mk1-forum.net

This is for a 66S

I purchased a hardy spicer universal joint with a grease fitting.

Is there a proper fitting?
Does the grease fitting go toward the driveshaft/hub or the differential housing.

The picture depicts how I now have it - toward the driveshaft/hub.

The grease nipple is not standard fitment on the mini HS joints. I think it’s mostly used when the same size cruciform is used for the TR7 etc driveshafts, as those pivot a lot more extensively than the relatively small angular movements required on the mini inner end of the driveshaft.

There are thoughts that for maximum strength a UJ with a grease nipple should be fitted so that the rotation of the driveshaft squeezes the grease nipple hole shut , if fitted incorrectly it has a weak point and the torsional forces could cause the UJ to crack along the grease nipple hole .
So the photo above would show that ideally a joint that should be on the drivers side .
Or ideally a sealed for life joint with no nipple is even stronger .

I used these Minispares parts for my recent HS/diff rebuild:
GUJ101EVO - UNIVERSAL JOINT HARDY SPICER HEAVY DUTY

Roymck made an interesting point concerning the orientation of the joint which I will try to remember for the future.

I have used u-joints with Zerk fittings on several non-Mini cars. In most instances I remove the Zerk fitting and plug the hole with a 1/4-28 set (grub) screw. I Remove the set screw, thread in an extended length Zerk and pump away with a grease gun when I want to lube the joint.

The picture below is of such an extended Zerk.

I located this forum which discusses installing a Universal Joint with a zerk.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/thr ... on.100801/

I don't recall fitting the types with a grease nipple, but I have a recollection of a discussion on the forum (?) that in a Mini, after Greasing you need to remove the nipple and plug the hole, otherwise they foul on the yokes and break off.

The positioning of the zerk is what led me to post this topic.

So... I will either replace with a set screw as was suggested or purchase 2 non-greasable units from MiniSport. The price is too good to pass up - GUJ101 $9.64. Does anyone have any experience with these?