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Lubricating drive shaft

On my 1998 U270 the drive shaft joints have two grease zerk fittings per u-joint. I'm assuming you use which ever one you can get the grease gun to attach. Then there is a grease zerk on the top of the slip joint. How much grease does that hold, and how do you know it's adequately greased?

Photo shows fitting at top of slip joint.

1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #1 –
On the u joint, if there's a grease sert, I grease it. On the drive shaft, there is usually a port inside the yoke at the end of the shaft. I like to have a little grease come out of it.
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Lynn & Marilyn Sickel
Tollville, AR
1997  U320  40'
2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup
Motorcader  17257

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #2 –
Put grease into both u-joint zerks and only stop when grease flows out of each of the four end bearings, something not easy to do and much easier with battery operated grease gun that injects fast pumps.

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #3 –
Both zirks go to exactly the same/center part of the U joint cross.

Lube which ever is easier to assess.  Yes, until grease comes out all 4 cups.

Grease the slip joint until you see grease coming out the splines.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #4 –
Thanks much. Will finish the job tomorrow. 
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #5 –
How often ??   
 I've been doing 5,000 when I change engine oil/filters.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
How often ??   
 I've been doing 5,000 when I change engine oil/filters.

Part of that depends on driving conditions.  If you drove in a lot of rain, salt-covered roads, etc, more frequent lube on everything is recommended.

Yes, always do it when you do your fluid changes, but more doesn't hurt.  I always to a complete lube (not necessarily fluid change, but lube) at the end of each long trip.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
How often ??   
 I've been doing 5,000 when I change engine oil/filters.
I think that a great time. It's possibly more than needed but gets moisture out also. I also lube the front steering at the same time
Scott.

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #8 –
What type of grease?
David & Sherry Kendrick
"Gizmo" The Doggy Lama
USAF(Ret) 1971-75; 1979-95 (20 yrs)
2003 U320 F03 [6179] 38PBDS (3/2016)
2016 Chev Silverado Z71 LTZ
Motorcade 17738
--------------------------------------
New Horizons 5W 25' RKS (1/2004 - 3/2016)
2003 Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax
Tent (5-person) White Stag (1972 - 2003)

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #9 –
Quote from: dsd –
I think that a great time. It's possibly more than needed but gets moisture out also. I also lube the front steering at the same time
Scott.
I like the red synthetic. For guns, the hand operated gun will supply more pressure than electric or air grease guns. Not needed for most fittings but the front end may be hard to grease. If so and you are using a hand pump gun, you can try jacking the front up and having someone move the steering wheel.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
I like the red synthetic. For guns, the hand operated gun will supply more pressure than electric or air grease guns.

Pierce

I use the same type of grease and hand operated grease gun.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #11 –
I use a molly grease, hand gun.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Lubricating drive shaft

Reply #12 –

I use this grease and seems good:
Amazon.com: Valvoline Multi-Vehicle Moly-Fortified Gray Grease 14.1 OZ...

And this Dewalt 20volt grease gun seems to have plenty of pressure
Amazon.com: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Grease Gun (DCGG571M1) digital-camera,Yel...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad