Greasable vs. Non-Greasable Universal Joints
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Tauranga, New Zealand
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
So Im looking at replacing the universals in my front diff because they are making a bit of noise.
Anyway I was having a conversation about it with my dad about them and he tells me to go for the non greasable ones and just replace them as they start to make noise.
What do you guys think?
Anyway I was having a conversation about it with my dad about them and he tells me to go for the non greasable ones and just replace them as they start to make noise.
What do you guys think?
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
So Im looking at replacing the universals in my front diff because they are making a bit of noise.
Anyway I was having a conversation about it with my dad about them and he tells me to go for the non greasable ones and just replace them as they start to make noise.
What do you guys think?
Anyway I was having a conversation about it with my dad about them and he tells me to go for the non greasable ones and just replace them as they start to make noise.
What do you guys think?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Bel Air, Maryland 21015
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Greasable ... if you service them regularly ( more frequent with harsh use ) they should last forever.
I never had to replace a greaseable u-joint.
OEM sealed ones suck because you know that at some point they will have to be replaced.
OEM sealed ones were developed to CUT COSTS by the manufacturers. They no longer had to lube anything on the line. Was a time when a lot of parts in the front end/steering were greasable. I think I remember greaseable ball joint and the like.
I never had to replace a greaseable u-joint.
OEM sealed ones suck because you know that at some point they will have to be replaced.
OEM sealed ones were developed to CUT COSTS by the manufacturers. They no longer had to lube anything on the line. Was a time when a lot of parts in the front end/steering were greasable. I think I remember greaseable ball joint and the like.
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Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Davison, MI
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 849
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From: Slaughter, LA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
The hole for the zerk fitting (If it's in a crotch and not the caps) weakens the torsional capability of the joint, so non-greasable joints will be stronger than the same size joint with a zerk.
For my drag car, I use non-greasable.
If you do a lot of mudding or it's basically a glorified daily driver, greasable is the way to go.
For my drag car, I use non-greasable.
If you do a lot of mudding or it's basically a glorified daily driver, greasable is the way to go.


