Dana 25 Clunk When Turning

Closed Knuckle and Steering Box Lubrication

 

ITLKSEZ,

That is a good discussion on this topic. The steering knuckle lubricant specified in the old manuals is no longer available, so we have to look to what will work today.

I like the below opinion presented in that discussion, and also think it is very worthwhile to consider upgrading the axles to use these U-Joints rather than the open joints such as the Bendix.

"Here is what I recommended at Tech Service to "Closed Knuckle users" that wanted to "upgrade". Treat the king pin bearings like wheel bearings. Pack them well and install. Use SEALED re-greasable or, Lifetime lubricated non-greasable U-Joints. USE all the seals and gaskets. This will create a "Dry" sealed environment. You need to remember that if you do this, you need to re-pack the king pin bearings every now and then and, grease the U-Joint if it is greasable. Wet the felt seal with some ATF so the seal wipes the knuckle easily when turning. For u-Joints I prefer the top of the line SPICER sealed Lifetime non re-lubeable 5-760X. They are the strongest and, will last a long time. They are not cross drilled. This gives them a higher torque capacity."

 

One thing I disagree with his write up: he lumped “0”and “00” grease into the same category. “Cornhead grease” is “0” and doesn’t flow at room temp. “00” grease is semi fluid, does flow, and turns fluid at temps slightly above room temp. The first time you come to a stop, the knuckles are warming up from the brakes.



If you notice in my original post on this matter, I mentioned…

…which his post confirms. I do pack my upper bearings to delete the risk of not getting enough lube up there from infrequent hub lock-ins and high-speed travel, but I do not pack the lower ones. There’s simply no need to with the proper grease in the knuckles. It’s an open system, and gravity keeps them submerged.

Torque King 4x4 does now produce the “proper” knuckle lubricant if anyone is interested…
Closed Knuckle Lubricant for Closed Knuckle 4x4 Front Axles