Section : Rear Axle

Rear axle, brakes, wheels and tyres.

Which way should my nipples be facing?

Posted By : Andrew Stanton, 19-Feb-2006, 08:08pm

Now I have your undivided attention, I'm just about to replace the universal joints on my half shafts.

The ones I've bought have a grease nipple on them. The original ones did not.

A friend has helpfully told me that it is crucial which way the nipples are facing, but then unhelpful forgot which way it should be.

So, here's my question. Are the grease nipples on the inboard or outboard side of the universal joint when you fit it to your half shaft?

Thanks in anticipation,

Followups :

Which way should my nipples be facing?

Posted By : Chris Taylor, 19-Feb-2006, 09:45pm

I think I am right in saying that you should not leave the grease nipples in situ when fitted to the car as they can foul when the axles fully articulate. They should be used to pump grease in and then replaced with blanking screws.
If there IS clearance for them, then I cannot immediately see why they should be fitted better in one position than another.
I can only suggest that you turn the shaft right round through a full turn (making sure the joint articulates; imagine the flange is on the diff and the drive shaft at an angle and you will see how you need to hold each part while you turn. Might be better with two people?) with the joint "bent" to its maximum and see if anything fouls.
Which way should my nipples be facing?

Posted By : William Davies, 19-Feb-2006, 09:56pm

The nipples need to face towards the propshaft, there is not adequate clearance to get the grease fitting past the flange if orientated that way. Once the assembly is greased, remove the nipples and fit a blanking plug for before use. There shouldn't be an issue with clearance on a propshaft, however a nipple can cause balance problems. In the case of a driveshaft, the nipple will make contact with the yoke on deflection of the suspension,
Cheers,
Bill.
- Which way should my nipples be facing?
  
  Posted By : Andrew Stanton, 19-Feb-2006, 11:05pm
  
  The UJs I am referring to are on the half shafts, not on the drive shaft!
  
  Inboard or Outboard?
  - Which way should my nipples be facing?
    
    Posted By : Ian Mulford, 19-Feb-2006, 11:26pm
    
    As Bill said, towards the propshaft so inboard.
    - Which way should my nipples be facing?
      
      Posted By : Andrew Stanton, 19-Feb-2006, 11:38pm
      
      Thanks for clarifying that!
      
      So it's nipples inboard!
      
      Thanks everyone