Grease / Oil or Both

border · Jun 17, 2021

On doing my front axle, just about ready to do the swivel housing with Railko and bearing. using this kit Full Kit With Swivel Housing (LATE) | Swivel Parts | Front Axle | Axle | Series 2 and 3 | Parts & Accessories - Paddock Spares
Now after reading a few threads and other things , some people say dont put the grease in , just oil.
Surely grease will be needed in the ball where half shaft spins as in Defenders.
Not sure what to do now.

kevstar · Jun 17, 2021

I used grease 6 years ago when I done a mega rebuild still minted

border · Jun 17, 2021

kevstar said:
I used grease 6 years ago when I done a mega rebuild still minted

Was it a series mate ? there seems to be something bothering people about using grease in series obviously there is ep 90 in the diffs

kermit_rr · Jun 17, 2021

Grease will be good for the CV in a defender, would have thought oil would be better for the UV in a series. Any grease would get washed off by the oil in any case?

border · Jun 17, 2021

kermit_rr said:
Grease will be good for the CV in a defender, would have thought oil would be better for the UV in a series. Any grease would get washed off by the oil in any case?

Thats what a few have mentioned on other threads and forums.
So do they just fill diff with the usual diff oil and let it run through in to half shaft where UJs are fitted to lubricate everything, just wonder why they put the one shot grease in the kits for if not needed.

lynall · Jun 18, 2021

Had grease in mine for years, its an early axle with the spring loaded cones so no rialkos, been no issues.

kermit_rr · Jun 18, 2021

My swivels have oil filler plugs

Turboman · Jun 18, 2021

border said:
Thats what a few have mentioned on other threads and forums.
So do they just fill diff with the usual diff oil and let it run through in to half shaft where UJs are fitted to lubricate everything, just wonder why they put the one shot grease in the kits for if not needed.

I usually use the oil, but have often used the grease as well, both are fine.

The reason they went to grease is that you can be a bit more tolerant of leaky seals and pitted balls with the grease.

There is no problem with using both, they just mix in the housing. Make sure you never exceed the level of the filler/level plug whichever you use.

Turboman · Jun 18, 2021

lynall said:
Had grease in mine for years, its an early axle with the spring loaded cones so no rialkos, been no issues.

The grease is fine with Railko bushes as well.

divie · Jun 18, 2021

I don't suppose it really matters but I favour EP90 oil. The railco relies on splash lubrication, hence the need to lock up the freewheeling hubs often.
I modify the top kingpin to take a grease nipple + drill a hole/turn a groove and add a cross hole for the grease. The odd squirt with the grease gun gives peace of mind and the grease just mixes in with the oil.

Blackburn · Jun 18, 2021

The grease gets as thin as the oil when driving have grease in mine usually top up with some oil as easier to add when checking level. Never had and issue with top pin running dry.

Turboman · Jun 18, 2021

Blackburn said:
The grease gets as thin as the oil when driving have grease in mine usually top up with some oil as easier to add when checking level. Never had and issue with top pin running dry.

I agree. The "grease" is in fact pretty thin, especially when hot. I suspect it is actually oil mixed with a bit of graphited or similar grease, which would also account for the dark greenish colour.

TS2304 · Jun 18, 2021

divie said:
hence the need to lock up the freewheeling hubs often

how often is often? I do mine every couple of months since replacing oil with one shot - is that enough you reckon?

Turboman · Jun 18, 2021

TS2304 said:
how often is often? I do mine every couple of months since replacing oil with one shot - is that enough you reckon?

I never unlock them at all. Complete waste of time.

tottot · Jun 18, 2021

Free wheel hubs are not a complete waist of time, something to stand on to look in engine bay.

Turboman · Jun 18, 2021

tottot said:
Free wheel hubs are not a complete waist of time, something to stand on to look in engine bay.

They are also quite useful for locating the wheel during wheel changes, they hold it up while you turn it round to get the studs behind the holes!

But as regards their stated purpose of saving fuel, I am doubtful.

TS2304 · Jun 18, 2021

I have found that the mpg does increase slightly with them off - enough to make a difference on my daily drive with fuel the price it is today so I only engage them when needed or for lubrication.

border · Jun 18, 2021

The one shot stuff is quite thin and runny as some have mentioned. Will pack them in first then see how it goes, mind you it will still be a while before its driving.
New oil seals in the axle ends so hopefully stop the ep 90 getting through and mixing the 2 together.

Grease / Oil or Both

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