Greasing driveshaft - included in your oil changes? How often do you do it?

[Jwoodywild]

Is the greasing of the driveshaft included in your oil change ? If so, where do you typically get it done?

Also, how often do you usually do it?

 

[hankinid]

I do the driveshafts yearly along with the oil change.

 

[FJFOOL]

Most of the miles my 100 gets are out in the desert now offroad, and with the heat I do it every few months. Just crawl under and give everything a couple of pumps and it's done.

 

[Zuberg]

Do mine every oil change which works out to a few times a year. I get it done in my drive way with a grease gun

Added bonus is crawling under the rig every so often let's you keep an eye on things and ahead of potential issues.

 

[uHu]

Do mine every oil change which works out to a few times a year. I get it done in my drive way with a grease gun

Added bonus is crawling under the rig every so often let's you keep an eye on things and ahead of potential issues.

This.
Or, depending on how long your oil changes are, it might be good to lube the 6 zerks twice for every oil change. Like 2500 m grease, 5000 m oil. It is a good way to prevent premature UJ slack, and if you drive a lot on wet roads, I see it as a must. It's really quick to drive up on 4x8 blocks and crawl under (and: As Zuberg says)
Some people also have top ball joints (control arm) with a zerk, which you do at the same time.

Dealers' service will often not do anything they can get away with not doing. It makes more money for them to change UJs (and wheel bearings) when they fail than to lube them and keep them "for ever". And don't get me going on spindle bearings, which most approved mechanics don't even know about.

 

[baltistyle]

Diy. I do it every few months or if I feel any driveline slack or vibration. This is a must for the best performance. Ten greasy minutes and you’re done.

 

[Mike NXP]

Is the greasing of the driveshaft included in your oil change ? If so, where do you typically get it done?

Also, how often do you usually do it?

Wait till you feel it go CLUNK when you come to a stop then you'll know it's time lol jk once a year is find under normal conditions and can probably go longer if you just pavement drive and don't splash through deep water,

I'm sure any quick lube place can do it but the front drive shaft may be obstructed by your splash guards and can sometimes be a pain. Another possible issue is the slip joint grease fitting ( or whatever it's called ) If you over due it, and your splines aren't passing grease, you'll put excessive pressure on the drive train


If you prefer to DIY, start with the rear since it's easy to get to.

The added benefit of DIY as mentioned above is getting to inspect your vehicle but also you can clean up the grease real nice whereas a quick lube shop probably won't and you fling grease everywhere.



If you need help with DIY post questions here otherwise any shop can grease you up.

 

[weaponoffreedom]

Is there a special procedure for this? I see one zerk on the front DS, is that it, just hit it with some grease?

 

[Mike NXP]

Is there a special procedure for this? I see one zerk on the front DS, is that it, just hit it with some grease?

You have two shafts, front and rear .

Each shaft has two joints at each end which have fittings , four total
Each shaft also has two slip joints, one on each end, 2 of these
6 total


The joints can be pumped up until you see grease escaping and the old stuff pushes out. I usually pump until I see new grease pass the seals. but then it takes some time to clean all the excess

The slips require a little more delicate touch , don't over do it . Watch the gap between the two shafts , if your pumping and they just keep pushing further apart without passing grease around the seal, then back off. Push the zerk center to let grease out and relieve the pressure

 

[94SRUNNER]

I'll second doing it every oil change (~5000 miles). In the past I have been overly cautious with the slip joint zerks and have under-greased them. Resulting in clunks. Recently I was a little more generous and it has helped to eliminate the majority of the clunk.

 

[weaponoffreedom]

You have two shafts, front and rear .

Each shaft has two joints at each end which have fittings , four total
Each shaft also has two slip joints, one on each end, 2 of these
6 total


The joints can be pumped up until you see grease escaping and the old stuff pushes out. I usually pump until I see new grease pass the seals. but then it takes some time to clean all the excess

The slips require a little more delicate touch , don't over do it . Watch the gap between the two shafts , if your pumping and they just keep pushing further apart without passing grease around the seal, then back off. Push the zerk center to let grease out and relieve the pressure

I like Royal purple grease, I suppose that would be fine?

 

[Mark W]

From personal experience I have finally stopped simply giving lips service to this and started following this rule faithfully.

If I am on a trail with any significant water crossing, I have learned... grease all the u joints when I get home. Don't put it off. No matter that they are supposedly sealed. The grease WILL wash out. I have lost too many ujoints to insufficient grease. No excuse for it taking me so long to finally take the lesson to heart.

If you see many water crossing on the trails... then do not worry about how long it has been or any sort of regular greasing intervals. Grease them every time when you get home. It is a lot easier and cheaper than replacing them over and over.

Mark...

 

[Mark W]

And... if your ujoints are making noise... squeaks, bangs, clinks or any noise... if there is discernable loosness or stiffness... any of this...

Grease is not gonna "fix" anything. It *might* mask it for a little while. But you are lying to yourself if you think you have solved any problem. Replace the damn things. It is a lot easier at home on a Saturday afternoon than at midnight on the highway... or on the trail.

Mark...

 

[weaponoffreedom]

And... if your ujoints are making noise... squeaks, bangs, clinks or any noise... if there is discernable loosness or stiffness... any of this...

Grease is not gonna "fix" anything. It *might* mask it for a little while. But you are lying to yourself if you think you have solved any problem. Replace the damn things. It is a lot easier at home on a Saturday afternoon than at midnight on the highway... or on the trail.

Mark...

Nah, just reading up on the maintenance of my new to me LX570, I I thought I would ask those who are in the know......people on this site namely.

 

[Mike NXP]

Nah, just reading up on the maintenance of my new to me LX570, I I thought I would ask those who are in the know......people on this site namely.

Checkout the 200 series forums . May be different than our 100 series