Morris Minor Owners Club

Can anyone give me some information on greasing the prop shaft?

I wasn't aware til recently that it had to be done too and have only been greasing up the nipples at the front (around the wheels).

I'm pretty sure that there are no grease nipples on my prop shaft. I'be been driving the car backwards and forwards on my driveway to turn the shaft round and still can't see any nipples on it. Should it definately have them on the prop shaft and, if not, what should I be doing and looking for in order to grease it properly? I'm paranoid that it seizes.

Many Thanks
Paul.

have a read of this page, towards the bottom of the page is a picture showing you where to look..

http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=45563

Yes your prop shaft should be greased along with all the other greasing points. If you jack the car up at the rear axle, support axle with axle stands (safety first). Once under car with grease gun, spin one of the rear wheels until you can see the grease nipple ( one at each end of the shaft ). Keep pumping until you see the cleaner grease coming out of the universal joints, you will probably hear it make a cracking sound during pumping.

The Minor propshaft was originally fitted with grease nipples in both front and rear U/Js. Replacement Non Original Stock (NOS) U/Js do not always have grease nipples fitted which is not a problem so,long as there was sufficient grease in the bearing cups when assembled. Whilst the lack of grease nipples should not raise concerns it is always best to fit replacement U/Js that are fitted with grease nipples. If there is no sign of the bearing cups turning in the yokes (indicated by the end of the bearing cup being polished by the circlip) or rust around the U/J joints all should be well and no action required. If the bearing cups are turning in the yokes you will need to take action and possibly replace the U/J and/or yoke. You can check for wear in the joint by turning the flange/yoke and tube against each other. If all OK you should feel no movement.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I had a look at it and the front joint has a nipple on it. It was smaller than I thought it would have been so I missed it the first time. The rear joint doesn't have a nipple.

I'm not really sure what I'm doing in checking the rear one for wear so I think I'll just leave it for now and get it looked at next time it's in a garage.

thanks again.
Paul.

Such faith in the 'garage'....

Got more faith in them than in myself trying to figure out what circlips, bearing cups, flanges and yokes are or, even worse, trying to change the joint myself.

And you think a 'garage' will know??

You might have a point there. I'll ignore it til it breaks then .

if it isn't broken don't fix it

Have you ever investigated the 'MG' garage near Autoparts? Now they may just know !

I didn't know there was one there. Are you talking Autoparts in Hamilton? Cheers.

Replacement Non Original Stock (NOS)

Just to avoid any newbies being confused, the normal use of the term NOS is to denote 'new old stock'
This refers to genuine parts (i.e. original quality) new unused condition - albeit VERY old and may have deteriorated due to age. In many cases, NOS is the best replacement part quality available.

Non-original parts are normally referred to as 'pattern parts'. I'm not sure where that term originated, but generally means it looks vaguely like the correct part, but the quality is anyone's guess..

Mick - yes - in Hamilton. However I was at Autoparts today (£55 for a rear damper for my daughter's Clio ), and although the external sign says 'MG' - on the other side (from Autoparts yard) the name appears to be different. Still worth a look maybe? Or try Allinsons garage across the road - if he is who I think he is - he is 'old school'.

Thanks for that BMC. I'll give them a try.

I used to swear by Autoparts until I bought a set of pads and discs for my Saxo about 6 months ago. I'm sure my stopping distance has greatly increased as when I drive my moggy or other cars I practically go through the windscreen when I stop. Soon as I've got some spare cash I'm going to replace them again.

They always offer me two grades of pad - I always take the cheaper set, and never had any problems with them. Sure they gave you the correct pads??

Deffo the right ones. Look exactly the same as the ones I removed.

They're not too bad. Just noticabley different from the previous ones.

Just something else to moan about really.

Look exactly the same as the ones I removed.
Just noticabley different from the previous ones.

Huh?

Hmmm. Does sounds a bit stupid now I see it.

Think I meant that they're definately the right ones because they look identical but do not behave identically.

Wibble