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MG MGB Technical - How to Lubricate U-Joints?

I am trying to find a method or tool that will allow me to lubricate the U-Joints on my 1980 MGB prior to the long trip to California for the MG meet.

The fitting on my grease gun is way to big to attach to the nipples found on the U-joints. Does anyone know of a tool or method that can be used? I suppose I could remove the driveshaft and then possibly be able to flex the joints enough to allow access to the nipples, but that seems extreme.

Thanks for any help.
Rich

Rich,
I believe I did mine no problems with a flex hose grease gun. A few bucks in the parts store.

They even have the mini's now with cartridges.

Best regards,
Doug
DT Toms

I would think removing and replacing the drive shaft just before a long trip would cause more reliabilty hazard than no greasing. I get mine greased once a year, Dave Pymme has a small gun and gets on them while the car is on the lift. Takes about 30 seconds.
Stan Best

This is rather bothersome, but I removed the zerk and replaced it with an Allen-head screw. As I recall, some new U-joints even come this way. When grease time comes, I remove the screw and install a long zerk that I can reach with my grease gun. When all is done, I unscrew the long zerk and replace with the screw. Beats removing the driveshaft. Not all U-joints have even a provision for a zerk - to my knowledge thay cannot be lubricated after installation.

I believe somebody told me that this problem is because my U-joint was installed backwards. Fletcher, was that you?

FWIW,
Allen
Allen Bachelder

Rich,If you check your auto supply stores you should be able to find an adapter which slips over your grease gun. It is about 5 inches long with a conical head and will easilly reach your grease fittings. Ray
RAY

I've an adapter that narrows to a point and fits into the zerk ball...kinda messy but once situated it works...
Pete

Hello,

I replaced original zerk by a long one: 1 inch long for greasing purpose and of course you should return with original zerk to be able to ride your B.

Cheers,

JGC
Jean Guy Catford

Allen,

You have to install the cross for the u-joint so the hole for the zerk is toward the drive shaft yoke, not the transmission or rear axle flange. Otherwise, the flange web for the u-joint cups will prevent access to the zerk, and possibly conflict with the zerk, damaging it. Don't ask me how I know!

http://travelaire.photosite.com/MGTDRebuild/driveshaft/Diff_end_of_Drive_shaft.html

It is very important to keep the splines on the sliding portion lubed and full of grease as well.

The TC through MGB all used the same u-joint. I don't know about the TA or TB, but I suspect they used the same one too.

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Yes, was me. In addition to what Dave said, the driveshaft yokes have a notch in ONE position, and the correct U joint has the zerk at an angle. The zerk goes toward the center of the shaft, located in line with the notch.

I disagree entirely with the "don't touch it before a trip" idea. Far better to remove the shaft, feel for rough joints and replace or grease it, than the alternate dead driveshaft on the road. They frequently fail very quickly once they reach the point where you are aware of "something not right".

FRM
FR Millmore

I used to wonder why I could reach the U-joint zerks on some MGBs but not on others. Thanks, guys, for reminding me why!

Dave, you always have exactly the right picture!

Allen
Allen Bachelder

Had an Abrox Wanner greasegun since 1970 and it still works brilliantly see:
http://www.stephenslube.co.uk/wanner_lubrication.asp
Rather expensive at about 90 dollars, but mine has been worth every penny. Worth investing in one?
(I have no connection with either firm - just thought you might be interested.)
This gun works well with all the grease points on my 1973 MGB (British model).
Ken

You are correct Fletcher, funny I neglected mentioning the flange relief, since I ran into that problem in my "Do everything at least twice" method of rebuilding the TD!"

Here is a complete picture, showing the zerk, the orientation of the U-joint and the relief. (thanks for the kind word, Allen!)

http://travelaire.photosite.com/MGTDRebuild/driveshaft/Properly_oriented_zerk.html

warmly,
dave
Dave Braun

Yeah, I feel really stupid when I forget and have to take one apart to fix it after assembling it assbackwards!

FRM
FR Millmore

An interesting topic with a lot of good information. There is one thing, however, which has not been mentioned. The "PDQ" brand of U joints is available with one end cap having a zerk fitted. when these are installed, the end cap having the zerk is oriented at a 90 degree angle to the long axis of the drive shaft. Very easy to lubricate these fittings. I have been using these for about eight years now with no problems, so they seem to work.

If you have not checked the orientation of the flanges, Tom Sotomayor has a tech article on this on my website, www.custompistols.com/ under the articles section, then listed under his name. If the orientation of the two flanges is not exactly correct, increased U joint wear will be experienced. Depending on how badly the flanges are out of alignment, damage to the prop shaft is possible.

Les
Les Bengtson

Do you say 'Zerk' in the US because you are not allowed to say 'grease nipple' ?
M Barnfather

M- Yes, nowadays in the US of A, we have been notified via the PCP ( Politically Correct Police), that we may some things, but not others. Words beginning with "F" and "Grease Nipple" are but 2 examples of the "...don't you dare or you will go in for rehab".
vem myers

In this region of the UK we are very keen on brass bands, originally formed by the local wool & cotton mills in Lancashire & Yorkshire, one of the most famous ones did a tour of the USA but had serious problems with their name 'Black Dyke Mills Brass Band'.

Absolutely true !
M Barnfather

Where do you get the word Zerk from?
Is it a brand of ni**les?
D M Tetlow

M

Zerk, named after the designer Oscar Zerk.

From the site "http://www.machinerylubrication.com/article_detail.asp?articleid=584&relatedbookgroup=Lubrication"


FWIW

Larry
Larry Hallanger

Cheers. :)
D M Tetlow

M Barnfather,

As a trumpet-player who has visted magnificant rehearsals of the Black Dyke Mills Brass Band, I know exactly what you are talking about! And it's true, folks, that promoters in New York dissapproved of "Black Dyke" for two reasons: the first word and the second word. If they would change the name of the ensemble, thay could tour the US, otherwise not... I know not how, or if, it was resolved. Unfortunately, we read so much, and think so little!

Allen
Michigan, US
Allen Bachelder

Seen as its winter down here there’s a distinct nip in the air.
I don’t know how PC M. Barnfather is, but when next out with my mates I’m going to get a perverse sense of pleasure by been totally non PC and pass the following comment, “ look at the zerks on her”. Their quizzical looks will just add to my pleasure.:)
Naughty Kiwi

Allen,

I believe that sanity prevailed, and that they were allowed to tour....but PC took a long time to reach this neck of the woods, (we're 'oop north' here....rugby league(like American football but without the armour...just a sweat band around the noggin) and beer (like the funny frothy stuff the Americans send to us, except you can taste the hops,and it's got some alcohol in it).


We might just get away with 'Zerks' in impolite conversation...until that's banned as well !!
M Barnfather

Make sure you're not having a fag whilst greasing the joints!
Anon

This thread was discussed between 03/07/2007 and 10/07/2007

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