Chassis lubrication
1. Refer to Recommended lubricants and fluids in this Chapter’s Specifications to obtain the necessary grease, etc. You’ll also need a grease gun (see illustration). If a suspension component has no grease fitting in place, this indicates the part is sealed and doesn’t require periodic lubrication. Some components on 4WD models have fittings that aren’t on 2WD versions, and vice versa.
17.1 Materials required for chassis and body lubrication
1 Engine oil — Light engine oil in a can like this can be used for door and hood hinges
2 Graphite spray — Used to lubricate lock cylinders
3 Grease — Grease, in a variety of types and weights, is available for use in a grease gun. Check the Specifications for your requirements
4 Grease gun — A common grease gun, shown here with a detachable hose and nozzle, is needed for chassis lubrication. After use, clean it thoroughly!
2. Look under the vehicle and locate the grease fittings (see illustration).
17.2 Wipe the dirt from the grease fittings before pushing the grease gun nozzle onto the fitting — lube the tie-rod ends
3. For easier access under the vehicle, raise it with a jack and place jack stands under the frame. Make sure it’s safely supported by the stands. If the wheels are to be removed at this interval for tire rotation or brake inspection, loosen the lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Before beginning, force a little grease out of the nozzle to remove any dirt from the end of the gun. Wipe the nozzle clean with a rag.
5. With the grease gun and plenty of clean rags, crawl under the vehicle and begin lubricating the components.
6. Wipe one of the grease fittings clean and push the nozzle firmly over it. Pump the gun until the component is completely lubricated. On ball joints, stop pumping when the rubber seal is firm to the touch. Do not pump too much grease into the fitting as it could rupture the seal. For all other suspension and steering components, continue pumping grease into the fitting until it oozes out of the joint between the two components. If it escapes around the grease gun nozzle, the fitting is clogged or the nozzle is not completely seated on the fitting. Resecure the gun nozzle to the fitting and try again. If necessary, replace the fitting with a new one.
7. Wipe the excess grease from the components and the grease fitting. Repeat the procedure for the remaining fittings.
8. Clean the fitting and pump grease into the driveline universal joints until the grease can be seen coming out of the contact points.
The other U-joints are sealed and do not require lubrication.
Note: Most replacement driveshaft U-joints aren’t permanently sealed, and are sold with grease fittings. If your U-joints have been replaced, make sure you include them in your routine chassis lubrication.
9. Also clean and lubricate the parking brake cable guides and levers.