Lube?

[MarkC]

I just started doing my own oil changes on my Cherokee, and I suppose I'd better think about lubing it also.
Any suggestions as to which grease to use, and exactly what to use it on? I suspect U-joint, etc. What else?

 

[JD Green]

As mentioned in the previous reply, depending on the age of your vehicle, it may not even have any grease zerks. Most of the new vehicles now come with "greased for life" (ya right) from the factory. Obviously these need replacing over time as they are not maintainable. Next time your up on the ramps, have a good look under there and familiarize yourself with your vehicle.

 

[Chris B.]

Go to the "grease" section on this forum and read up on Schaeffers greases. They are probibly the best on the market. I use the 274#2.

 

[labman]

Likely your owners manual at least give some specs on grease. I am some what of a bug on choosing something and sticking to it. So look around for a brand name that is carried in several of the places you usually shop. I won't argue with those that go with some of the mail order stuff here.

If you can find a lubrication chart for it, great. Don't count on the owners manual being too much help. The U-joints are a good place to start. Get it up on ramps or something secure where you can easily get a good look at the under side. Check all the steering and suspension pieces. Look for zerk fittings anywhere anything moves. An oil change and lube also includes checking the fluids and changing per the owners manual of all the gease boxes, the brakes, power steering, and anything else with any fluid in it. Even sealed things need to be checked for bad seals and looseness. Good time to check the tires too, air and tread. Check belts, hoses, and air filter.

If you have a compressor, pick up an air driven gun. Ones adequate to maintain a few personal vehicles aren't that much. Otherwise go with the one hand guns rather than the levers.

 

[cousincletus]

Depends on the year and whether or not any U-joints have been replaced, but the factory joints are not greasable. On the Cherokee, there is a slip joint on the front drive shaft, upper ball joints, tie rod ends and idler arm to grease. I usually do this service every other oil change with good results.