So, for the front drive shafts that have 5 grease fittings... the one flush mounted grease fitting on the centering ball... does the driveshaft need to be removed to get that fitting? It's kind of protected by the yokes. Or just the front four bolts removed so it can drop down? or is there a good one shot grease tube that works well?

anyone have advice on this?

thank you

 

It's a sh!te job on or off the truck so best struggle with it in place. You don't gain much more access to the centreing ball zerk either on or off. If you wanted to just remove the cardan end of the shaft (transfer box end) only for greasing the zerk. Pump in plenty of grease until you see it emerging from all four parts of the U/J's and there are 4# U/J's to grease plus the centre ball.

 

You want to use a needle fitting on your grease gun to get the one on the centering ball. Someone on here recommended this in an old thread that I couldn't find via search, think it was in the 400 & something pages of "What did you do with/to your disco today". Anywhoo, give this a try.

Steelman 0.77 in. Grease Wrench Adapter Needle-06132 - The Home Depot

I ordered one from Home Depot but I'm sure you could source one from a Napa or other local parts place.

 

Thank you both...
yet another tool to keep in my truck, along with the proper size air gun socket to remove the wheels without destroying the lug nuts. I'll give it a try. The shop that just replaced my driveshaft seem to be better about driveshafts than other shops that greased the U joints while missing the centering ball. I'm disabled or else I'd try to do it.

thank you

 

What driveshaft did you order? The only one I have seen lately that offers the needle grease fitting and any grease fitting on the center call is the one from British parts of Utah. I know you can get the needle attachments at any auto parts stores

 

If the drive shaft start to squeak and make noises, does it need replacing or greasing? thanks

 

Well if it hasn't been greased or is the factory, replace it asap!! The cats burn that grease off quick. My next project is a new y pipe with new cats and im gonna get them ceramic coated and try to fabricate some type of heat shield to help it from eating grease. I grease mine once a month, usually when I unload and swap out all of my clips in my guns. I know most people say every oil change but I don't drive it as much as I should do I figure better safe than sorry. If all else fails, take it out and remove a cap and look at the needle bearings. They are probably shot. But it squeaking it probably the ball in the double cardigan unit.

 

Or depending on your lift, undue stress and articulation

 

Just got another question with greasing. My shaft have several nipples that has a small bearing at the tip. I purchased a grease gun from autozone but the grease seems cant get inside. Any tips? Is that the same tool mentioned above with a needle like tip? Thanks

 

They are likely clogged. Might have to take them off and make sure that grease can go through them