Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lubrication of Drive Shaft Splines

[rogerblind]

A while back I started a thread about a "driveline thump. " From the responses and living with the problem for another month, I have concluded that my problem is the rear driveshaft splines, located just to the rear of the center bearing (long bed). My questions how to lubricate the splines. They are inside a rubber "boot" that is attached with strange "hose clamps" that do not appear to be removeable/replaceable. Does anyone know how to lubricate these splines?

 

[Ncostello]

Use a hypodermic syringe (hospital needle) to inject without tearing up the boot. Takes a while but it works on front CV joints etc. When your done you clean the boot very good in the area of puncture an apply a dab of silicon black. Next time, peel off the silicon and redo it. The very small pin hole is almost invisible when your done and the silicon sealer will stick to the silicon rubber boot. I used this idea on my GMC Z-71 front axle CV joints when I had it. Worked fine for me.

 

[rogerblind]

Neil, I considered using the needle technique, but thought it was too simple. What type of lubricant did you use? Just a heavy weight oil, or actual grease?

 

[Ncostello]

I used my regular Texaco moly grease (black) like I use on my suspension parts and driveline. I made sure it was warm too. Don't do this with a syringe with cold grease. It wont come out well. I also used a 20cc syringe with a 16 ga needle. Friend in vet school got that for me. 16 ga is fairly large as far as needles go, but it still took some time to refill the syringe, then push the grease through the needle. Plus, I wouldn't pack it in the boot till full. Maybe 40cc and that was it... and only about once every year. Maybe a 12ga needle would work better. I dont know where my needle went. I may have thrown it away, but thats what sizes I used if I remember.

 

[BV]

Grease syringe

FWIW - Most local auto parts stores should carry a special grease syringe that has a zerk fitting that will attach to a standard grease gun. I have one and it works OK for CV joints and greased for life tie rod ends.