View Full Version : Drive shaft nipples
Rick Fischer
15th December 2012, 04:37 PM
Have been working my way through my first "B" service, and all the oils on my second hand SVX.
Apart from the heavy handed dealer people who possibly don't know what a torque wrench is :( I have found that the front drive shaft unis may never have been greased in the vehicles whole dealer servicing life (to 56 000K)
The front shaft unis were found to have "on the centre line" rt angle nipples, rather than on the side of X trunions. Unfortunately, one points into one of the bearing holders, and the other cannot be aligned to a grease gun (can get lots of grease on and around but not in.) [....and yes the ball/s are free]
Suggest that Puma drivers go have a decko and see if you have the centre line nipples, and if a grease gun will locate properly and actually inject grease.
Will be having a discussion with the local dealer Monday.
Cheers 
RF
87County
15th December 2012, 04:47 PM
Have been working my way through my first "B" service, and all the oils on my second hand SVX.
Apart from the heavy handed dealer people who possibly don't know what a torque wrench is :( I have found that the front drive shaft unis may never have been greased in the vehicles whole dealer servicing life (to 56 000K)
The front shaft unis were found to have "on the centre line" rt angle nipples, rather than on the side of X trunions. Unfortunately, one points into one of the bearing holders, and the other cannot be aligned to a grease gun (can get lots of grease on and around but not in.) [....and yes the ball/s are free]
Suggest that Puma drivers go have a decko and see if you have the centre line nipples, and if a grease gun will locate properly and actually inject grease.
Will be having a discussion with the local dealer Monday.
Cheers 
RF
My usual way of greasing via a nipple with this location problem is to simply undo the subject flange and turn the uni to permit access - take care to do the flange bolts up properly after reassembly :)
Bigbjorn
15th December 2012, 05:13 PM
Go down to Bearing Service or a similar supplier with a specimen nipple. Buy a longer one. Common problem with U-joints on many vehicles.
Bundalene
15th December 2012, 08:01 PM
I have had issues with these and have found that rotating the shaft nipple to the top allows access into the grease nipple.
This may be of interest.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/148355-puma-tailshaft-service.html
I serviced our daughter Patrol recently and couldn't access the top grease nipple from the front tail shaft - even off a hoist. A needle gun was the only way.
Erich
justinc
15th December 2012, 09:44 PM
needle fitting for standard grease gun is the best method.
http://www.alemite.com/_resources/images/products/B6783_med.jpg
jc
scarry
4th November 2013, 09:01 PM
needle fitting for standard grease gun is the best method.
http://www.alemite.com/_resources/images/products/B6783_med.jpg
jc
How does the needle fitting work?(possibly dumb question)
Why are there no nipples on the sliding joints on the Puma,or is it just the case it is now a throw away item,and cost cutting?
The nipple in the front uni is impossible to get any grease into it,can't get the grease gun into the correct angle to get grease in.Is that where the needle comes in?
spudboy
5th November 2013, 08:32 AM
I just greased all the prop shafts on my PUMA last weekend.  I find you can get a standard grease gun onto the nipples if you rotate to nipple towards the top so the knuckle opens up a bit.  Obviously easier on a hoist.
Also - mine has nipples in the sliding joint section.....
scarry
5th November 2013, 10:47 AM
I just greased all the prop shafts on my PUMA last weekend.  I find you can get a standard grease gun onto the nipples if you rotate to nipple towards the top so the knuckle opens up a bit.  Obviously easier on a hoist.
Also - mine has nipples in the sliding joint section.....
No hope on this one,maybe because it has a 40mm lift,but i will try again.
So it looks like some have nipples on sliding joint,some don't.It really needs them.The D2 had them.
What year is your Puma?
Needle fitting?,wait for JC to chime in.....
spudboy
5th November 2013, 02:41 PM
Mine is a 2007.
labrado
5th November 2013, 10:27 PM
How does the needle fitting work?(possibly dumb question)
Why are there no nipples on the sliding joints on the Puma,or is it just the case it is now a throw away item,and cost cutting?
The nipple in the front uni is impossible to get any grease into it,can't get the grease gun into the correct angle to get grease in.Is that where the needle comes in?
my 2009 puma has no nipples on the sliding joints :(
Brid
6th November 2013, 07:17 AM
I can access mine with a standard grease gun best if the RH front wheel is removed, & grease nipple pointing horizontally to RH side. I included a photo in a related thread. 
In this position, the gap opens up enough to get it square on. Easier to do than removing prop shaft flange & you need to check brake pads, etc with wheel off anyway.
scarry
6th November 2013, 05:53 PM
my 2009 puma has no nipples on the sliding joints :(
So they stopped somewhere between '07 and '09.
So once again we are going backwards.....:mad:
Anyone know how the needle fitting works on UJ's?
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