Lubricating U-joints/drive shaft

[toban]

I have a 2004 DSDP with a 370 HP Cummins engine. I'm curious in knowing how often do you lubricate/grease the above? I know if you let it go too long the u-joints can fail you. Also, how often do you lub the rest of the chassis?

Toban

[slickest1]

I grease my commercial truck every week. I usually put on 1000 to 2000 miles per week. That said it takes several pumps of grease per u-joint.
So it all depends on how many miles you put on between you service points. In my opinion 5000 miles is pushing it, but that's just me.

[DSDP_Don]

"toban"......Typically once a year/15K miles for greasing the chassis. It has been recommended that the driveshaft be lubed every 5K, due to the stress (torque) these driveshafts see. That's a tough schedule to keep, but do the best you can.

You'll need to get a grease guide for your chassis or look it over front to back and find all the fittings.

There is a secret to lubing the driveshaft. Most of the u-joints have two grease fittings, one on each side. Either one will fill the u-joint. Just make sure you see grease coming out of each cap. The slip joint has one fitting in the center of the tube. They hold a lot of grease. As you fill the slip joint, grease will eventually run out of a small hole at the back of the yoke, between the yoke and the u-joint. When grease starts coming out of the hole, you need to get a finger in there and plug the hole. It's difficult to do while still pumping the grease gun. It's much easier with an air gun. Once you block the hole, keep pumping until grease comes out where the slip joint moves in and out on the splined shaft.

[Executive45]

I disagree with Mowermech. Check your owner's manual. Mine has 32 lube fittings. They are done when I do my annual maintenance. Speedco charges me $300 for oil change, lube, filter (oil/fuel) and SCA check. I printed out the form from my owner's manual and they make sure they hit every one. Mine also has two zerks inside the shroud housing for the steering wheel....Dennis

[Ava]

On mine I lube the fittings every time I change the oil. ( at least once a year ). They are on all the moving parts and the steering joints as up front as well as one on each u joint and the driveshaft.
94 Bounder diesel pusher

[mowermech]

On a 2004 it is very likely you will find very few lubrication points.

OK, I stand corrected. Instead, I will say INSPECT, grease as necessary.

[Fleet_Man]

Do the entire chassis, suspension, drive train and brake zerks at least once a year. Check your owner's manual/chassis manual to locate all the grease fittings and the type of grease to use.