2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Adding Zerk Fittings

[nanpaul]

In am considering adding zerk fittings to the steering linkage, in order to prolong the life of these parts. I wish there were zerk fittings on the u joints. The sealed u joints that I have replaced, have all failed because they lack grease. I question if its practical to add zerk fittings to the u joints. I have been unable to find self tapping zerk fitting. I would appreciate your advice on doing this work, and location the self tapping zerk fittings.

 

[JJW_ND]

Factory Ujoints are very good!

I got over 200K of hard pulling and abuse out of my rear driveline ujoints. When changed they were still good to go with very little wear.



I now have greasable joints and a bid grease mess by each joint.



Not sure greasble is better when it comes to joints.



jjw

ND

 

[JCyrbok]

zerk fittings

Check a hydralics shop. I was at one the other day picking up some hoses, and while waiting noticed that they had about 100 different sizes, styles etc of zerks for sale. May be worth a shot to find what u want. I know that the chain auto store have a small selection of them.



Hope this helps

J-

 

[Cooker]

I have seen self tapping zerks at most hardware stores.

 

[RustyJC]

As far as U-joints are concerned, one reason they got rid of Zerk fittings on many HD U-joints is because the grease passage drillings resulted in a significantly weaker "cross". Something to consider... .



Rusty

 

[Dave Zuber]

You can get the grease fitting in the wrong place and the strength of the u-joint is about 1/2 of normal. When you install a u-joint with a grease fitting, be sure you 'clock' it to where the drive shaft will be pushing the crosses together. If it is where the crosses are being separated, you can break a u-joint.



You have a 50/50 chance of getting this right.



This is from experience being a teenager with a short bed raised 4x4. I could change a rear u-joint in 5 minutes, with only a pair of ignition pliers. Did it every Saturday night before going into town. Many times I drove it home on the front end with the driveshaft lying in the bed.



Forget drilling an existing u-joint for any reason, they are very hard. The drilled holes must go inside each cross too and meet in the middle. This weakens the u-joint also, mostly where the grease fitting is.

 

[The patriot]

Originally posted by RustyJC

As far as U-joints are concerned, one reason they got rid of Zerk fittings on many HD U-joints is because the grease passage drillings resulted in a significantly weaker "cross". Something to consider... .



Rusty

I've seen them right on the end of the cap. I dont know if this require a re balance, dont think so.

This shouldnt weaken the joint.

Just something else to consider...

Eric

 

[Herman8r]

i have had problems with the driveline in the past. Replaced many U joints. Finaly it twisted the yoke & had to replace it. I took it to a drive line specialest who builds composit drive shafts & he install "non serviceable" U joints. I was upset at first & then the service rep. told me that they only use the highest quality parts as their reputation it based on longevity. He said the non service types were built to a tighter tolorance thereby reducing backlash. I think these U joints were made by TRW. He builder was right. I put over 70k on the truck until I sold it--no problems.



MY . 02 worth



Herman