Gather the Necessary Tools
Greasing U-Joints? Essential! Gather the tools first. Need a grease gun, fitting, plus a pair of wrenches. Ready? Start greasing U-Joints!
Jack
Jack up your vehicle to access the U-joints. Use a rated jack; bottle or trolley. Be sure to secure the vehicle with stands or chocks. Jacking is risky, so be careful. If you feel unsure, get help from a pro!
Wrench
A wrench is a must for greasing U-joints. A combo wrench has two sizes and it works with metric or standard measurements. Typically, ½ inch is enough. But, depending on the task, you may need a different size. A socket set, with the right fit, can also be great. It helps you work fast in tight spaces.
Socket
Getting the right tools is essential when working on a car. Before you start, have a socket set that includes standard sizes (1/4-inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch) and metric (7mm, 8mm). If you’re changing all four U-joints, this set will save time.
Select the right size socket to fit over the dome covering the joint cap. Wobble sockets are useful if you have an off-angle or hard to reach U-joint. It’s best to be prepared.
Grease Gun
When greasing U-joints, the proper equipment is a must! Pick a grease gun with enough torque to penetrate the grease fittings. Manual guns can reach up to 10,000 psi. That should do it for heavy-duty U-joints.
Get a high volume grease gun, with a flexible hose. This will help you get into tight spaces and direct the grease where you want it. Also, make sure the gun is compatible with the grease you’re using (like NLGI #2 Lithium EP).
Don’t forget accessories like extension pipes and swivel tips. They’ll make the job easier and more efficient!
Grease
Before you start, ensure you have the right materials. Get a grease gun, available at most auto and hardware stores. Even if the quality gun costs more, it will last longer. You may need extra cartridges and adapter fittings, depending on the type of joint and lube. Have clean objects like rags or paper towels too, to clean off extra grease before continuing.
Prepare the U-Joint
Replacing U-joints is important to keep your vehicle running. Greasing them correctly can extend their life. So, here’s how to get them ready for the grease.
- Take the necessary steps.
- Make sure the U-joints are clean.
- Use a wire brush to remove dirt, rust and grime.
- Use a cloth to wipe away any residue.
That’s it – prepare U-joints before greasing them!
Raise the Vehicle
Grease a U-joint? First, raise your vehicle. Use a floor jack and jack stands, or hydraulic lift. Engage the parking brake and block the wheels. To keep it steady while you work, use wheel chocks or metal stands. Add an extra support around the area if needed. And don’t forget: both sides of the vehicle must be raised evenly. Otherwise, it might become unstable while you repair and adjust it. This is dangerous!
Remove the U-Joint Cap
To start greasing a U-Joint, remove its cap or bearing cup. This could be done with a combination wrench or needle-nose pliers, depending on your vehicle.
After the cap is off, slide out the old U-Joint. Do this by taking out any clips or bolts. If there’s a clip, you can move it back and forth with your finger. Be careful not to rip any seals or gaskets.
Wipe off the joint’s outside with an old rag. Then, look for worn spots or cracks that need repair.
Clean the U-Joint
It’s important to begin with a good clean. U-joints gather dirt, mud and road scraps. To get rid of them, the U-joint needs to be taken apart. The separate parts should be scrubbed with a car degreaser or cleaner. Scrub each bearing cap and bearing until they are spotless. Rinse with water and dry off with a lint-free cloth. Then reassemble it.
Grease the U-Joint
Give your U-joints a treat and grease ’em up! You’ll need the right tools and know-how. Here’s what you do:
- Grab the necessary items.
- Then, grease your U-joints with the technique.
- This will help your vehicle to purr, and avoid future problems.
Keep your car running smooth – grease those U-joints!
Attach the Grease Gun
Attaching the grease gun is easy. You need to get the right parts first:
- Frictionless U-joint yoke
- Inverted grease fitting
- Grease gun adapter
- Grease gun
It should fit together easily. The yoke should slip into the fitting until it reaches a snap ring or cotter pin. Make sure it won’t separate.
Next, grab the adapter. It screws onto either side of the fitting. Check user manuals to make sure it fits your gun. Connect the adapter to the inlet port at the top of the gun. Then press the trigger. Pull it down to make sure it’s connected. Squeeze the trigger repetitively to lubricate the joint components. This will protect them against wear and tear.
Apply Grease to the U-Joint
Greasing your U-joint is an essential maintenance task. It will keep it in good condition, reduce wear, and extend its life. Before you start, make sure you have the right grease.
- Clean the joint with a wire brush or rag. Use a lubricant, like WD-40, to help.
- Use a grease gun or applicator bottle with the correct lubricant. Put a small amount of grease into all openings in each side of the U-joint. Don’t overload it as too much pressure may damage it. If there is more than one lobe, make sure an equal amount of grease is added.
- Rotate each side to integrate any air pockets within. Use circular motions and more lubricant if needed, until the bearing surfaces are saturated and no gaps are visible between them.
- Reassemble it according to manufacturer’s instructions and securely torque fasteners following applicable service manual torque specifications. Place the previously removed components back exactly how you found them.
- Do 5 operating revolutions from the driver side to confirm rotation freedom is restored. You have now successfully greased your U-joint! Congratulations!
Remove the Grease Gun
Tilt the grease gun backwards and place a rag beneath it. If your vehicle has a wall in front, use a wrench to unscrew and remove it. Catch any spilled oil with a rag. Store the grease gun away from pets and children.
Now, you can grease the U-Joints.
Reassemble the U-Joint
Ok! Now that you’ve cleaned and greased the U-Joint, let’s reassemble it. Be careful! It’s important to be gentle when you’re doing this. Plus, doing it right will save you money and time. Let’s go!
Replace the U-Joint Cap
The old U-Joint is out and the cap screws are gone. Now, insert the new U-joint. Ensure it fits without binding. Tap the caps onto the trunnion ends of the yoke with a hammer. Make sure the parts of the new U-joint kit are free of debris and rust. Wipe away any grease from the installation.
Finally, apply a few drops of oil or grease onto each trunnion end with a grease fitting or needle-nosed grease gun. This will keep the u-joints functioning and avoid future wear.
Tighten the Cap
Start off by securing the connection. Check the U-joint cap and yoke’s lube fittings. Ensure they’re in good condition. Tighten the cap with a wrench or socket. For extra safety, use a torque wrench according to your vehicle’s manual.
After tightening, press down on the cap and check for any grease leakage.
Lower the Vehicle
Grease those U-joints! For your vehicle to stay in working order, it’s essential to grease the U-joints.
- First, you need to lower your vehicle. You can use ramps, jack stands, or a hydraulic jack for this.
- When the vehicle is lowered, you’re all set to grease those U-joints!
Lower the Vehicle
Lower the car onto a level surface, so all U-joint sides can be reached. Wear gloves when handling grease and tools. Use a floor jack or stand under the differential, and lower it with repeated jacks and stands. Make sure pressure is even on both sides, or the suspension system could become unsafe.
Check the owner’s manual for how much weight to remove, and where to place the jack or stand for safety.
Test the U-Joint
Before you start greasing the U-joint, make sure it’s the cause of your car’s issues. U-joints can wear out over time. This causes vibrations and clunking noises when shifting gears.
To test the joint, lift the vehicle and get underneath it. Observe closely for any movement or play. If you find movement or play, that’s a sign the joint needs to be greased.
When working around a vehicle on a jack, always use caution. Never lay underneath unless it is properly supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to grease U-joints?
To grease U-joints, you will need a grease gun, grease fitting, and a rag or paper towels.
What type of grease should I use to grease U-joints?
You should use a high quality, waterproof grease specifically designed for U-joints.
How often should I grease U-joints?
It is recommended that you grease U-joints every 6 months or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
