How to Install Universal Joint Grease Fittings

The universal joint in most vehicles connects the driveline to the rear axle and is a critical part of your drivetrain. When the universal joint--or U-joint--goes out, it can rattle; if not fixed, it will fail and cause the driveline to disconnect from the axle, stopping the vehicle. One of the things you can do to prolong the life of a universal joint is to install a grease fitting. Some U-joints have access ports for a fitting, and if it's greased on a regular basis, the U-joint will last substantially longer.

Things You'll Need

• ¼-inch ratchet and socket set
• U-joint grease fitting
• Grease
• Grease gun

Instructions

1. Crawl underneath the vehicle and locate the universal joint. It's on either end of the driveline, at either the transmission or the axle. You can do this job on both ends if you like.

2. Find the threaded bung on the U-joint. If your U-joint has a threaded insert, it's located in the spaces between the posts on the joint.

3. Thread the grease fitting into the joint using your hands. Then tighten it down using the ¼-inch ratchet and sockets.

4. Insert the grease into the grease gun and place the end of the gun onto the grease fitting. Pull the trigger on the gun a few times until the grease starts to come out of the sides of the universal joint.

References

• Auto Anything: Universal Joints