23.05.2017

Hello dear friends!

Let's talk today about the hinge of unequal angular velocities - the universal joint and the features of its operation. To begin with, it is a cross with needle bearings and is used in a wide variety of areas of transport and industry as a node for transmitting rotation at a variable angle.

Despite its wide distribution, its recognition is due precisely to automotive use, because everyone imagines what the cardan shaft of a truck or passenger SUV looks like, and many even remember the rear-wheel drive "classic" of the Soviet automobile industry.

Rice. 1 cardan shaft. Appearance

Let me remind you that we will consider this unit, as usual, in terms of the features of its operation and, of course, lubricants for its maintenance.

Rice. 2 The device of the cross of the cardan shaft

1 - cross,

2 - sealing ring,

3 - radial-face seal,

4 - needle-shaped rolling bodies,

5 - end washer,

6 - a cup of a needle bearing,

7 - retaining ring

What are the features of the operation of the cardan cross and the needle bearing at its base?

To do this, remember that a needle bearing is a kind of roller bearing, the rolling elements of which are rollers of very small diameter relative to their length. Although this imposes some restrictions on lubricants, these are basically ordinary lubricants for rolling bearings.

The small diameter of the needle-shaped roller only excludes the use of lubricants with solid tribological additives that have a crystalline structure. The fact is that graphite or molybdenum disulfide during the operation of a needle bearing can cause wedging of the needles, leading to increased wear of the bearing.

The main features of the operation of the cardan cross are high specific pressures due to the large transmitted torque, as well as an unstable elastohydrodynamic friction mode. Both of these circumstances predetermine the use of lubricants based on medium- and high-viscosity base oils of 150-220 cSt (at 40⁰С).

Rice. 3 Cross of the cardan shaft

Rice. 4 Needle bearing

The most famous grease for crosses in our country is grease No. 158. There is no need to present a product surrounded by legends and endowed with non-existent virtues. What was not attributed to this ordinary from a modern point of view automotive lubricant. The only reasonable advantage of the 158th was that it was produced on MS-20 base oil, which is considered aviation.

I don’t know how indirect belonging to winged technology elevated this lubricant in the eyes of auto mechanics, but out of all the “aviation” base oil MS-20 gave it good viscosity-temperature properties, and a kinematic viscosity of 220 cSt at 40⁰С - optimal viscosity-load properties. It was later that greases with a base oil viscosity of 220 cSt became so firmly established in automotive technology that it became difficult to imagine anything else.

By the way, the beautiful blue color of the 158th gives a special pigment - copper phthalocyanine, which gives the grease some tribological properties. Alas, by today's standards, this tribology is clearly not enough, and modern lubricants are alloyed with modern highly effective antiwear and extreme pressure additives. And the beautiful blue color that has become a traditional marker of universal automotive lubricants is provided simply by a blue dye. It has no functional purpose.

As an example of a modern lubricant for cardan crosses, consider a blue automotive lubricant popular in Russia from the company ARGO. Here are its characteristics:

Characteristic
Thickener
Operating temperature range, ºС
Lubricant classification

Cross Grease ensures the normal operation of its bearings, and also increases the duration of their operation. It should have the ability to be used in highly loaded mechanisms, as well as water-repellent and anti-corrosion properties. Currently, there are various options for such lubricants on the market - from Liqui Moly, a lubricant for universal joint crosses "158" popular since Soviet times, a product from Mobil and others. The choice should be based on their performance, availability and price.

Some car enthusiasts choose propeller shaft grease based on its color alone. In fact, this is the wrong approach! The use of color pigments in the composition of the lubricant is only a marketing ploy of individual manufacturers. At the end of this material, a rating of cross-bearing lubricants popular with domestic motorists is presented. He will help you make your choice.

Grease name	Brief description and features	Package volume, ml/mg	Package price as of autumn 2018, rubles
Liqui Moly Mehrzweckfett	Grease for lubrication of rolling and plain bearings, cardan crosses operating under normal loads, at medium and high temperatures. Possesses excellent water resistance and degree of sticking to a working surface of a detail. It has a wide temperature range from -30°С to +125°С.	400	400
Grease "158"	Old Soviet grease, specially designed for laying in crosses. It has excellent performance and durability. The temperature range of the grease is from -40°С to +120°С, its short-term overheating is allowed.	Produced by various manufacturers, in different containers.	800 ml costs about 200 rubles
FIOL-2U	Domestic grease used for crosses, CV joints and various needle bearings. It contains molybdenum disulfide, which significantly increases extreme pressure properties.	It is produced by various manufacturers, therefore it is packaged in different containers.	500 ml costs approximately 150 rubles
	Calcium-based grease, water-resistant. It has very good characteristics, is universal.	90 ml; 200 ml; 400 ml; 8 kg	55 rubles; 140 rubles; 270 rubles; 5000 rubles.
MOBIL Mobilgrease XHP 222	The grease is intended for industrial and automotive applications in anti-friction bearings, chassis components, universal joint crosses, ball joints and hub bearings in vehicles with disc brakes.	395	480
ABRO Super Red	It is a grease designed for use in highly loaded units and assemblies. Eliminates squeaking and creates conditions for the bearing to run more smoothly.	400	200
Mannol Universal Multi-MoS2 Grease EP2	It is a universal lubricant, it can also be used for CV joints. Very good grease, does not harden and does not flow out of the cross.	400	160

What should be the lubricant for the crosspieces

To date, the market offers a fairly wide range of different lubricants for crosspieces from different manufacturers. When choosing, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the price and brand celebrity, but also to the performance of the product. In particular, a good lubricant should have the following parameters:

• high water-repellent and anticorrosive properties;
• function normally in a wide range of changing pressures and temperatures (in particular, withstand high pressure and temperature);
• have good stickiness, which will allow the lubricant to remain on the surfaces of the part even with strong vibration and high rotational speeds;
• have high colloidal, chemical and mechanical stability, do not change its composition during operation, withstand mechanical shock loads well;
• do not thicken with a significant drop in ambient temperature;
• if possible, increase the mileage interval for replacing the lubricant of the crosses (or other related components and assemblies, this will save money for the car owner);
• must be compatible with mineral lithium greases commonly used in the lubrication of transmission units;
• must be safe for the human body.

That is, ideally, a good lubricant should have the listed properties. The rest of the selection parameters mainly relate to the ratio of price and quality, ease of use, preferred brand.

How often should you lubricate?

Regular replacement of the lubricant in the cross bearing is a guarantee that the cardpn will serve for a long time and in optimal mode, and this, in turn, will allow the car owner to save on replacement parts, as well as to operate the car normally. Naturally, the total resource of the driveshaft cross depends on its structural features, car model, operating conditions and the quality of the materials used in its production.

It is believed that the approximate mileage for which the crosspiece is designed is about 500 thousand kilometers. However, the lubricant in it needs to be changed much more often. The period of its replacement also depends on the factors listed above, however, approximately it must be carried out after the next 30 ... 50 thousand kilometers. If we are talking about an SUV or a car that is often used in conditions of high humidity, when driving through puddles, mud, rain, snow, and so on, then you need to inject (lubricate) the crosspiece every 10 ... 20 thousand kilometers. For exact lubrication intervals, please refer to your machine's manual or to additional specialized resources on the Internet.

In some cases, if there are clear signs that a lubricant needs to be changed, this procedure should be performed as soon as possible. So, the features mentioned are:

• noise (whistling, hum, clicks, rattle) coming from the cross of the cardan shaft (shafts for all-wheel drive vehicles);
• vibration while driving at high speed (approximately more than 60 km / h), and / or while starting the car from a place (and the more the crosspiece is worn out, the greater the vibration level will be);
• a metallic crunch or grinding sound emanating from the crosspiece.

If one or more of the following conditions occur, and even more so if lubrication has not been carried out for a long time, it is recommended to perform the lubrication procedure with one of the lubricants listed below.

What is used for lubrication

A set of tools for lubricating the universal joint cross

The set of tools and tools used for the lubrication of the cross / crosses depends on the method of its implementation. There are two of them - with and without dismantling the cardan shaft. It is worth mentioning that the first method, although it is more time-consuming, also allows you to achieve a better result, since it can be used to visually control not only the amount of lubricant, but also the way it is laid, the quality of filling the lubricated cavity. Lubrication without dismantling is much easier, but even with it there is a risk that the lubricant will not spread completely throughout the volume, and therefore the quality of lubrication will remain in question. Lubrication of the cross must be done by first driving the car into an inspection hole or lifting it on a lift (more suitable for service stations or car service).

So, in order to lubricate the cross without dismantling the cardan shaft, you will need:

• directly lubrication for the cross;
• a lever syringe with an oiler where grease is placed;
• adapter for a syringe (optional, used if the oiler is in an inconvenient place for filling it).

In case you still decide to dismantle the cardan shaft from the machine, then in addition to the tools listed above, you will also need additional locksmith tools, with which, in fact, you will need to dismantle. Usually these are wrenches, screwdrivers, sometimes a hammer. The procedure for dismantling the cardan shaft will differ for different models of machines, however, remember that the cardan is a rather heavy part, so when dismantling it, be sure to follow the safety rules!

Remember that the procedure for dismantling the propeller shaft involves contact with dirty surfaces and just dirt (grease). Therefore, it is advisable to have rags on hand, but it is better to work with gloves. After work, you can use special ones.

Different machines have a different arrangement of oilers on the crosspieces. This needs to be clarified further in the technical documentation. The bearing must be stuffed with oil until the old grease flows from under the seals or from the opposite hole of the oiler (usually it differs in consistency, composition and color). In the future, the old grease must be removed from the surface of the transmission parts.

If the cross is very dirty, then it is better to clean it with or other similar cleaners. This will be a good preventive measure to ensure that dirt from the outer surfaces of the parts does not get inside the bearings.

Rating of the best lubricants for crosspieces

Based on tests and reviews on the Internet, our team has compiled a rating of the best lubricants for crosspieces used by motorists. This list is non-commercial and does not endorse any of the products it lists. If you have anything to add or have had any experience (both positive and negative) with any cross lube, please share it in the comments.

Some automakers directly indicate which brand of grease should be used for the cross. If such information is not provided, then universal formulations can be used.

Liqui Moly Mehrzweckfett

Liqui Moly Mehrzweckfett grease is perhaps one of the best and most popular greases for crosspieces, not only among domestic, but also among foreign car owners. It is positioned by the manufacturer as such - a lubricant for lubricating rolling and sliding bearings, cardan crosses operating under normal loads, at medium and high temperatures. It has a yellow-brown color. Possesses excellent water resistance and degree of sticking to a working surface of a detail. Serves in a wide temperature range from -30°С to +125°С. Drop point - +190°C. According to NLGI, it has a second viscosity class. Produced on the basis of lithium soap with thickener Li-12 Oxystearate. Grease conforms to the German industrial standard - DIN 51502 K2K-30. In addition to automotive, it can also be used in various industrial equipment.

Numerous reviews and forum posts from motorists who have used and use this composition suggest that it really has excellent performance, does not thicken or leak. Accordingly, it is unequivocally recommended for use in any cars, both domestic and foreign production.

It is sold in packages of three volumes - 400 ml, 5 liters and 25 liters. The article of the most popular 400 ml package is 7562. Its price as of autumn 2018 is about 400 rubles.

Grease "158"

Grease "158" is still an old Soviet development (invented in the late 1970s), designed specifically for laying in the crosspiece of cars that have been mothballed for a long time (for example, in military equipment, trucks and even tanks). Its main advantage is the ability not to change its state of aggregation (not clumping) for a long time. Currently, this lubricant is produced by various enterprises in different CIS countries, the most popular of which are: Agrinol, Lukoil, ExpertOil, Ravenol. The external feature of the lubricant is its blue color, which is provided by the pigment - copper phthalocyanine, which plays the role of a thickener and antioxidant additive, which, by the way, is poisonous.

According to the description, grease "158" can be used in automotive electrical equipment (generators, starters, magnetos), where it ensures the operation of rolling bearings without a change for several years. This eliminates the need for periodic lubrication of such units during the operation of cars and tractors. It is also laid in the needle bearings of universal joints of non-constant angular velocity. This lithium-potassium grease is based on MS-20 viscous aviation oil. Fairly soft, in addition to copper phthalocyanine, it also contains rosin. NLGI class: 1/2. The temperature range of the grease is from -40°С to +120°С, its short-term overheating is allowed. Dropping point - +132°С.

Modern formulations, as well as Soviet stocks, show that the lubricant does an excellent job with the tasks assigned to it, so it can be used everywhere for almost any car. Moreover, not only for the lubrication of the crosses, but also for other bearings that fall under the description. Lubrication can not be changed for 300 thousand kilometers. Another significant advantage of this lubricant is its low price. But when working with it, you need to be careful, it stains clothes, hands and has a harmful effect on the skin.

It is sold in packages of various volumes (depending on the manufacturer, the article also depends on this). For example, a metal can with a volume of 800 ml costs approximately 200 rubles.

FIOL-2U

FIOL-2U is another domestic development specially designed for lubrication of heavily loaded bearings operating at high and medium speeds, in particular, it can be used to lubricate needle bearings of car driveshaft crosses and CV joints. It is an analogue of Grease No. 158, SHRUS-4 and Litol-24 (however, compared to the latter, it has higher performance indicators).

The advantage of the lubricant is the presence of molybdenum disulfide (5% MoS2) in its composition, which provides increased anti-wear and extreme pressure properties. The basis of the composition is a mixture of petroleum oils thickened with lithium 12-hydroxystearate. Its temperature range is from -40°С to +120°С. Dropping not lower than +185 degrees. Compatible with other calcium and lithium greases. Real tests showed its excellent performance, especially in relation to domestic cars (in particular, VAZs). It has a significant advantage over imported samples - a low price.

Lubricant FIOL-2U has a silver-black color; it is produced, like the previous one, by various enterprises, which is why it is packaged in different packages. The approximate price of a 0.5 liter can is about 150 rubles.

Waterproof lubricant RUBIN MC 1520

One of the leaders in the rating as lubricants for crosspieces is another domestic development from the manufacturer VMPAUTO - waterproof lubricant MC 1520 (RUBIN). In its composition and properties, it is similar to the compositions listed above. Multi-purpose EP-2 grease based on Li-Ca thickener has a red, ruby ​​color. It has good extreme pressure and antiwear properties.

Real tests show that, as claimed by the manufacturer, the grease does not leak or thicken in the cross, even under difficult machine operating conditions. In addition, it has excellent water-repellent properties and excellent adhesion (sticks well to metals and does not wash out). Compatible with calcium and lithium greases. Motorists use it with both domestic and foreign cars. It has excellent mechanical stability. The temperature range is from -40°С to +120°С. Dropping point +175°С. The consistency class according to NLGI, like its analogs, is 2.

It is sold in four different packages - a 90 ml disposable sachet, a 200 ml tube, a 400 ml cartridge and a large euro-bucket package - 8 kg. The article of a small package of 90 ml is 1406. Its price is 55 rubles. The article of the package 200 ml is 1413. Its price is 140 rubles. The article of the package 400 ml is 1407. The price is 270 rubles. The article of a large package is 1403. The price is about 5000 rubles.

MOBIL Mobilgrease XHP 222

MOBIL Blue Mobilgrease XHP 222 is a high quality lithium complex product. According to the manufacturer's description, it can be used not only in road transport, but also in various industrial mechanisms. Designed for use in anti-friction bearings, chassis components, cardan joints, ball joints and hub bearings in vehicles with disc brakes.

Possesses excellent temperature and operational characteristics. Thus, the lubricant belongs to the second category according to the NLGI classification, the temperature range is from -25°С to +150°С (a short-term temperature rise to +175°С is allowed). It has the highest dropping point, namely + 280 ° C, but, unfortunately, at a temperature of 250 degrees it begins to burn.

Using a car, Chevrolet Niva, many people forget that the driveshaft cross must be lubricated, and this must be done according to the regulations every 15,000 km. And if the car is often operated in an environment such as puddles, sand, etc., then it is advisable to inject them more often. Most car owners do this without removing it from the car, so the cross is not well lubricated, and in order to do this correctly, it is advisable to remove it. Standard syringes have an oiler in an inconvenient place, and a special adapter may be required for operation, which is not stable enough. During injection using an adapter, grease for the propshaft crosspieces may begin to flow from the joints, and if it flows at the junction of the oiler with the adapter, an illusion may be created that the crosspiece injection is done properly. To lubricate as needed, spray until lubricant flows through all the seals of the cross. Therefore, in order to be sure that the injection was carried out qualitatively, the cardan must be removed.

Cardan has several points that need to be lubricated, these are:

• A pair of Persian oilers, they are on the crosspiece
• One lubricator located near the spline connection, so it can be lubricated without removing

There are different types, for example, you can use mobil xhp 222, below is a table and already decide on it what you should choose.

How to remove the cross

In order to make the removal, it is necessary to prepare a standard set of keys, then we perform the following series of actions:

• We drive vehicles onto a flyover or viewing hole
• We take the key to 13 and unscrew the bolts on which the cardan is attached, we do this with one key, since the bolts will not turn. In the process of turning, it is necessary to avoid the stop of the nut in the mud rings, since if the slot comes off or deformation occurs, then a metallic tinkling will appear during the ride.
• When the cardan is removed, it should be syringed, after having been cleaned of dirt with a grease fitting. Syringe should be until a new lubricant comes out from everywhere.
• To install the cardan in place, put it in a vertical position, and press a little, this must be done in order for the excess to come out of the spline connection, and the internal pressure subsides, and it will be difficult to put it in place.

In order to lubricate the bearings of the cross, it is enough to remove the protective cap from the grease fitting and, while pumping grease with a syringe, lubricate until the grease begins to come out of all four bearings.

Therefore, it is necessary to do this procedure, otherwise the cross will fail, and you will have to buy a new one, and this is a rather costly business.

The cardan drive of any car is subjected to a specific load, which mainly falls on the needle bearings of the articulated mechanism. For its maintenance, not only a special lubricant for the crosses is required, but also a certain tool. The further operation of the car depends on this and a number of other factors.

The term "cardan shaft" began to be used from the time Gerolamo Cardano became interested in this knot. Since then, the unit has been called that and nothing else.

Cardan drive device and its role

The main task of the driveshaft is to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels. It provides a connection between the output shaft of the gearbox and the drive shaft of the rear or front axle. This is in cases with rear or front wheel drive. In all-wheel drive models, the front and rear axle shafts are connected to the transfer case shafts.

The main node of this connection is a hinge, in which, in turn, there is an equally important detail - a cross. And as you can understand from the name, it is made in the form of a cross. Each end has a cup with a needle bearing, which is separated from the body by a rubber or plastic o-ring. In the absence of lubrication for universal joints and bearings, they quickly fail. The size of the crosspiece is different for each car.

Diagnostics

Carrying out any repairs is impossible without a preliminary diagnosis of the car. And since the cross is the central link in the driveline, it is worth taking a more responsible approach to its inspection.

The error usually appears:

• noise
• whistling;
• buzz;
• strong vibration;
• clicks;
• metallic screeching or crackling.

This can be especially felt when starting off, or while the vehicle is moving, or when changing gears. In some cases, a malfunction can be hidden, so it is extremely important to detect a breakdown in a timely manner.

Currently, in many car services, diagnostics of car parts, including the hodovka, is carried out using modern equipment. This allows you to quickly and with maximum accuracy detect a breakdown and determine whether there is grease for the crosses or not at all. Depending on this, one or another method of elimination is selected.

Consequences of ignoring the fault

It is worth noting that if any detected breakdown is not eliminated, then the consequences may be different. And since we are talking about a driveline in this case, ignoring a breakdown can threaten the life and safety of the driver and passengers. And in some cases, the consequences are irreversible.

You need to be responsible to yourself, as not only the driver himself is at risk, but also the surrounding road users. And if a car enthusiast is used to neglecting himself and the car, then everyone else should not suffer because of this.

Simple procedure

It is most convenient to inspect the cardan shaft in a pit or drive the car onto a lift. Next, you need to set the box lever to the neutral position and you can go directly to the visual inspection.

Particular attention should be shown when evaluating the technical condition of the seals and the hinge. Then, holding the cross with your hand, try to scroll the cardan. If play is detected, which is very easy to notice, the part needs to be replaced. If noises and squeaks are heard during the rotation of the cardan, most likely the crosspiece itself is in order and the grease for the crosspieces needs to be changed.

It is worth noting that there are two cruciform parts and it is necessary to inspect each. And since the maximum loads are applied to the rear cardan, this crosspiece suffers most often. In addition, during the movement of the car, moisture and dirt get into the rear cardan.

As you can see, the whole procedure for inspecting the cardan is simple. It is possible to do it yourself. But in any case, it is better to contact a specialist if possible, as he can give useful recommendations.

List of major faults

Usually, the crosspiece in the driveline serves for a long time, and its resource is calculated for about 500 thousand kilometers. However, in reality, everything is not so and the cross after 50-100 thousand km already needs to be replaced. And this is influenced by a number of factors:

• terms of Use;
• manufacturer;
• the quality of the materials used.

Frequent movements in the countryside also contribute. Dirt and potholes - all this significantly reduces the already short period of operation of the hinge. Here, lubrication alone for the propeller shaft crosses will not be enough.

The list of the most common frog failures includes the usual inattention during a scheduled inspection. In some cases, the lack of lubrication is not given due importance. And subsequently the crosspiece will make itself felt accordingly.

Other common faults include the following:

• there is a noticeable play of the cross;
• the needle bearing wears out;
• wear of the cross itself occurs;
• leaked lubricant or its complete absence;
• destruction of sealing rings;
• while the car is moving, you can hear a metallic ringing;
• crackling is heard in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe cardan joint.

No matter how reliable the crosspiece is, sooner or later it fails. In this regard, the best option for the prevention of this part is to inspect it every 10-15 thousand kilometers. It also does not hurt to make sure that there is lubrication for the crosspieces.

And for those motorists, in particular, who own jeeps, who like to take mud baths, it is worth checking the condition of the driveline after each such trip.

Needle bearing features

In addition to the cross, the cardan drive also includes another necessary element - a needle bearing, which is a type of roller product. Its main distinguishing feature is the size of the bearing, which allows, if necessary, to do without the inner ring. This is achieved due to the ability to withstand a large axial load.

The use of a needle bearing implies some restrictions on the use of lubricants. When deciding which cross lubrication is better, it is not allowed to use products with solid additives that have a crystalline structure. It's all about graphite or molybdenum disulfide, which are usually added to some lubricant formulations. These components can lead to wedging of the needles, which leads to increased wear of the part.

Cardan service

High-quality service of cardan transmission consists in timely lubrication of parts. Usually, for lubrication, many masters at the service station use a special oiler with a convenient spout for access to hard-to-reach parts. As an alternative to this tool, a conventional syringe is used. The lubricant itself must be of high quality and only from a well-known manufacturer.

Lubricant manufacturers endow their products with high performance properties, including versatility. For example, the Liqui Moly product for lubricating crosses and bearings. For older cars, there were strict requirements regarding the types of lubricants. Now the situation has become much simpler. However, it is better to purchase products whose characteristics are best suited for lubricating driveshaft parts.

Features of the cardan lubrication process

As a rule, cardan lubrication is carried out right on the spot, that is, without removing it from the car. Theoretically, there is nothing complicated here, but in reality, difficulties inevitably arise during the process. First of all, when using a syringe, a dangerous illusion can be created. The fact is that a minimal view gives rise to a false feeling that the lubricant has got where it is needed, although in reality it is not. The seals should literally bathe in grease.

Also, do not use a product that, due to inaccuracy, accidentally spilled onto the floor. As a result, with contact with another surface, Liqui Moly (or any other) grease for crosses loses sterility, which is unacceptable.

In most cases, the process is delayed for an indefinite period of time. Often in the following days, the work is completely forgotten. Therefore, it is desirable to completely dismantle the connection. This will make it possible to make a better visual diagnosis of the cardan and lubricate its parts well. After that, it remains to install everything in its place.

One of the best

One of the best lubrication products for gimbal crosses is Liqui Moly brand grease. As the manufacturer himself assures, lithium soap-based grease is ideal for servicing propeller shaft crosses. It is also suitable for the lubrication of plain and rolling bearings that operate under normal conditions and at medium and high temperatures.

Lithium grease for propeller shaft crosspieces contains special components and additives, which increases its resource. The versatility of the product allows it to provide good sealing. In addition, there are other benefits:

• increased stability in conditions of high humidity and dust;
• resistance to hot or cold water;
• reduced friction of lubricated parts;
• the tool has a good ability to absorb compression.

You can also highlight the resistance to aging and corrosion. As for the operating temperature range, it ranges from -30 to +125°C.

Blue remedy number 158

In the days of the USSR, blue grease for crosspieces "158" based on a lithium-potassium complex was in great demand. At present, greases using a lithium thickener have begun to be produced. This made it possible to significantly increase the upper operating temperature range, which is now +165°C or more.

A characteristic distinguishing feature, as it can be understood, is the shade of grease at number 158. However, this does not say anything specifically about the properties. For a number of manufacturers, this step is justified in order to identify products and give them an attractive presentation.

In European countries, pigments are used for this, which color the lubricant not blue, but green or red. The color version may also differ if, for example, the same grease for Liqui Moly gimbal crosses is ordered by different suppliers.

Successful advertising

Thanks to the efforts of many marketers, blue grease is now a sign of versatility and high quality. For the first time, a blue-tinted lubricant was released by ExxonMobil and Chevron in the west. The product unexpectedly showed its best side under normal operating conditions of almost any equipment.

Now blue lubricants are already the standard of quality. They are especially popular in the Russian Federation. They are widely used in servicing not only various types of transport (automobile, railway, water, tractor, special equipment), but also various industrial equipment. And the question of what kind of lubricant to inject the crosses is solved by itself.

Lack of lubrication in at least one of the cardan shaft bearings or if traces of rust, water or dirt appear in the lubrication indicate the need for inspection and repair of the shaft in a specialized workshop. To avoid possible malfunctions of cardan shafts associated with insufficient lubrication of its elements, it is necessary to correctly and timely inject all lubricating points of the shaft. The shaft should be lubricated with a grease fitting until the safety valve in the joint operates or until grease appears from under the seals.

For high-quality maintenance of cardan shafts, you cannot do without a syringe and lubricant FIOL-2U. Shafts that operate under severe conditions, often in contact with water and dirt, have a special need for injection. The rear cross of the rear propeller shaft is particularly susceptible to these aggressive environments, as it is closest to the road surface. Many motorists do not pay due attention to the lubrication of the driveshaft, mistakenly believing that it is enough to lubricate it once a year without removing it from the car.

Lubrication of the propeller shaft cross has its own characteristics. The main thing is that the maximum lubrication efficiency is achieved only when the part is removed or an adapted syringe is used, since the cross is located in a hard-to-reach place. A regular syringe can also be used, but requires an adapter. But using an adapter is not recommended, because due to the limited view and the connection between the syringe and the adapter, lubricant may leak out in the wrong place, creating the illusion that everything is done correctly. Lubrication must be carried out until the grease is in all the seals.

When using an adapter, a large amount of lubricant does not enter the cross. Motorists don't always bother going for extra FIOL, so they either use the grease that fell on the floor, or just leave everything as it is. At the same time, it must be remembered that it is almost impossible to assess the condition of the cross without removing it. This is an additional factor in favor of the fact that the cross should be lubricated in the removed state, since it becomes possible not only to lubricate, but also to assess the state of the cross.

All cardan shafts have three injection points. First of all, this is an oiler, which is located near the spline connection. The remaining two points are two grease fittings on the crosses.

How to lubricate the cardan shaft? First you need to remove it and clean the grease fittings from dirt. Then you can proceed to lubrication, while remembering that applying excessive force here will not be the best solution. It is necessary to achieve uniform penetration of the lubricant into all parts of the mechanism, and strong pressure can cause the lubricant to go only one way. After greasing, it is necessary to stand the shaft vertically and slightly press on it so that excess grease comes out of the spline connection. If this is not done, then the reverse installation of the cardan on the car will be difficult due to excess lubrication pressure.