U-joint zerk fitting orientation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 174
Likes: 10
From: Pleasanton Ca.
U-joint zerk fitting orientation
67 m20 327/350
I'm am changing the Ujoints from the solid to the greased versions. Any one know the best orientation for the grease fitting. I searched the archives and Plasticman discussed compression. I don't think this will be a problem for me. I'm more worried about gaining access/hitting things after everything is installed.
(Driveshaft)
Thanks
I'm am changing the Ujoints from the solid to the greased versions. Any one know the best orientation for the grease fitting. I searched the archives and Plasticman discussed compression. I don't think this will be a problem for me. I'm more worried about gaining access/hitting things after everything is installed.
(Driveshaft)
Thanks
Last edited by aquaroscoe; Oct 26, 2006 at 12:21 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 146
From: Chuckanut WA
The correct orientation for u-joint installation is to position the grease zerk so that it is on the compression side rather than tension side of the joint with respect to the drive force applied through the u-joint. Other than that install the joint so that it is in the most accessible position for grease fitting servicing. 
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,068
Likes: 27
From: St. Joseph Mo
The drilled & tapped hole for the zerk fitting is best instlled so that normal engine rotation compresses it.
Grease gun access to a zerk fitting on a drive shaft (or half shaft) is not normally possible due to the shallow angle they usually run at.
Of all the cars/trucks I've had, only one, my '53 Ford PU, was I able to grease the drive shaft U-joints. Only because the shaft/crosses were fairly large.
Zerk fittings on U-joints crosses comes under the heading of "Why Bother".
Grease gun access to a zerk fitting on a drive shaft (or half shaft) is not normally possible due to the shallow angle they usually run at.
Of all the cars/trucks I've had, only one, my '53 Ford PU, was I able to grease the drive shaft U-joints. Only because the shaft/crosses were fairly large.
Zerk fittings on U-joints crosses comes under the heading of "Why Bother".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 7
From: DFW
Originally Posted by wombvette
Toward the shaft.
Tried to grease mine last night. Got 5 of 6. The 6th was facing away from the shaft and I could not get to it. The other 5 faced the drive/half shaft they were mounted to. Tight, but accessible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
The last set I installed had the grease fittings installed in one of the bearing caps. They came with a plug installed and the Zerk fitting in a plastic bag.
I just remove the plug once a year, install the Zerk fitting and add a bit of grease.
Here's a good link for replacing universal joints...
http://flashoffroad.com/Maintenance/Ujoints/Ujoint.htm
Good luck... GUSTO
I just remove the plug once a year, install the Zerk fitting and add a bit of grease.
Here's a good link for replacing universal joints...
http://flashoffroad.com/Maintenance/Ujoints/Ujoint.htm
Good luck... GUSTO
