how long should universal joints last?

[zed]

This morning I took the drive shaft out my Hardbody/D21, to replace the gearbox extension housing seal (again). Whenever I do this I grease the universal joints, because it's impossible to get a grease gun on them under the truck. I found the joints are stiff, only move about .25" each way. I greased them anyway, but they are clanging already and they're only about 15000miles old. How long should a U-joint that's regularly greased last? They are Nissan U-Joints

[DanielC]

I would expect 75,000 to 100,000 miles, provided it is not a 4 wheel drive, or jacked up or lowered radically.

The greater the drive shaft angle, the more they have to move each time the drive shaft turns. High angles will wear them out quicker.

[Ofeargall]

I've got a Jeep Wagoneer that I just replaced the double cardan joint on the front driveline and I read a similar post on the Full Size Jeep forum. One of the members has been able to get the u joints in his rig to last over 100k just by greasing them once a year.

 

In the money you spend on u-joints that are hard to reach you could probably buy a battery powered grease gun with a longer hose to make the job easier. I had them install a needle zerk fitting in the areas where I couldn't fit the conventional gun tip and that makes it a little easier.

 

There are greaseless joints out there too... That may be an option.

[zed]

thanks for the replies