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Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft one?

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Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft one?

Postby Hondekop » Mon Aug 13, 2018 2:54 pm

Hi everyone,

Just wondering while I have to grease the prop shaft's slip joint: Are there any more grease nipples on the vehicle?
(1992 MK4, LWB, TD)

Ciao, Kai
1992 MK4 LWB van, 2.5 TD 101 HP
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby dumper » Mon Aug 13, 2018 3:32 pm

No unless it’s not independent front surspention the early models had them on the kingpins have a look at the ujs my mk6 jumbo had them even had a plastic cover over the ends to keep muck out
MK 8 L4 H3 Motorsport campervan
Past camper vans
1974 mk1 v4 with 2.0 pinto fitted
1986 mk3 2.5 di swb
1990 190 lwb 2.5 di
1998 100 lwb 2.5 di
2006 350 jumbo 135 tdci
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby Hondekop » Mon Aug 13, 2018 7:43 pm

OK, then it's only one. Cheers
1992 MK4 LWB van, 2.5 TD 101 HP
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby gotgcoalman » Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:31 pm

People became lazy.
SO
No grease nipples.
Ford saved money not installing them.
Ford made more money selling bits that used to have grease nipples
which wore out prematurely.
ne m'écoute pas je suis plein de merde.
A house without a dog is like a forum without a BJT.
Too bloody quiet :shock:
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby F111ORY » Mon Aug 13, 2018 11:46 pm

Propshaft joints without grease nipples can be re lubricated by dipping in a deep fat fryer filled with gear oil, as the oil cools , oil is drawn through the seals to fill the cups and wet the dried out grease.
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby dumper » Tue Aug 14, 2018 6:46 am

Don’t that make the chips taste funny :D useful info though
MK 8 L4 H3 Motorsport campervan
Past camper vans
1974 mk1 v4 with 2.0 pinto fitted
1986 mk3 2.5 di swb
1990 190 lwb 2.5 di
1998 100 lwb 2.5 di
2006 350 jumbo 135 tdci
dumper
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Posts: 5438
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:56 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby Hondekop » Tue Aug 14, 2018 11:13 am

gotgcoalman wrote:People became lazy.
SO
No grease nipples.
Ford saved money not installing them.
Ford made more money selling bits that used to have grease nipples
which wore out prematurely.


Yup, that's the story essentially.
1992 MK4 LWB van, 2.5 TD 101 HP
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby Mfr » Tue Aug 14, 2018 3:11 pm

You can drill and tap the lower ball joints and tie rod ends to accept them, that's what I do.
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby Hondekop » Wed Aug 15, 2018 10:37 am

Mfr wrote:You can drill and tap the lower ball joints and tie rod ends to accept them, that's what I do.

That's quite an effort but, on the other side, a lot less than changing those joints, given one could extend their life significantly. Changed those joints about a year ago, but will consider it next time.
I struggle to see how you achieve that on the tie rod ends, as you can't take them apart, can you?
1992 MK4 LWB van, 2.5 TD 101 HP
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby Mfr » Wed Aug 15, 2018 1:27 pm

Hondekop wrote:
Mfr wrote:You can drill and tap the lower ball joints and tie rod ends to accept them, that's what I do.

That's quite an effort but, on the other side, a lot less than changing those joints, given one could extend their life significantly. Changed those joints about a year ago, but will consider it next time.
I struggle to see how you achieve that on the tie rod ends, as you can't take them apart, can you?


I locksmith friend of mine told me he used to do it by drilling the bottom of the joint and tapping the hole then screwing the fitting in. Like in this video....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ztSSuo_Oi0
I don't remove the dust cover at all, just make sure to grease the drill bit and tap so that absolutely no swarf gets into the joint. Also you may need to file down the thread of the grease fitting so it doesn't come into contact with the ball. You will know if it does as the joint will jam up with the fitting all the way in. If you need to file the fitting make sure you put a dab of grease inside the fitting so no fillings get inside the nipple! just scope out the top layer of grease when your done.
It will void the warranty of the part but will me you can get much longer lifespan.
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Re: Are there any more grease nipples than the prop shaft on

Postby cherniy_chack » Thu Aug 16, 2018 6:22 pm

Hi guys!
You are discussing the idea of extending the life of ball joints by installing grease nipples in them. :lol:
Bloody!
This idea was discussed thirty years ago by residents of the former USSR, who owned a car brand Lada. :lol:
But in the USSR there was a shortage of any goods, including spare parts for cars. :cry:
I also drilled holes and installed lubricating nipples on the details of my Lada.
But I was convinced that the durability of the ball joints is completely dependent on the condition of their rubber seals. Rugged seals lead to quick failure of the parts.
And for many years now I have not installed lubricating nipples for parts.
I just sometimes inspect the rubber seals and, if damaged, change the part.
Although I have a low level of income compared to any of you.
And the prices for spare parts are even higher.
Bearing seals of the propeller shafts are damaged by unqualified replacement of frogs or due to incorrect design of these seals.
Lubricating a damaged cross is a bad idea.
A good idea is to replace the propshaft spider.
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