Ram 2500 Double Cardan Joint - How it works - How I grease it
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- One of the most beloved maintenance items on RAM 4 x 4's. Why it's needed and how to maintain it. This is the grease tip you want for this: LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL 5803 GREASE NEEDLE NOZZLE. You can get it at Autozone, O'Reilly's, etc....
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Marion is my " go to source" on 4th gen maintenance. His videos has helped me keep my 2018 RAM healthy and problem free. Great job and I thank you for your knowledge.
Hearing Marion say “this big donkey dock here” made me laugh a lot harder than it should have
Got me a '16 2500 single axle 6.7L and just gotta tell you that yours is best and thorough vids. I just purchased my first Cummins. Thank you!
The first time I found this grease fitting on my 3rd gen, I painted on the driveshaft “GREASE -->” with a huge arrow pointing to it. It’s amazingly hard to find and that’s why this is something that will never ever get done unless you do it yourself. There’s not a lube tech in the world that would ever grease this fitting but it’s such a crucial thing to do.
You're right. When I first got my 4th gen Ram I noticed this maintenance item in my manual and asked the local dealership service guy about it and he didn't know what I was talking about.
Thanks to this video I have been able to grease mine. The local dodge dealer and my general diesel mechanic don’t believe me when I try to get them to lube this when it’s in for service. They try and tell me there are no lube zerks on the u-joints there, I then explain that I’m not talking about the u-joints, I’m talking about the centering device on the double Cardan joint. The mechanics just stare at me like a deer in headlights.
Appreciate the video. I traded in my 2017 for a 2020 and I am so happy to see they have eliminated this joint with a sealed and booted design.
Oh, I didn't know that. That's great news! thanks.
I don't know if "sealed" is a good thing. Chevy tried that with their ball joints in their trucks back in the 80s and that didn't work. I like the ability to lubricate my moving/friction parts.
Good cause I was stressing about it already
When I read sealed. It just reads as non-servicrable to me. I'd prefer the zerk and just make sure it is serviced.
@shiznit93274 Thanks for letting me know the 2020 has a sealed boot. I got under my 2019 truck today to grease the joint, but I wasn't able to find the zerk. It looks like a sealed boot, so I am glad you confirmed.
I love your videos and your humor Marion. Thanks a bunch for making these videos! I have a 2016 2500 mega cab and don’t trust stealerships.
After having owned my truck since the beginning of covid i didnt even know about this til probably a week ago today. Totally freaked me out that id driven all this time and didnt know but a few things i learned. First i did confirm (at least on my truck 2013 3500 6.7 turbo diesel) that unless my 4WD is engaged, the u-joints aren't moving. I tested this out to make sure. And the ONLY time i ever engage 4WD is at the boat ramp when taking the boat out of the water, and if the ramp isnt that steep i leave it in 2WD. Nonetheless after watching this video i was determined to get this done asap so i got the grease gun, the Lincoln 5803 needle fitting, and the Lucas oil Red & Tacky grease tube. I went ahead and carefully bent the tip of the needle fitting as i noticed its really tight getting it in there properly. I found the area where the fitting is (tho i still couldn't see it) and sprayed the are with some PB blaster to clean it up a little. Finally i went for it and hes right that when you stick it up right on the fitting and press hard you can sort of feel it lock into place. Did 3 to 4 pumps and yes when you spin the shaft around to the other side you can see some grease coming out. After complete i turned the truck on, engaged 4WD, and drove slowly arounr my house as to make sure the grease had circulated (tho i dont think this is necessary). Needless to say i feel much better now so thanks for this video. 👍👍
I appreciate all your videos. helping me maintain my 2017
Wow!! Loved the animation on how it actually is built and works!! Thanks!!!
Thanks again for your great video! Most informative, no BS videos on UA-cam....
A "Donkey Dick." That's a new one for me. Hilarious!!!
Hi Marion,
What type of grease are you using? Thanks for the great videos and words of wisdom, I really appreciate your time and thoughts.
I use Mobil One synthetic although it's overkill. Any wheel bearing grade grease will suffice.
Actually found where this grease point was a while back. But I always look at your video so I attack it from the right angle & am not searching for . Pretty easy once you find and have the correct tool ( I like the pistol grip one hand gun )
Thank you
I was hoping I could get away without this. Changing my u joints and destroyed this guy! We’ll, guess the the drive shaft isn’t going in today. Thanks for the easy explanation. Exactly what I was looking for. Cheers
Great graphics. I had no idea about the centering shaft.
Glad it was helpful!
I didn't either, I'm also a Jeep guy and I'm used to a centering ball like the TJ has.
Thanks for sharing. Hard to get at little bugger. Looks like you need to bend the tip in order to get the right angle.
So there is no fitting or zerk just greasing the joint and make sure I get grease squeeze out on the back side? Thanks
Right, or just 3 or 4 pumps with the grease gun.
OMG, that thing was impossible. especially laying on the back on a creeper. used a hypo needle valve tip on a flexible line on a mini pistol grip. Once i found the damn thing, and after 2 trips to the parts store to get the attachments, it was 5 minutes to grease. lifting the drivers side wheel to rotate the driveshaft made all the difference. thx for this very helpful vid. I kinda was ignoring that little sticker under the hood...hopefully I didn't go too long and damaged the goddam thing.
You didn't, it doesn't move when you're not using it. I've seen them with 80K and never greased, ha.
Yes, hypo needle was what some other tuber used. I killed my neck on a creeper also. Not happy.
The front driveshaft had a grease fitting because it moves whenever the wheels spin. This needs to be greased every 7500 miles of you’re driving a 4th gen. Be careful
I bought the Lincoln 5806 6" Grease Needle Nozzle 1/8" NPT Female Thread from ebay and you can grease the joint without bending the needle and I was able to use my grease gun that has the flexible hose, I have a 2018 2500 and it has the manual shift for the transfer case so my shaft doesn't turn all the time but only when it's in 4 wheel drive. I have read in some of the comments that the shaft turns all the time but that's not true. If you can't turn your shaft by hand without your front tires off the ground then you don't have to worry as much about the joint compared to one that turns all the time but I still grease mine every time I chg my oil.
Marion are you using an 18 gauge needle? I may have to pull my driveshaft. I can't seem to get the needle in to lube it. I'm wondering if it's clogged from all the mud and snow i was in last year up here in the NW.
www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Lubrication-5803-Grease-Needle/dp/B0002SR6XE/ref=asc_df_B0002SR6XE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241975700326&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7747235393834290783&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9025237&hvtargid=pla-449090643739&psc=1
Just recently had a chance to chat with a Drive line specialists.
He claimed if you don’t use your four-wheel-drive very often it’s best to at least give this joint at least a couple squirts every year due to this joint actually flexes or moves up and down with the suspension.
If you use your four-wheel-drive quite often it’s best to give this joint for five squirts every oil change at least until fresh grease comes out the back side.
His main advice was just don’t neglect it or when you do need four-wheel-drive bad things are probably going to happen.
Thanks, yes I think that's good advise. Appreciate
I'm new to the Ram 4x4, about 3 months now, I just had my transfer case grenade on me. Blew out pieces all over the road. Now I am out about $3k for parts do to this one bearing not being lubed. I know about this now. I wish the previous owner did too. New transfer case, over drive and front drive shaft.
Yes, I saw the same thing at the dealer once.
🫣😬 similar boat here, what year is your truck? cannot locate tiny hole on my ‘18 2500 🤔🥺
What a coincidence Marion. I looked up your old video on this today. Got my grease gun, the hard-pipe instead of the hose, the Lucas Red n’ tacky- and damned near impossible! I have a 2014 Ram 3500 8’ box crew cab 4x4. You have probably 8” or more extra room near the crossmember than I do. It is a night and day difference. Even if the Lincoln grease tip was 12” long, I don’t think I could get it on the ground. I love your videos but damn, my 3500 fought me on this one
Yea, I feel your pain, ha
This truck shreds my hands. Did a water pump & belts. Hardest truck I have ever worked on
so its ok to just add grease like this, cause i cant find this tiny hole im supposed to add grease too im afraid everything is getting dry
Thumbs up for "donkey dick", that caught me off guard and gave me a good laugh.
I'm sorry, I meant to say if you CAN turn your shaft by hand without your front tires off the ground then you don't have to worry as much about the joint compared to one that turns all the time but I still grease mine every time I chg my oil.
There's little to no movement in the cardan joint with the electronic transfer case since the shaft doesn't turn when not in 4 x 4. Personally, I think every 7500 miles is meant for 100% usage. If you don't use your 4 x 4, IMO every 20K or more is fine. Personal opinion.
I like the curve you put on the needle. I will try this.
Thanks for the vid, it helped me grease mine in no time flat.
Good to hear!
Thanks Marion, as always helpful stuff
What type of grease did you use? As always, another great video! Thank you sir!
Mobil one synthetic but overkill, it's what I had in my grease gun. I use it for my trailer bearings and lots of other things.
Marion, can you tell me if my 2020 Ram has any grease points. I could not find any. I believe the 2019 has one.
None that I know of.
There isn't a zerk on there? Is that a grease needle fitting your using?
No zerk, the Lincoln that I have listed in the comments is recommended
Thank you for your great explanation! ❤
Marion: If I missed it - I apologize.. But since the shaft only turns when the 4WD is engaged - how often do you have intentions of greasing this bastage? I was thinking maybe once before winter - since I only use 4WD during winter use.
Kix Forrest Correction the shaft is free turning and only engages when 4WD is on. You can freely turn the drive shaft with your hand.
Leonard Russo : Yes it is! Learned this years ago with a go pro... As well as with every oil change...
Only when I feel suicidal. ha. Well this is my view on it ua-cam.com/video/V7nn53IZGK4/v-deo.html but the manual says ever 7,500 as you know. If constantly used I would do that but personally, I think once before winter as you mentioned is enough. I've heard of people going 75K without using or greasing it. I rarely use it so it looks like every 15K is what it's worked out for me. If it's not rotating, there's minuscule movement, if any, in that ball and shaft, the way I see it.
Marion Blair I just grease up mine before plow season that’s it. It’s never used other than winter .
Marion Blair: My thoughts as well - even my service mgr agreed with me... It all depends on how much your 4WD system is used...
Looks like you bent the grease needle too. I think I read on a forum site that is what was recommended to make it easier. How did you bend the needle without kinking it?
Very carefully? Ha. A tubing bender. I've done it both ways I guess it helps to have it bent a little bit
Marion-great video. I thought there was a zerk in there but I guess not? I have a 2017 cummins. Always appreciate the help. Dealership did not even know about that being a grease point.
I have a 17 3500 and I cannot find the grease fitting. Next oil change I'm going to pull the front shift and put it on the bench to inspect.
The new trucks don't have it, permanent seals. I think 17's have one?
@@markphilpott8735 did you find the grease fitting on your 17. I have the same truck 41,000 on it now. I haven’t done mine yet, but I figure I’ve probably been in 4 WD maybe 500 miles total.
@@brettegarr8064
Brett, I have not looked for it since. My next oil & filter change will be in about mid December in preparation for a trip to the desert southwest. I'll definitely pull the front shaft and give it a look then.
Make sure to take care of this! Mine just failed at 80mph on the highway. Transfer case, transmission, driveshafts, brake lines all destroyed within seconds as I slid off the road. 2008 ram 2500 6.7L with 203k miles gone just like that
If you lift or level your Ram it puts the double cardan joint in just enough of an angle to where this fitting is almost impossible to access when it is on the bottom.
Did I hear Donkey dick thing referring to the grease gun arrangement? I think I did. Marion, you need to do stand up comedy!! Killin it!! Hahaha!
When I heard your voice, I knew you were from Louisiana! Sounds like you spent some time in Southeast LA!
Yes, a lot, ha
I looked at my 2020 Ram Power Wagon. They updated this joint with a sealed CV joint.
Yes, thank God
I have a 2021 2500 diesel.. when I am turning left or right on an incline (like turning into a parking garage) feels like and sounds like its in 4wd... could this be my problem?
Best guess is the differential. Limited slip issue. What’s the dealer say?
@@MarionBlair Haven't taken it there... crazy expensive for them to even look at it. Is this a big fix?
@@johnpalmer9744 2021 still in warranty? Some say they fix it with oil change and additive
@@MarionBlair it is under warranty.. 70k miles... having all u-joints greased and fluid checked in both transfer cases this morning.
Love your videos. Wondering if you use a weight distribution hitch with your camper, if so you could do a video.
Yes I do.
I have to watch this video everytime I go to grease myn I can never find the hole it’s always covered in my thick undercoat
I'm about to install a Spicer u joint (5-1330-1X) - can I use a multi-purpose Synthetic Polymer grease like waterproof 'Green Grease'?
Not sure but I would think its ok.
Lincoln 5803 needle works great.
happy turkey day. i was changing my trans fluid today and was looking for the grease "hole" and couldnt find it. ive greased other cv joints like this but i see no zerk etc. ive looked at both ends and turned the shaft around looking. any ideas? i have a 2016 3500
The new trucks don't have it but should be there on the transfer case side. It's very hard to see but should be there.
No hole. There is a groove another youtuber shows greasing with a much thinner needle. I tried lubing my 2016 3500 but it would not take. Arrgg. Noone ever did it i assume.
Great video! Appreciate the knowledge.
Glad it was helpful!
Do RAM dealerships grease these when you get a oil change ? Thanks
No, they charge extra but worth it, ha.
I have asked for mine to be changed every single service since new and not one Dodge Dealership has actually greased it
Carlos Flores -update. Was at a Dodge Dealership this morning. The Service Advisors had no idea what I was talking about so I showed them the sticker on the rad support. After speaking with multiple Technicians and the Shop Foreman their response is as follows; Chrysler didn’t provide us with a tool or means to grease this so we just spray oil on it- wow. That’s like having a headache and placing an Aspirin in your belly button hoping it will go in. Absolutely pathetic response from an authorized service provider.
@@policronia this is a sad story...
Did you make the tip on your grease gun or did you buy it. Thanks
Sorry I should have mentioned that. You can get them at any auto parts. It's a LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL 5803 GREASE NEEDLE NOZZLE
Howdy Marion - great video. Just spent 45 minutes crawling around and looking for this lube point on my 2018 - 3500 Cummins dually 4x4 - and could not locate. Do you or anyone out there know whether a 2018 has this fitting for sure? Unfortunately, any money saved on doing this myself will probably be needed to pay the chiropractor at this point ... Thanks!
frank, did u ever get confirmation on this? did the same on my ‘18 2500… cannot locate tiny hole 🤔🤷🏻♂️🫣
my truck has abt 121k mi, but new to me so gettin ‘er checked over… i have the manual n it does say to grease front driveshaft 🤔
@@bravoecho7004 Howdy: After that first effort of trying to locate it, a few days later I put it up on jack stands and had a buddy of mine that is a professional wrench come over and look for it as well: he could not find it either. I have actually "used it" in 4WD once since new, and I have also marked the shaft to see whether it rotates in 2WD (which it does not), so I may eventually take another look in the future for grins ... But, as of right now I have other things to worry about. My manual also says about greasing the joint, as does a sticker on the inner fender - but I sure as heck can't locate it.
@@bravoecho7004 Howdy again: I just had a thought ... does your truck have the electronic/push button type transfer case selector like what is on the higher end models, or is it a manual shifter type one? My truck is a Tradesman (entry model) which has a floor mounted shifter for the transfer case. Maybe the level of trim or the type of selector has something to do with how the shafts on the models of truck are fitted-out (??) Just a brain fart ... On Marions video it does say something about electronic transfer case.
@@frankzaloga6839 hey Frank, thanks for the reply and thoughts👍🏾 i was actually jus out lookin again 🤷🏻♂️ nope got the tradesmen w/floor shift lever 🤓 i do use my 4wd, the last time i did, it bound up, when i shifted back to 2wd, until i let it roll backwards in neutral, abt 30’(vehicle length🫣)
mines a 2500 n heard too many 68rfe horror stories 😬
i’d give my pinkie finger for a 6spd manual…
Is this all Ram 2500’s or any specific year ?
yes all except for I think 19 and 20 they eliminated the grease fitting all together but I'm not positive
Hey amigo siempre que miró sus videos aprendo a mejorar mi ramona 4*4
Muchas gracias por el comentario.
I just did mine today. It sure isn't an easy one to get to.
Does the 2017 model have a fitting?
Yes it does.
@@MarionBlair Marion, I have heard some trucks have a spicer shaft or an AAM shaft and that some have the fitting and some dont. I’m going to look again this is frustrating me!
@@mrt9689 At some point they did eliminate the grease fitting. l I am under the impression that all of the 2017 have it but I could be wrong
@@MarionBlair thank you sir I’m going to check it again.
Is this not a hand-pump grease gun?
@@phutton88 The grease guns is but you’ll need the Lincoln grease needle fitting. It’s a bastardized fitting and won’t take a regular zerk grease attachment.
@@MarionBlair I just got the whole setup today and did the job. You said in your video that recording this would be easier if you had a hand pump type. But you’re pumping with your hand 🤷♂️
Great video
What's the years of 4th generation.
2014
Thanks
Very helpful 💪
Where physically is this
Having hard time finding it
it in the cordon joint coming out of the tranfer case to the front axle. It's the big ass U-joint over the cross piece. my camera got a much better shot than can be seen by eye but it's there. Your grease gun will be facing toward the back of the truck and next to the transmission cable.
@@MarionBlair thank you sir
Where else do you grease on this truck.
It's gotta be the absolutely biggest piece of garbage I've ever owned , this 2016 Ram 3500
@@timwimbleton8549 That’s the only grease fitting on the truck. RAM did away with it in 2019 or so.
@@MarionBlair 2016 3500 but I thought there were grease fittings on front , actual grease nipples, but not sure
Thanks man!
How often should this be greased?
Book says 7500 however, being that there is little to no movement in it when it doesn't rotate, I personally don't think it's necessary to grease it that often.
Thanks Marion. Keep the videos coming. Always trust your opinion. Not many people on UA-cam love and care for their truck like you do.
Buy yourself a better grease gun. You can find vintage Made in the USA Lincoln grease guns on the used market, yard sales ect.
3 or 4 pumps bout all im good for these days anyway lol
Hi I am iron man weeeeeee
Dumbest design ever. Very difficult to do. Dealer will never do it.
really ?why not take a picture where you are inserting the grease? worthless
Please zoom thanks
What a stupid friggin design
Great video
Thanks!