Greasable U Joints: Are they worth it?

[Drewski Canuck]

Involved with another truck that needs U Joints. I have continually asked for greasable as I thought that continued ability to service would extend life.

Had a set where the end caps closed off the flow on one pair of cups and dusted the cups. Other 2 cups where taking grease great!

Seems the line of thought on newer trucks is no user serviceable U joints. When they fail they fail.

I have had both, and find it hard to get over 140 K and I blame running tire chains frequently on the lifespan.

I just hate driveline problems, and have typically got them changed at 160 K if they did not fail before hand.

Anyone else battle this issue and have any thoughts?

Drewski

[coolpete1]

greasable ujoints usually last about the same or less than non greaseable ones do. the oem ones are usually better quality than the cheaper jobber ones . i always find if you can grease it water gets in quite easy and when the grease squeezes out they are loose and wear quick. some of the chrysler ones from about 2005 till 2009 were garbage but thats fixed now.

[Eagle Trapper]

I have had much better luck with greaseable vs. Non. At very least if you get into water or sand and it gets in there you can push it out with grease.

[cody c]

Originally Posted by Eagle Trapper

I have had much better luck with greaseable vs. Non. At very least if you get into water or sand and it gets in there you can push it out with grease.

yeah, as long as you grease them on a regular basis, and if your aware of what your exposing it to, i.e. driving on wet salted/gravel roads and that should probably get more attention around those conditions you should get better life, but definately don't buy the cheap stuff, lots of high end aftermarket on the net.

[roger]

I like greaseables.
im always amazed that how many people (I work with) do not understand the principle of grease and how how to effectively lubricate bearings, pillow blocks etc

[DaleJ]

2007 F150 340,000 K, have no idea what kind of u-joints it had because I never had to replace any.

[coolpete1]

Originally Posted by DaleJ

2007 F150 340,000 K, have no idea what kind of u-joints it had because I never had to replace any.

non greasable spicer joints from the factory . no one ever greases the greaseable ones.

[HyperMOA]

If using greaseable joints the nipples are generally between the crosses. When you install it make sure you put the nipple in the compression an not the tension side in the direction it generally turns in.

[Puma]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

If using greaseable joints the nipples are generally between the crosses. When you install it make sure you put the nipple in the compression an not the tension side in the direction it generally turns in.

^^^Interesting theory ^^^^

I always use greasable cross bearings, and yes I grease them !

[Kim473]

Off topic a little but the same Idea. Boat trailers that go into the water, put the grease caps on and re-grease after pulling out of the water. This will push water out and prevent early wear and problems on the hiway.

[Eagle Trapper]

Originally Posted by coolpete1

non greasable spicer joints from the factory . no one ever greases the greaseable ones.

It is a pretty minor task to hit all the grease points on a service, from ball joints to u-joints. The more zerks on your truck the better.

[twofifty]

Originally Posted by HyperMOA

If using greaseable joints the nipples are generally between the crosses. When you install it make sure you put the nipple in the compression an not the tension side in the direction it generally turns in.

That makes so much sense - thanks for the tip.