Precision U-Joints ... Are they any good?

[Walker]

I'm fixin to replace all 3 u joints and can get some pre-greased (no zerk) joints made by Precision from the O'Reilly auto parts here in town.



Anybody know how good these things are? Are they beefy enough compared to the oems? They do come with a lifetime warranty though.



What other brands would be better if these aren't a good choice?



Thanks

 

[drrhoades]

Spicer u-joints are always good they have no-greaseable and greaseable. Just depends on your taste.



Doug

 

[Got Smoke?]

I have a precision in my rear shaft at the diff. got another in the toolbox I've been meaning to put at the trans case.



Held up extremely well for me, probably on 15K on it though.

 

[DMC]

If I were to replace my U-joints I would definately install new ones that have zerks. If your factory U-Joints had zerks and you had been greasing them at every oil change or at least ten thousand miles they would still be fine unless they had been severely abused. Do the same if you ever change your steering shaft. I think Dana Or Spicer U-joints would be your best bet.



Good Luck



Don

 

[propuller]

You have to keep in mind that joints with grease zerks are weaker due to the hollow cross shafts. It all depends on what your doing with your truck. The joints that are greasable are fine for everyday driving but the solid ones are better for high horse power sled pulling & drag racing. Kurt.

 

[JJW_ND]

I like Greaseless better

At 210K miles I deciede to have my drive shaft checked and balanced. The factory orginal greaseless joints could have been put back in as there was very little wear. They used spicer joints with grease zerks (as that is what everyone wants). Had I know, I would have requested greaseless.



Now I have a grease mess around every joint as the excess slings out.



Nothing wrong with quality greaseless joints.



jjw

ND

 

[SMorneau]

I vote with Jerry, the stock ones last almost forever and don't sling grease. The factory U-joints are very strong. I have 260k on my stock u joints and they are still tight.



I used precision joints in my front axle shafts and they have held up better than the OEM joints. But I will go back to Dodge for the drive shaft u joints. At least I only need two of them

 

[DMC]

Grease-less U joints eh. Do you mean cheap u joints that you cannot grease. I can't imagine u joints without grease in them. U joints that throw grease have been over greased.



I drove class eight for 10 years and every single truck I ever drove had u joints with zerks. Some will last 8 or 9 hundred K. Broke a yoke one time after my foot slipped of the clutch. Stepped in hydraulic oil and didn't realize it.

I was surprised the u joint didn't break instead. Work on tugboats now as chief engineer. All of our line shafts have zerk fittings on the u joints. So far the current boat I'm on has 9800 hours the zerks get a couple of shots every 200 hours.



To each his own if you don't want the zerks and you believe they make the u joint weak, then dont get them.



Good Luck



Don

 

[RustyJC]

All else (i. e. , dimensions and metallurgy) being equal, the drillings in the Zerk-type u-joints do make them weaker than u-joints with no drillings. If you do elect to go with a Zerk-type u-joint, be sure to index them at installation so the Zerk-drilling is in compression, not tension. They are less likely to fail when correctly indexed.



Rusty

 

[Rman]

When zerked ujoints get over greased this pushes the cups out and allows a area for water, dirt and other harmful substances to penetrate. Albeit, properly maintained joints can last a lifetime, most... as in most people seen by DC... do not properly maintain these joints so they opted for sealed units. These units hold up surprisingly well, much because of the sealed nature.



The bottom line is keeping the joint in good condition, the sealed units make this MUCH easier, where a zerk fitted joint will require maintenance FAR more often. I used to do mine every 3k on my old pickup (79 Hiboy ford), but still ended up replacing them once a year. I did a lot of 4 wheeling and really abused them, i broke one on the highway once and about flipped my pickup over, after that i decided on not pushing the limit and changed them every year. It was cheap and easy investment.



I have both sealed and zerk fitted, i like the sealed because well they last a while with no maintenance, the zerks are ok, i'm normally under the landcruiser wrenching on something anyways, so greasing them isn't a big deal.



I won't claim one is better than the other, they both have a place and a reason to be used.

 

[PSU-CE]

The best u-joints out there are the forged body nongreaseable Spicers.



http://www.spicerdriveshaft.com/cardan/cardan-life.html

 

[Walker]

Got em'

My local Car Quest had the Neapco greasable u jts (#20054). I hear they are pretty stout and I don't mind the maintanance. Got home and found on the internet another part number with a BF added. I called Neapco and asked about their BF (Brute Force, #20054BF) line of joints. Supposed to be made for the heavy duty, off road 4x4 crowd. Tech said that "strength wise, both units are about the same, and it's the better sealing of the BF line (non greasable) that's the difference. Sounds like that'd be the case anyway. Oh well. I'm happy with what I got. They seem pretty solid and they are going on this weekend.





PS..... I forgot! What type of grease should I use in the joints? What's the best brand?



Thanks

 

[DMC]

Mobil SHC or Mobil 1, Mobil 1 is rated to 450*. 550*before it breaks down. Valvoline makes a good synthetic also.

Search Find an MSDS





Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease Pdf



High performance automotive grease Print View







Product Description Features & Benefits Applications Typical Properties Health & Safety



Product Description

Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease is an NLGI No 2 high-performance grease which combines a synthetic base fluid with a lithium complex soap thickener. The thickener system provides a high dropping point, while additives impart optimum extreme-pressure properties and excellent resistance to water wash, and outstanding protection against rust and corrosion. Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease has excellent structural stability and low-temperature pumpability, making it an outstanding automotive grease.



Features & Benefits

Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease provides the following advantages and benefits:





All-purpose automotive service

Operating range of -37ºC (-35ºF) to +232ºC (+450ºF)

Excellent resistance to rust and corrosion

Outstanding structural stability

Excellent wear protection under heavy loads

Good shock loading protection

Excellent resistance to water wash

Outstanding service life



Applications

Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease meets the requirements of the National Lubricating Grease institute (NLGI) performance classification GC-LB. It is recommended for automotive applications at both high and low temperatures. It is particularly suited for applications such as disc brake wheel bearings, ball and steering joints, and universal joints. It will provide outstanding bearing protection under heavy loads at any highway speed, and where moisture or condensation is a factor.



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Typical Properties



Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease



Product Number 53201-0

NLGI Grade 2

Soap Type Lithium Complex

Structure Smooth; Slight Tack

Color Red

Penetration, ASTM D 217

Worked x 60 strokes 280

Worked x 10,000 strokes 295

Worked x 100,000 strokes 305

Dropping Point, ºC (ºF) 288 (550)

Viscosity of Oil, ASTM D 445

cSt at 40ºC 220

cSt at 100ºC 23. 8

ISO Viscosity Grade 220

Timken OK Load, ASTM D 2509, lb 45

Four-Ball Wear Test, ASTM D 2266, scar Diam, mm 0. 40

Four-Ball EP, ASTM D 2596, Weld Load, kg 250

Four-Ball EP, Load Wear Index 45

Corrosion Prevention, ASTM D 1743 Pass

Emcor/SKF Water Wash Test, IP 220 (modified) 0. 0

Water Washout, ASTM D 1264, 79ºC (175ºF), wt % 6









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Health & Safety

Based on available toxicological information, this product produces no adverse effects on health when properly handled and used. No special precautions are suggested beyond attention to good personal hygiene, including laundering grease-soaked clothing and washing skin-contact areas with soap and water. A Material Safety Data Bulletin is available by calling 1-800-227-0707, Ext. 3265. For additional technical information or to identify the nearest U. S. Mobil supply source, call 1-800-662-4525.







06-2003







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Due to continual product research and development, the information contained herein is subject to change without notification.

Typical Properties may vary slightly. This product data sheet is based on global product data sheets for use with products purchased in the U. S.

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Thats what I would use.





Good Luck



Don

 

[Pirate4x4]

Spicer Ujoints... Anything else is junk.

 

[Rman]

Originally posted by Pirate4x4

Spicer Ujoints... Anything else is junk.

Lance is that you?

 

[Pirate4x4]

Originally posted by rhickman

Lance is that you?