

I have a needle with a bend in the tip for just such occasions, it comes in pretty handy.

 

[sandawgk5]

I do not know the actual name for the green marine grease but in the Navy we call it Tourmaline. It is specifically designed for saltwater applications and does not crystalize like other greases when salt gets in it.

Ira

 

[mxfireman]

I used to work a motorcycle shop in Cali. I would buy the Yamaha marine grease. I believe any marine grease from boat store or motorcycle shop would hold up best IMO.