Purging all 4 U-Joint grease seal caps

[JRPA]

I wish more folks would read this thread just to see that video as it shows what happens when all 4 of the u-joints don't accept new grease. The folks at freightliner were so insistent that the u-joint only needed to purge grease from any one of the 4 caps and it was good to go. Thanks for the video, it really shows how important it is to do it right. Just a update; Freightliner did refund the $145 I mentioned earlier, and agreed they didn't do it according to the Spicer manual, but still insisted it wasn't necessary..

Don, I am sure you will like the locking tip on the grease gun. I now have a pneumatic grease gun with the locking tip and it really simplifies the process and makes less of a mess than my old standard pump grease gun.

[Ted Lambert]

Originally Posted by slickest1

I have ran trucks in severe conditions and hauling extreme loads. I have always greased my own and have never worried about all caps not purging.
I was told long ago and found through experience that when greasing a u joint that as soon as you hear the grease start to purge you stop there. Pumping excessive grease through the seals eventually wears the seals and the grease after warming will leave the joint faster. It makes sense to me that the seal is just that and should not be compromised. It has worked for me for 40 years.

Dennis
I agree! I have 40 years experience as an owner mechanic and water boy for a fleet of trucks. A failure is very rare. And your method of greasing is industry standard. Very clean as no grease gets thrown off the shaft at high speeds making a mess.

[Ted Lambert]

Originally Posted by twinboat

If you Google " Spicer U Joints ", you will see the type of joints used in medium and heavy duty trucks. The caps are held in with 3/8 bolts.

That is the type that is being discused.

If those are the type in question. And the OP has an issue with purging.
He can try this.
Loosen off the bolts.
Rotate the caps 180 deg
Tighten bolts and grease.
This will probably work.

However way to much emphasis is being put on the U Joints.
It takes a lot of miles to wear them out.
They are a bearing and like wheel bearings don't require greasing every 5000.
To do it gives a person a nice warm feeling.
Yeh I know what the book says and they are covering for the worst case scenario in really bad conditions which we just don't drive our units in.

[Ted Lambert]

Originally Posted by 77Travco

My Dodge Travco (M500 chassis) with only 65K miles still has the original u-joints from 1977. I greased them last year, didn't get all 4 caps to purge but no slop or play. I just carry a spare u-joint and tools.
I went to grease the u-joints on my 2007 Ford Crown Victoria... no zerk fittings and no way to get grease into them... nice.

I bet those joints last longer than you keep the Dodge.

[JoeSR]

Hey Twinboat,

That was a good suggestion to google Spicer. I had some knowledge confirmed and learned a bit more. Excellent!

Here is the link >> Spicer® Driveshaft Lube & Torque Specification

GA Navigator,

That Spicer YouTube video was great.

Thanks guys,