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Knuckle Lubrication.... Again....

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by william_cj3b, Apr 1, 2017.

  1. Apr 1, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
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    I've decided to try this instead of mixing up a batch of 'knuckle pudding'. It's a lithium thickened EP oil marketed as cotton spindle grease. It's semi-solid at room temperature and pourable at about 130* F and clings very well. I figure it will work better than nothing or a big clump of hardened #2 stuck to the insides of the knuckles.

    Tractor Supply sells it locally.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Apr 1, 2017
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Looks like a good bet. I have been using John Deere "cornhead grease" with good results. Your product seems to have the same characteristics.
     
  3. Apr 1, 2017
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    Yea, seems like the same thing as corn head grease which is a popular choice. The JD corn head grease comes in tubes for a grease gun which makes it super easy to use.
     
  4. Apr 1, 2017
    gunner

    gunner Member

    Washington state...
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    I've used cornhead grease for years. It seems to leak just a bit from the knuckles. It's rated 0. So this 00 grease/oil is just a bit thinner (considered semi-fluid vs cornhead grease as a "very soft" grease). It would be interesting to see if it leaks out too fast or if its consistency is thick enough. If it doesn't leak, it would be a better lube
     
  5. Apr 2, 2017
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Lubriplate 105 works perfect off-the-shelf. I've been using it in all my closed knuckles for something close to 50 years. The tubes are very easy to use also.
     
  6. Apr 5, 2017
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    I got a couple tubes of the corn head grease, and it seemed too thick for me. Wound up mixing in some gear oil to thin it out.
     
  7. Apr 5, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    I thought the purpose of CHG was to be in a somewhat solid state until put into motion at which point it thins out.

    Found the video I was thinking of.
     
  8. Apr 5, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I suspect any CV rated grease will work adequately.

    H.
     
  9. Apr 5, 2017
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Yes but how in the heck do you get it through the 1/2" pipe thread hole in the knuckles?
     
  10. Apr 5, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
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    The CHG comes in grease gun cartridges. Pretty easy to pump in with a gun.

    I agree that CHG is a little too thick. That's the first reason I decided to look for an alternative. The fact that I can only buy it by the case from my local dealer is the other reason.
     
  11. Apr 5, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    A grease gun.
     
  12. Apr 5, 2017
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    I used the CHG and added a little 140 weight gear lube. Just a couple of shot glasses worth maybe. Not sure if it was a good idea or not. I was just thinking it might help lube things up before the CHG thinned enough to get where it needed to go. I dunno.
     
  13. Apr 5, 2017
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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  14. Apr 5, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
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    Thanks for the link! Interesting discussion on the revisions to the FSM based on the change in axle joint types. Makes sense that the cardan cross joints need a lighter lube.
     
  15. Apr 6, 2017
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
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    My 65 CJ5 was seeping on one side. I spoke to one of our most reliable vendors and he suggested STP.
    I sucked out the old lube and squirted some in. Seems to be holding. Not looking forward to when I replace the seals though.
     
  16. Apr 6, 2017
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    I too have used Lubriplate 105 in my D27 knuckles years ago, and its still in there 25 years laster. I also "filled" my Ross steering box full of lubriplate when the box started to leak. On both the knuckles and steering box, I drained out the gear oil, and squeezed the lubriplate in to "over full". It has never leaked out.
    I also use the lubriplate 105 as engine assembly lube for the mains and rods.
    -Donny
     
  17. Apr 11, 2017
    Uncle Vin

    Uncle Vin Member 2022 Sponsor

    Long Island, New...
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    The Lube discussion and demonstration starts at about 24:00 on the video.
     
  18. Apr 11, 2017
    Uncle Vin

    Uncle Vin Member 2022 Sponsor

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    See this one for the steering gear lube. The lube discussion and demonstration starts at 12:47 on the video.
     
  19. Oct 31, 2018
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

    Miami
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    Does anyone have an idea how many oz. of corn head grease do I need per knuckle? I don't want to under buy but don't want to buy too much either.
     
    mike starck likes this.
  20. Oct 31, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

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    I bought two 14oz cartridges and did fine.
     
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