Greasing the Front U Joint

[philipswanson]

Since I have the driveshaft out and apart on my 40 wagon, I am wondering how the U Joint gets any grease when the fitting on its outer shell just allows grease to go external to the joint. It doesn't seem like this would allow any grease to reach the joint, only to splash around outside of it. Is there a way to actually get grease into the joint itself without pulling the transmission?

[19Fordy]

As you may surmise, there is a hole right behind the zerk grease fitting on the bottom of the clamshell that allows grease to enter the internal area where the U-joint is located. When you literally squirt enough grease into the fitting grease will be forced thru that hole.
That's why you literally fill the clam shell with grease. I think I used about 2 cartridges of corn head grease and stopped when I saw I coming out near the speedo gear. I also used the newer style clamshell o-ring seal instead of the OEM cork style.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-flathe...QAAMXQTghRXOy6

[philipswanson]

Thanks for the information. I will have the driveshaft back in before I get that new seal so I guess I will have to slit the blue seal and gasket to get it in. Hope that will work.

Is it possible to remove the grease fitting and line up the hole on the U joint and shoot the grease directly in the U joint area without filling the whole shell?

[Talkwrench]

Oil also migrates from the open bearing at the back of the trans. If a uni runs completely dry the chances are the oil baffle is hard up against the bearing in the trans. I check this when rebuilding. There should be a very small gap when done up. No need to go overboard with the greasing its not that big an area, 1/2 a decent cup full of semi fluid grease should be plenty.

[19Fordy]

Is it possible to remove the grease fitting and line up the hole on the U joint and shoot the grease directly in the U joint area without filling the whole shell?

I suppose it could be done if you have a thin nozzle on your grease gun. Or you could pack the U-joint by hand before you install it.

Talkwrench makes some good points. That migration of gear oil from the transmission is very critical Also, the blue seal is not one piece. You cut it to fit and it fits together end to end.

[philipswanson]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have the shell and driveshaft off. Is there a way to pump grease directly into the needle bearings instead of just filling the surrounding are? I can't figure out how the needle bearings and trunnions get grease that way. Seems like it would just lubricate the outside of the joint.

[Will D]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

I have the shell and driveshaft off. Is there a way to pump grease directly into the needle bearings instead of just filling the surrounding are? I can't figure out how the needle bearings and trunnions get grease that way. Seems like it would just lubricate the outside of the joint.

If using cornhead grease, it becomes liquid with low heat and will reach the bearings easily. I would still pack the bearing with cornhead before installing.

[philipswanson]

Where I n the heck do you find Cornhead grease? Never saw it in our stores.

[Will D]

There is multiple threads on u joint grease if you do a search. Some guys install the clam with the grease fitting at the top instead of bottom and remove it like a cap to pour in same oil as they use in the trans.... with all new seals it should stay in there. Personally I use cornhead grease....

[Will D]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Where I n the heck do you find Cornhead grease? Never saw it in our stores.

John Deere or any tractor supply store.

[Mart]

Does your UJ have needle bearings? The stock Ford ones have bushings.

[Will D]

Mart is right. When you mentioned needle bearing I thought you were referring to the front driveshaft bearing that sits just after the UJ which shares the same lubrication chamber.

[Lawson Cox]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Where I n the heck do you find Cornhead grease? Never saw it in our stores.

Most any John Deer tractor place should have it.

[19Fordy]

You can get CH Grease here: Buy 2.
https://greenfarmparts.com/shop/john...kaAnQ5EALw_wcB

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Where I n the heck do you find Cornhead grease? Never saw it in our stores.

Three John Deere dealers closest to you:


John Deere, 1073 N. Marshall Ave., El Cajon 92020 619-448-2855


John Deere Landscapes, 819 Anita St., Chula Vista 91911 619-423-9060


John Deere Landscapes, 751 Design St., Chula Vista 91911 619-421-7627
__________________________________________________ _______


Pack that U-joint (use GREEN JD Cornhead Grease) like in this picture.











…………………..

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Pack that U-joint (use GREEN JD Cornhead Grease) like in this picture.


…………………..

So that's why I stop at green lights!

[40cpe]

A little off subject, but I have used that red Mystik grease in the alemites of my tractors, etc, that aren't used a lot. I have found that if they aren't greased regularly, the grease dries and is very hard to get the grease to flowing again. I've switched to a moly type grease hoping for better results.

[19Fordy]

Ouch!

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Ouch!

"OUCH" what? DD