Front Driveshaft Grease question. 2006 4x4

[Souders]

Bought a 2006 4x4 with 20,000 miles. Noted the instructions on greasing the front driveshaft fitting. Tried to grease it using a needle on my grease gun, only to have the grease push back where the needle plugs into the gun. Raised the driver side front wheel off the ground which changed the angle of the shaft. I was then able to pump grease thru the needle into the fitting. Should I be able to see any grease comming out of the u-joints or other parts of this fitting ? How do I determine when it is full and properly lubricated ?



Appreciate any input.

 

[Wingate]

I've wondered the same thing... I don't want to overgrease it and have it sling grease all over the underside of my truck...

Personally, I just give it about two pumps on my grease gun and leave it at that. I feel confident that its not able to use up that much grease between oil changes.

 

[bwall7116]

I can hear mine when it starts to force the grease out of the cup. I like this the best because I know that if any moisture was working its way in there I pushed it out to the edge of the seal. This is usually about 3 pumps every 3000 miles. The grease on my truck does sling a little but nothing too bad. I have never seen a properly lubed truck that wasn't gooey around the u-joints.

 

[odinjunior]

OOPS! Haven't done mine yet 7,500 miles. can I use what ever is in the grease gun (generic for trailer bearings) or does it have to be whats specified?

 

[WStephens]

At least your drive shafts are greasable mine are not and have had the front drive shaft replaced and one rear ujoint replace.

 

[MVenditti]

My friend, a truck mechanic found and tried mine with 2 different needles and still would not take grease. He said it would be easier to change the joints lol.

 

[cojhl2]

U-Joint Lube

Years ago we used to believe the proper lube for U-Joints was heavy gear oil like at least 140.



But the past many years I've used nothing but chassis grease on all U-Joints for all rigs with no problem whatsoever.

 

[pcarlson]

Is there a trick I cannot get mine to take grease?

 

[PParker32]

I broke two brand new needles, got a industrial strength needle, no problem, three pulls on the gun and good to go.

Pat

 

[Souders]

I broke two brand new needles, got a industrial strength needle, no problem, three pulls on the gun and good to go.

Pat

I found an article in an old TDR magazine that refers to buying the heavy needle at NAPA auto parts. Also buy a 45 degree grease fitting. The NAPA part numbers are 715-1215 for the needle ( they call it an adappter) 715-2013 for the 45 degree grease fitting. I will try it in a few days and report back.

 

[Souders]

I found an article in an issue of the TDR magazine reference to a needle sold by NAPA. Part numbers 715-1215 (they call it an adapter) and 715-2013 for the 45 degree fitting. The fitting comes in a pack of 10. I will try them in a few days and report back. The last time I tried it using a thin needle I had to have the front wheel off the ground to get any grease in the joint. Having the wheel off the ground changed the angle of the shaft and let some grease in.

 

[bheiting]

I use the Plews needle grease injector, part no. 05-037. It's basically a needle with
a zerk on the end, so it gives the grease gun some flexibility. Works great.

For those 3rd gen. owners who don't think they have the greaseable joint, look again.
My dealer told me I didn't have one either.

 

[RonD]

Here is how I do it. First locate the greese button fitting hole, mark the driveshaft with a paint mark so you can find it the next time, insert the gun and punp the grease, you will see it come out a little behind the first U-joint, you are not greasing the U-joint, but the connection ball between the two joints, when you see the grease, your done, if you over do it, it will fly out, not a problem, you just may have some grease on parts of the underside.

 

[Little Bill]

On an '06, there is a slotted hole in the cross-member directly below the cardan joint. With the fitting pointed straight down, it's a straight shot up through the slotted hole to the fitting.

 

[Souders]

Today I tried the fittings I refered to in an earlier post using the adapter and needle from NAPA. It did not work any better than the needle I used before. I may try to find the Plews needle refered to in another post from ( bheiting 09-25-09 ). If anyone knows where to purchase one made by Plews let me know. I will take a look at it and see if any different from the one I have.

 

[swhalen]

Hi Souders:

I share your frustration. I too recently purchased an 06 and had a hecjk of time locating the fitting, never mind getting a needle in it. Here is how I solved the problem. Jack up the driver's side axle so the wheel spins freely. I put a magentized LED light on the undercarriage, focused on the fitting. I then laid on the ground slowly spinning the tire with my foot checking every angle of the fitting. At one point, it showed maximum access and successfully attacked it with a 2 inch needle fitting on a standard size gun. My experience agrees with posts above regarding the volume of grease the fitting will accept before it oozes out..... 2 pumps with a pistol grip gun.

Regards, Steve Whalen

 

[bheiting]

Today I tried the fittings I refered to in an earlier post using the adapter and needle from NAPA. It did not work any better than the needle I used before. I may try to find the Plews needle refered to in another post from ( bheiting 09-25-09 ). If anyone knows where to purchase one made by Plews let me know. I will take a look at it and see if any different from the one I have.

I got mine at our local Fleet Farm store. If you do a Google search, I'm

sure you can find it online.