Front Driveshaft issue after greasing

Just greased the driveline zerks. When doing the rear zerk on the front shaft (the one you need to remove the small skid plate for) i noticed when greasing one of the plastic rings was broken and just barely hanging on. The rings are located on each side of the spider bearing (i think that's what it's called) where the old grease comes out when pumping new grease in. Are these plastic rings a seal or dust cover and is it anything to be real concerned with when one is missing? Thanks...

 

It's probably a seal of some type. If you see alot of grease coming out of that area it could be a problem depending on much you use 4wd. I don't think it needs to replaced right now but it's something to keep an eye on

 

pics?

 

If its on the inside... like in this photo


It's a seal (per say). If that is missing...you'll need to grease the joint more frequently, or the needle bearings will dry up. Water/dirt will get inside and ruin the bearing if you don't keep it lubricated.

Or...put a new one in....and don't worry about it.

 

here ya go... picture of it on and what it looks like missing.

 

Looks like its time for a new universal joint. They're cheap and easy to change.

 

Thanks Janster... i think that's them. Do you know if the dealership sells just the seals or do you have to purchase the whole unit?

 

To replace the seal you have to remove the U-Joint. It would be smarter to just install new U-Joint(s).

 

Just remember when you get a new on in to grease it slowly. You can pop or break seals by pumping the grease to fast or hard.

You could be fine with that for a while? But i'd put a pump in once a month. Or after a rain storm.

But yeah you have to do the whole thing they don't just sell the seals.

 

Yeah you need new unjointed. It's not emergency but sooner rather than later. Keep current greased.

 

Like everyone has said...You'll need a new u-joint. They don't make or sell seals to replace 'em.

If you can't do it right away - that's fine. Make sure you keep it lubricated regularly until you can get it replaced.

A new U-joint is cheap.... the labor will be more expensive. You can do it yourself with some research.