U-joints Zerk Fitting

[pwilliam]

Perhaps I did something wrong but I found the grease zerk in the u-joint from AR to conflict with the drive shaft yokes. In fact, i broke one zerk off while fitting the second yoke. Not complaining, just stating this is something to be considerate of. I had help from a Fiat club member, Warren, who helped me install a new center support bearing and u-joints. Warren recommended replacing the zerk with an allen screw after the joint had been greased via the zerk. In case anyone needs the size of the allen screw, you can use either an M6x8 or M6x10 found at your local Ace Hardware.

Cheers,

Pete

[DieselSpider]

Perhaps I did something wrong but I found the grease zerk in the u-joint from AR to conflict with the drive shaft yokes. In fact, i broke one zerk off while fitting the second yoke. Not complaining, just stating this is something to be considerate of. I had help from a Fiat club member, Warren, who helped me install a new center support bearing and u-joints. Warren recommended replacing the zerk with an allen screw after the joint had been greased via the zerk. In case anyone needs the size of the allen screw, you can use either an M6x8 or M6x10 found at your local Ace Hardware.

Cheers,

Pete

Pete - I just use a grease needle and would put a flat/flush/low profile fitting with the check ball there instead of the standard Zerk.

See:

https://www.amazon.com/Maslin-Straight- ... 382&sr=8-6

[pwilliam]

Great idea! Didn't have time to order those but I can always retrofit! How often do folks grease the U-joints?

Cheers,

Pete

[DieselSpider]

Great idea! Didn't have time to order those but I can always retrofit! How often do folks grease the U-joints?

Cheers,

Pete

Not as often as we should to be honest. The Slip Yoke is on a 25,000 mile lubrication schedule however a diagnostic road test is specified for every 6,000 miles and drive train specific checks every 12,000 miles. Bottom line a chassis lube that includes u-joints on this type of vehicle should be done annually or every 12,000 miles whichever comes first. That is of course if the u-joints even have a grease fitting. To many items today are somewhat permanently lubricated so that you can't do much of anything to extend their service life in the way of adding grease, etc except for piercing boots and injecting grease with a needle or in the case of u-joints with no grease fitting you can remove the shaft, press them out, clean them, repack with grease and press them back in however thats a lot more wear on the yokes.

[SteinOnkel]

Just did this job last week with parts from the same vendor. I did not have this issue.

Didn't really think about it at all too be honest, just kinda put everything together the same way it came apart.

Cheers
Steiny