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Lubing drive shaft question

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Thacrow, Apr 28, 2024.

  1. Apr 28, 2024 at 3:53 PM
    #1
    Thacrow

    Thacrow [OP] New Member

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    Looks like there's this smaller nipple inside the draft shaft. Assuming this needs to be lubed but...is there a small attachment t to reach this thing? None of the attachments on my grease gun reaches.

    20240428_151712.jpg
     
  2. Apr 28, 2024 at 3:59 PM
    #2
    2Toys

    2Toys Imperial Star Cruiser

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    A "needle" attachment would work. The type of attachment for lubing flush fittings.
     
    gomiami and Thacrow[OP] like this.
  3. Apr 28, 2024 at 4:10 PM
    #3
    Thacrow

    Thacrow [OP] New Member

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    Sweet thank you. I shall try the needle. I just converted all the other fittings away from that so I was hoping I'd never need to use the needle again
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2024
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  4. Apr 28, 2024 at 6:43 PM
    #4
    Turd Ferguson

    Turd Ferguson New Member

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    That’s the u-joint. I can just barely jam the tip of the grease gun in there to grease them. Give a couple pumps until you hear a little crackle sound.
     
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  5. Apr 29, 2024 at 12:14 PM
    #5
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

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    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    TBH, I've never had any trouble getting my grease gun fitting in there to lube those. I have a regular fitting on a flexible hose. I make sure the U joint fitting is straight down, and just slip the grease gun fitting right on in. Light tug to make sure the fitting is on properly. Give it a few pumps, until I get the crackle, and pull the grease gun fitting out again.

    Nothing special. Harbor Freight cheapie. I do all the greasing twice a year. Maybe over do, but it's worked great for me...
    I think the secret is the flex hose on the gun, not a solid tube. Lets the fitting stay locked on without stressing the fitting overly while pumping. Maybe?

    Pat☺
     
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  6. Apr 29, 2024 at 12:45 PM
    #6
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A Toyota Gigolo

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    One of these two should work lol: https://www.amazon.com/Coupler-Locking-12000PSI-Dispenser-Compatible/dp/B0BQ3B4LB1
     
  7. Apr 29, 2024 at 12:55 PM
    #7
    jharkin

    jharkin New Member

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    +1, same here the flexible hose on my grease gun fits in there (barely). Are you doing this with the truck up on jack stands and the rear axle fully drooped? Could be the axle is articulated down enough that the angle of the driveshaft is making it tight. Solution would be to turn the shaft 1/4 turn to orient that nipple to the side and open the joint a bit.

    FYI, as others mentioned that's the U-joint grease nipple. The other one next to it on the shaft itself is for greasing the slip yoke.
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2024
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  8. Apr 29, 2024 at 12:56 PM
    #8
    TRDSD

    TRDSD Warrior of the Wasteland

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    Just get a Lock N Lube or knock off version of one for your grease gun. Works with all the zerk fittings.
     
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  9. Apr 29, 2024 at 7:13 PM
    #9
    Thacrow

    Thacrow [OP] New Member

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    I was in fact trying to get to the u-joint nipple with the suspension fully drooped. Unfortunately the grease gun just barely doesn't fit with the car back on the ground. Cant find my needle. Need to order one.
     
  10. Apr 29, 2024 at 7:15 PM
    #10
    Thacrow

    Thacrow [OP] New Member

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    have a couple lock n lube attachments. Doesnt fit. I do have a 3 inch lift on 33's. Couple be angling the drive shaft down juuuust enough to not fit. ordering a needle.
     
  11. Apr 29, 2024 at 8:48 PM
    #11
    3JOH22A

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    Why? Faster and safer to jack it up by the axle.

    Order the kit I linked. That coupler is thinner than Lock N Lube's.
     
  12. Apr 29, 2024 at 9:13 PM
    #12
    Thacrow

    Thacrow [OP] New Member

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    Would that actually change the axle angle? I could throw a bunch of weight in the back......guna try that tmw
     
  13. Apr 30, 2024 at 3:03 AM
    #13
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

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    Turn the shaft and you should be able to find enough room to get on the grease zerk. It's not a big opening.
     

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