I have new Precision 269 U-Joints without grease fittings. The box says these units must be lubricated befor use. Is there something I am missing. Should there not have been high quality luberacation already in them. Ihave never used U-Joints with out greese fittings before and so I never had this question come up. Before I install theme I could use some advice. There is grease in them now but may be only for shipping? Thanks in advance for aney information in advance.
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Re: drive shaft U-joint lubrication
Carl------
In general, "lubed-for-life" type u-joints are factory packed with a sufficent quantity of the proper lubricant. On the other hand, u-joints with grease fittings are generally not packed with a sufficient quantity of lubricant for operation. They are packed only with a small amount of thin grease to protect the roller bearings and trunions from damage in shipment and storage. This type u-joint must be packed with the proper lubricant prior to operation. This is always best done after the joints are installed and the grease inserted through the lube fittings.
This may be a case in which the boxes used for the u-joints are "generic" and contain the packing instructions which might only apply to the non-grease fitting type. I can't say what "Precison" brand's packing protocol is. If I were you, I'd see if the manufacturer has a technical service line you can call to CONFIRM what you need to do. It's very difficult to tell by looking at them if they have just "shipping grease" or if they have the final packing.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Addendum
Carl------
Something else that I should have mentioned is that there is a "method" behind the difference in packing of "lubed-for-life" and "grease fitting type" u-joints. I thought that what I described is an industry-standard, but I'm not 100% sure that it is. Anyway, the reason that "lubed-for-life" type joints are usually factory packed is that it's VERY critical that the joints not be overpacked. If they are overpacked (especially in the hands of folks who think that "more is better"), they will be difficult or impossible to install. Also, the hydraulic pressure created by trying to force the u-joint caps with too much grease onto the trunnions can cause the caps to break. Think that's impossible? I don't; I KNOW it is very possible.
On the other hand, for "grease fitting type" u-joints, it's easier to install them if there is only a very light coat of grease on them. In this condition, there is virtually no grease creating hydraulic pressure as you press the caps on and insert the retainers. Then, after installation, the u-joints can be easily and perfectly greased through the zerk fittings.
The above is why there is generally the difference I described in "lubed-for-life" and "grease fitting type" u-joint grease packing as the joints are delivered to the end user.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Addendum
In addition to what Joe is saying, heavy lubes such as wheel bearing grease, or most any lubes that qualify as grease, will cause impossible hydraulic forces, probably displacing the needle bearings at best, forcing them out at worst. I used to use just a little STP in these "factory lubed" joints to make sure, that stuff will stay in there forever. Pretty effective on joints that get dry because someone didn't notice grease zerks also! Talking from the "old days" here where cheap fixes were abundant.Comment
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Re: drive shaft U-joint lubrication
You might consider returning them and purchacing some better quality Spicer u-joints. I have had issues with Precision joints and do not use them.Comment
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