The cardan drive of any vehicle experiences heavy loads, which mainly fall on the hinge mechanism and the cross. According to the regulations, for passenger cars, maintenance of this unit must be performed every 15 thousand km, and if the vehicle is operated on bad roads, in areas with sand and puddles, then maintenance should be carried out even more often. It is advisable to apply grease for the propeller shaft crosses by removing this part from the car. Lay it until the lubricant flows from all the seals. Only then can you be sure that the injection is done properly.
When do I need to change the grease for the universal joint shaft?
The main symptoms that it is time for maintenance will be:
- 1. Crunching noise when driving. As a rule, it is most clearly audible at the start.
- 2. Shaking car at high speeds. You can notice a noticeable “vibration” already at 60 km / h.
It is impossible to ignore the manifestations of problems with the cardan shaft: even small problems in the form of wear of bearings or cardan splines can lead to serious violations of vehicle controllability and the creation of emergency situations. To avoid such situations, it is necessary to apply grease for the crosses in time. Experts advise under severe operating conditions to carry out the procedure every 10 thousand km or after each season (i.e. in autumn and spring).
Please note: two points must be lubricated on the cardan shaft of the car at once. Firstly, this is a pair of grease fittings, and secondly- an oiler near the spline connection.
What kind of cross lube to use?
Since the car cross is one of the key parts that needs lubrication, it is not worth saving on materials. It is necessary to select compounds that have high performance characteristics and are able to cope with the high loads that this part is subjected to.
Mandatory requirements for lubrication for propeller shaft crosses are:
- 1. Water resistance. Moisture cannot get inside, and the lubricant must adhere well to the part so as not to be washed out.
- 2. Corrosion protection. Lubricant protects parts from rust.
- 3. Operability in a wide range of temperatures. The equipment is operated both in winter and in summer. In addition, the cardan shaft itself is subjected to high pressure. The lubricant must withstand difficult operating conditions.
- 4. Good adhesion to the surface. Oil must not be poured into the cardan: it will drain from the parts, as a result, they will be prone to scuffing and quickly fail. The grease for the crosses must be gel-like and have high colloidal stability in order to restore the structural framework again even after softening.
- 5. Chemical stability. The lubricant must not react with alkalis, acids, solvents or other chemicals.
- 6. Compatibility with other lubricants. If before or after the lubrication of the crosspiece other compounds were laid in the transmission units, then the lubrication of the universal joint must be compatible with them.
Lubricant for crosspieces of UAZ and cars of other brands must be operable in the temperature range from -50 to +100 ° C, be waterproof, have anti-corrosion and extreme pressure additives. "MSK" offers to buy products that are ideal for all characteristics.
Lithium grease for crosspieces from "MSK"
"MSK" produces lithium greases, which are great for lubricating various components of cars, special equipment, and agricultural machinery. We use highly selective petroleum oil, which has anti-friction, anti-foam, anti-corrosion and extreme pressure additives.
Our products are excellent as lubrication for universal joint shafts due to their very high performance. It is recommended even for mills used in heavy industry. We recommend the owners of fleets and service stations to pay attention to Florinol. This is a unique development of our company, which is produced according to a patented recipe. Our lithium grease has the following characteristics:
- - Temperature range: from -50 to +130 °С.
- - Dropping point: more than 250 °C.
- - Colloidal stability: no more than 4% of the extracted oil.
- - Tensile strength at 20 °C - not less than 604 Pa, at 80 °C - not less than 593 Pa.
- - Mass fraction of alkalis - less than 0.098%.
- - Penetration at 25°C-278 mm -1.
If you are looking for a lubricant for the driveshaft crosses that will ensure long and trouble-free operation of the car, then our Florinol will be an excellent solution. It is suitable for any assembly subjected to high shock and vibration loads. You can be sure of the reliability of the technique: Florinol, even after heating to high temperatures, will again become viscous when cooled.
"MSK" offers to purchase lubricants in bulk at competitive prices: the larger the batch, the greater the discount. We deliver throughout Kazakhstan, and to the cities of Western Kazakhstan (Atyrau, Aktau, Astana, Aktobe) we will ship within 1-2 days. Contact our manager to calculate the cost of lubrication and discuss the terms of delivery!
Lack of lubrication in at least one of the cardan shaft bearings or if traces of rust, water or dirt appear in the lubrication indicate the need for inspection and repair of the shaft in a specialized workshop. To avoid possible malfunctions of cardan shafts associated with insufficient lubrication of its elements, it is necessary to correctly and timely inject all lubricating points of the shaft. The shaft should be lubricated with a grease fitting until the safety valve in the joint operates or until grease appears from under the seals.
For high-quality maintenance of cardan shafts, you cannot do without a syringe and lubricant FIOL-2U. Shafts that operate under severe conditions, often in contact with water and dirt, have a special need for injection. The rear cross of the rear propeller shaft is particularly susceptible to these aggressive environments, as it is closest to the road surface. Many motorists do not pay due attention to the lubrication of the driveshaft, mistakenly believing that it is enough to lubricate it once a year without removing it from the car.
Lubrication of the propeller shaft cross has its own characteristics. The main thing is that the maximum lubrication efficiency is achieved only when the part is removed or an adapted syringe is used, since the cross is located in a hard-to-reach place. A regular syringe can also be used, but requires an adapter. But using an adapter is not recommended, because due to the limited view and the connection between the syringe and the adapter, lubricant may leak out in the wrong place, creating the illusion that everything is done correctly. Lubrication must be carried out until the grease is in all the seals.
When using an adapter, a large amount of lubricant does not enter the cross. Motorists don't always bother going for extra FIOL, so they either use the grease that fell on the floor, or just leave everything as it is. At the same time, it must be remembered that it is almost impossible to assess the condition of the cross without removing it. This is an additional factor in favor of the fact that the cross should be lubricated in the removed state, since it becomes possible not only to lubricate, but also to assess the condition of the cross.
All cardan shafts have three injection points. First of all, this is an oiler, which is located near the spline connection. The remaining two points are two grease fittings on the crosses.
How to lubricate the cardan shaft? First you need to remove it and clean the grease fittings from dirt. Then you can proceed to lubrication, while remembering that applying excessive force here will not be the best solution. It is necessary to achieve uniform penetration of the lubricant into all parts of the mechanism, and strong pressure can cause the lubricant to go only one way. After greasing, it is necessary to stand the shaft vertically and slightly press on it so that excess grease comes out of the spline connection. If this is not done, then the reverse installation of the cardan on the car will be difficult due to excess lubrication pressure.
The cardan drive of any car is subjected to a specific load, which mainly falls on the needle bearings of the articulated mechanism. For its maintenance, not only a special lubricant for the crosses is required, but also a certain tool. The further operation of the car depends on this and a number of other factors.
The term "cardan shaft" began to be used from the time Gerolamo Cardano became interested in this knot. Since then, the unit has been called that and nothing else.
Cardan drive device and its role
The main task of the driveshaft is to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels. It provides a connection between the output shaft of the gearbox and the drive shaft of the rear or front axle. This is in cases with rear or front wheel drive. In all-wheel drive models, the front and rear axle shafts are connected to the transfer case shafts.
The main node of this connection is a hinge, in which, in turn, there is an equally important detail - a cross. And as you can understand from the name, it is made in the form of a cross. Each end has a cup with a needle bearing, which is separated from the body by a rubber or plastic o-ring. In the absence of lubrication for universal joints and bearings, they quickly fail. The size of the crosspiece is different for each car.
Diagnostics
Carrying out any repairs is impossible without a preliminary diagnosis of the car. And since the cross is the central link in the driveline, it is worth taking a more responsible approach to its inspection.
The error usually appears:
- noise
- whistling;
- buzz;
- strong vibration;
- clicks;
- metallic screeching or crackling.
This can be especially felt when starting off, or while the vehicle is moving, or when changing gears. In some cases, a malfunction can be hidden, so it is extremely important to detect a breakdown in a timely manner.
Currently, in many car services, diagnostics of car parts, including the hodovka, is carried out using modern equipment. This allows you to quickly and with maximum accuracy detect a breakdown and determine whether there is grease for the crosses or not at all. Depending on this, one or another method of elimination is selected.
Consequences of ignoring the fault
It is worth noting that if any detected breakdown is not eliminated, then the consequences may be different. And since we are talking about a driveline in this case, ignoring a breakdown can threaten the life and safety of the driver and passengers. And in some cases, the consequences are irreversible.
You need to be responsible to yourself, as not only the driver himself is at risk, but also the surrounding road users. And if a car enthusiast is used to neglecting himself and the car, then everyone else should not suffer because of this.
Simple procedure
It is most convenient to inspect the cardan shaft in a pit or drive the car onto a lift. Next, you need to set the box lever to the neutral position and you can go directly to the visual inspection.
Particular attention should be shown when evaluating the technical condition of the seals and the hinge. Then, holding the cross with your hand, try to scroll the cardan. If play is detected, which is very easy to notice, the part needs to be replaced. If noises and squeaks are heard during the rotation of the cardan, most likely the crosspiece itself is in order and the grease for the crosspieces needs to be changed.
It is worth noting that there are two cruciform parts and it is necessary to inspect each. And since the maximum loads are applied to the rear cardan, this crosspiece suffers most often. In addition, during the movement of the car, moisture and dirt get into the rear cardan.
As you can see, the whole procedure for inspecting the cardan is simple. It is possible to do it yourself. But in any case, it is better to contact a specialist if possible, as he can give useful recommendations.
List of major faults
Usually, the crosspiece in the driveline serves for a long time, and its resource is calculated for about 500 thousand kilometers. However, in reality, everything is not so and the cross after 50-100 thousand km already needs to be replaced. And this is influenced by a number of factors:
- terms of Use;
- manufacturer;
- the quality of the materials used.
Frequent movements in the countryside also contribute. Dirt and potholes - all this significantly reduces the already short period of operation of the hinge. Here, lubrication alone for the propeller shaft crosses will not be enough.
The list of the most common frog failures includes the usual inattention during a scheduled inspection. In some cases, the lack of lubrication is not given due importance. And subsequently the crosspiece will make itself felt accordingly.
Other common faults include the following:
- there is a noticeable play of the cross;
- the needle bearing wears out;
- wear of the cross itself occurs;
- leaked lubricant or its complete absence;
- destruction of sealing rings;
- while the car is moving, you can hear a metallic ringing;
- crackling is heard in the area of \u200b\u200bthe cardan joint.
No matter how reliable the crosspiece is, sooner or later it fails. In this regard, the best option for the prevention of this part is to inspect it every 10-15 thousand kilometers. It also does not hurt to make sure that there is lubrication for the crosspieces.
And for those motorists, in particular, who own jeeps, who like to take mud baths, it is worth checking the condition of the driveline after each such trip.
Needle bearing features
In addition to the cross, the cardan drive also includes another necessary element - a needle bearing, which is a type of roller product. Its main distinguishing feature is the size of the bearing, which allows, if necessary, to do without the inner ring. This is achieved due to the ability to withstand a large axial load.
The use of a needle bearing implies some restrictions on the use of lubricants. When deciding which cross lubrication is better, it is not allowed to use products with solid additives that have a crystalline structure. It's all about graphite or molybdenum disulfide, which are usually added to some lubricant formulations. These components can lead to wedging of the needles, which leads to increased wear of the part.
Cardan service
High-quality service of cardan transmission consists in timely lubrication of parts. Usually, for lubrication, many masters at the service station use a special oiler with a convenient spout for access to hard-to-reach parts. As an alternative to this tool, a conventional syringe is used. The lubricant itself must be of high quality and only from a well-known manufacturer.
Lubricant manufacturers endow their products with high performance properties, including versatility. For example, the Liqui Moly product for lubricating crosses and bearings. For older cars, there were strict requirements regarding the types of lubricants. Now the situation has become much simpler. However, it is better to purchase products whose characteristics are best suited for lubricating driveshaft parts.
Features of the cardan lubrication process
As a rule, cardan lubrication is carried out right on the spot, that is, without removing it from the car. Theoretically, there is nothing complicated here, but in reality, difficulties inevitably arise during the process. First of all, when using a syringe, a dangerous illusion can be created. The fact is that a minimal view gives rise to a false feeling that the lubricant has got where it is needed, although in reality it is not. The seals should literally bathe in grease.
Also, do not use a product that, due to inaccuracy, accidentally spilled onto the floor. As a result, with contact with another surface, Liqui Moly (or any other) grease for crosses loses sterility, which is unacceptable.
In most cases, the process is delayed for an indefinite period of time. Often in the following days, the work is completely forgotten. Therefore, it is desirable to completely dismantle the connection. This will make it possible to make a better visual diagnosis of the cardan and lubricate its parts well. After that, it remains to install everything in its place.
One of the best
One of the best lubrication products for gimbal crosses is Liqui Moly brand grease. As the manufacturer himself assures, lithium soap-based grease is ideal for servicing propeller shaft crosses. It is also suitable for the lubrication of plain and rolling bearings that operate under normal conditions and at medium and high temperatures.
Lithium grease for propeller shaft crosspieces contains special components and additives, which increases its resource. The versatility of the product allows it to provide good sealing. In addition, there are other benefits:
- increased stability in conditions of high humidity and dust;
- resistance to hot or cold water;
- reduced friction of lubricated parts;
- the tool has a good ability to absorb compression.
You can also highlight the resistance to aging and corrosion. As for the operating temperature range, it ranges from -30 to +125°C.
Blue remedy number 158
In the days of the USSR, blue grease for crosspieces "158" based on a lithium-potassium complex was in great demand. At present, greases using a lithium thickener have begun to be produced. This made it possible to significantly increase the upper operating temperature range, which is now +165°C or more.
A characteristic distinguishing feature, as it can be understood, is the shade of grease at number 158. However, this does not say anything specifically about the properties. For a number of manufacturers, this step is justified in order to identify products and give them an attractive presentation.
In European countries, pigments are used for this, which color the lubricant not blue, but green or red. The color version may also differ if, for example, the same grease for Liqui Moly gimbal crosses is ordered by different suppliers.
Successful advertising
Thanks to the efforts of many marketers, blue grease is now a sign of versatility and high quality. For the first time, a blue-tinted lubricant was released by ExxonMobil and Chevron in the west. The product unexpectedly showed its best side under normal operating conditions of almost any equipment.
Now blue lubricants are already the standard of quality. They are especially popular in the Russian Federation. They are widely used in servicing not only various types of transport (automobile, railway, water, tractor, special equipment), but also various industrial equipment. And the question of what kind of lubricant to inject the crosses is solved by itself.
Let's start today's conversation with a brief digression into technical literacy.
What is a cross and why a cardan shaft?
Every driver, in general, understands that the cardan shaft is a kind of tool with which the force is transmitted from the transfer case to the gearbox, and then to the wheels of the car.
For the first time, this principle of energy transfer was described by the Italian mathematician J. Cardano, in whose honor it was later named, however, was first used in mechanical engineering at the end of the 19th century by Louis Renault and has remained an indispensable element for all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles for more than a century.
It consists of a cardan shaft, usually of the tubular shaft itself with forks at the ends and two crosses.
Cross - a part of the cardan shaft that allows for flexible connection of the transfer case and vehicle axles.
The cross is located between two rigidly fixed forks of the cardan shaft and is driven by a system of needle bearings located at the four ends of the cross.
(I’m thinking of inserting a gif with a cardan from the Internet. It’s hard for the user to perceive in my opinion)
Cross bearings, an element that is in constant extreme conditions. Water, sand, dirt - wash out the lubricant, which, if not maintained, leads to the failure of the cross.
The photo shows that all the needles fell out of the bearing and instead of lubrication, only dirt and ground metal.
How to recognize the imminent "death" of the cross?
1. Start from a place will be accompanied by a characteristic blow with a metallic sound
2. The car will vibrate at speed
3. Before falling apart completely, a characteristic crunch of ground iron will be heard
However, spider death can be prevented and replacement can be delayed indefinitely.
To do this, it is necessary to carry out a periodic technical inspection of the transmission, to carry out the injection of crosses at about the same time as you change the oil in the engine, that is, every five to six thousand kilometers.
About how to carry out injection on your own, and not give money in services for a service that you can eventually “provide” we will tell you in detail today.
What you need:
For highly loaded components and assemblies.
- An effective universal grease for automotive, industrial and agricultural applications.
- Possesses excellent water-repellent and anticorrosive properties. Suitable for use on boats, ships and yachts.
- Ideal for lubricating bearings, ball joints, water pumps, tie rods, suspension parts, moving and sliding mechanisms operating in difficult conditions and outdoors.
It is used to clean the surface of engines, spare parts, as well as industrial equipment.
Effectively removes oily smudges, bitumen, tar and other contaminants.
3. Grease syringe. Lever-plunger
Job:
Cross injection.
All injection work is easily done without removing the units, on any lift or pit. In our case, it was necessary to change one of the crosses in parallel, so the operation is carried out on the removed cardan shaft.
As we said above, the crosses are in an extremely aggressive environment, so they often look like in the photo. Before starting work, clean the surface with a carburetor cleaner, you can also use
For injection, we need a grease gun - lever plunger or pneumatic, it all depends on the budget, as well as a lithium grease cartridge.
Having unscrewed the cap, remove the plastic cap from the cartridge and load it into the inside of the syringe.
After charging, open the top iron cover and twist it back.
We connect the syringe to the grease fitting and pump. The guarantee that you are doing everything right will be the old grease that will begin to come out of the cross.
We squeeze out all the old grease from the bearings of the cross, along with dirt and wear, until the red grease comes out.
Now the cardan shaft can be installed in place!
Injection of other transmission elements.
Do not forget that in addition to the crosses, there are other parts that should be done for a lifetime.
1. Splined cardan shaft. On the shaft tube, you can see a grease fitting, it serves to lubricate the spline connection of the two parts of the universal joint. It should be syringed together with the crosses.
That's all! Keep track of the condition of your car and it will never get old :)
