Difficulty getting grease gun on 4x4 front u-joint?

[87MJJeep]

I guess I'll assume the grease gun fitting I have is too big, but with the right angle, I've always gotten it on every u-joint zerk fitting I've had. Until now. I can't get it on the front u-joint fitting without it being at an angle. Is this a common problem for that spot, or maybe I have an aftermarket/replacement part on there that is making it a pain?

 

When I was a kid, my uncle told me "pump grease till it farts." That was for the suspension points. For u-joints and the fitting on the "sleeve" of the front driveshaft, what is the best way to tell I've pumped enough grease in? If grease starts squirting out of one end of the u-joint, but not the other, keep pumping till grease comes out all around? Thanks for any tips.

[jpdocdave]

ya, aftermarket greasabel u joints are a pain in the front d shaft. the ones by the t case are not accessible in my xj, wish i never put them in but had no time to wait and track down non greasable. i remove the front shaft 2 times a year to grease it, thats about all you need to do.

 

you don't really want to pump grease into u joints till it comes out, 1 to 3 spuirts is all you need.

[87MJJeep]

Thanks for the quick reply. Is there a preferred brand or P/N to switch to non-grease-able? Do you stick with grease-ables for the rear shaft?

 

Thanks for the amount of grease advice!

[Wildman]

2X's on the amount of grease

 

This is what I use for the flush u-joints, and for the hard to get at Zerk fitting on the regular U-joints, the tip fits right into the "ball" of the zerk fitting.......

 

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4ZT24

[jpdocdave]

spicer u joints are the best way to go, they're o.e, and non greasable. o.e u joints usually last around 100k, no aftermarket joints last that long.

[87MJJeep]

Thanks Dave! I'll check around and see where I can get Spicers if any of mine need replacing.

 

Wildman, I figured someone would post a smaller diameter fitting, not THAT. Far out!

[ComancheKid45]

I just pull 1 of the yoke retainers and thats enough room to get my grease gun on

[87MJJeep]

I just pull 1 of the yoke retainers and thats enough room to get my grease gun on

 

That's a good idea! Thanks!

[Mongo]

I use a needle adapter fitting for flush zirks, works good.

[87MJJeep]

I use a needle adapter fitting for flush zirks, works good.

 

Is it like or the same as the fitting Wildman posted above?

[Mongo]

Missed his link, yes that is exactly it. I got mine at autozone. Not too expensive.

[87MJJeep]

Missed his link, yes that is exactly it. I got mine at autozone. Not too expensive.

 

Thanks for the help. If it's cheaper at AZ, I might get one after all.