How often should grease be applied to the drive shaft?
2 Answers
Grease should be applied to the drive shaft every 10,000 kilometers. The drive shaft is a high-speed, low-support rotating body. Before leaving the factory, the drive shaft undergoes dynamic balancing tests and adjustments on a balancing machine. Below are the relevant details about the drive shaft: 1. Regularly lubricate the universal joint cross bearing with grease, using No. 3 lithium-based grease in summer and No. 2 lithium-based grease in winter. 2. Frequently check the tightness of the drive shaft hanger: whether the support rubber is damaged, whether the connecting parts of the drive shaft are loose, and whether the drive shaft is deformed. 3. To ensure the dynamic balance of the drive shaft, pay attention to whether the balance welding tabs are detached. When installing a new drive shaft, pay attention to the assembly marks of the telescopic sleeve and ensure that the flange fork is on the same plane.
I remember greasing the driveshaft depends on driving frequency and conditions. I drive an old pickup truck, mostly on rural roads, and it gets dusty after each haul, so I lubricate it every 5,000 km or so. During the process, I first clean the grease fitting, then slowly inject lithium-based grease with a high-pressure grease gun until the old grease is pushed out. If not done on time, you can hear a harsh grinding noise while driving, and over time, the driveshaft's universal joints will wear excessively, even leading to drivetrain failure. Once, I got too busy and forgot to grease it until after 10,000 km, resulting in increased vibration and a repair bill over a thousand bucks. Now, with regular greasing, the truck runs smoother, quieter, and saves money. Routine lubrication not only extends component life but also improves safety—especially before long trips, always check it.
