Driveshaft Maintenance

The driveshaft is subjected to very high loads and rotating speeds. When a vehicle is cruising down the road, the drive shaft and universal joints or constant velocity joints may be spinning at full engine rpm. They are also sending engine power to either the front or rear axle assemblies. This makes drive line maintenance very important. The drive shafts must be perfectly straight and the joints must be unworn to function properly. If any component allows the drive shafts to wobble, severe vibration, abnormal noises, or even major damage can result.

Universal Joint Service

The universal joints on many automotive vehicles are factory lubricated and sealed such as the great Spicer Life XL U-joint, which requires no lube for up to 100,000 Miles and its build for long term trouble free use. The unique sealing method of the joint does not let the grease escape and therefore lubrication is not needed for a very long time.

However some have universal joints that have lubrication fittings (Zerk fitting), should be lubricated at regular intervals. Service to universal joints that are factory lubricated (Sealed) is limited to replacement when signs of excessive wear are present. The universal joints provided with lubrication fittings are only lubricated with a hand operated low-pressure grease guns.

 

(Driveshaft maintenance picture 1)

 

Slip Yoke Service

The slip Yoke is another hard working part and will usually have a zerk fitting and must be lubricated. Some Slip yokes may be lubricated from the transmission and do not have an external lubrication point.

 

(Driveshaft maintenance picture 2)

 

For Joints and Slip Yoke with Zerk fitting we recommend:

• Grease the Universal Joints every 6000 miles or 6 months for trouble free and longevity.

• Use a good quality E.P. (Extreme Pressure) grease meeting N.L.G.I (National Lubricating Grease Institute) grade 2 specification. Grease must have an operating range of +325°F/+163°C to -10°F/-23°C.

We recommend Chevron Ultra-Duty EP-2 or Mobil grease XHP 222 or compatible lithium based grease.

We've got you covered for all your Driveline needs!