Summary
Many older vehicles on the road had numerous lubrication points. Today's vehicles have far fewer, if any, points that need lubricating. The objective of this procedure is to show you how to lubricate suspension and steering components to the manufacturer's specifications.
Part 1. Preparation and safety
Objective
- Lubricate suspension and steering components to the manufacturer's specifications.
Personal safety
Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:
- Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
- Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
- Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
- Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
- Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators
If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.
Safety check
- Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.
Points to note
- Many older vehicles on the road had numerous lubrication points. Today's vehicles have far fewer, if any, points that need lubricating.
- Clean lubricating equipment very carefully. If you don't thoroughly clean the fitting or nozzle before pumping the grease into the fitting, dirt could be forced into the component.
- Any dirt entering a component can cause premature failure.
Part 2: Step-by-step instruction
- Determine location of lubricating points
Check the shop service manual to determine where the grease points are and the type of grease required. The manual will also indicate which components have a lube fitting or if an auxiliary lube nipple has to be temporarily fitted for the function.
- Check and clean the equipment
To start the lubrication job, clean each of the lubrication fittings and the lube gun nozzle by wiping them with a clean rag. This should be done before you attach the nozzle to any of the fittings. In some instances, you may need to remove a component’s plugs and temporarily install a lubrication fitting. After the component has been lubricated, you must re-install the original plug.
- Lubricate the component
Now that you have cleaned the fitting and nozzle, push the lube gun nozzle over the fitting. The nozzle must completely cover the fitting, to ensure the pressure of the gun forces the grease through the fitting into the joint. Add enough grease to see the seal or rubber boot rise slightly. Under no circumstances should you overfill a lubricated joint with grease. This can rupture the seal or rubber boot or bellows. Make sure that the grease does not leak out from around the nozzle end. If it does, check that the fitting has been properly cleaned, so as to allow the nozzle to go all the way onto the fitting.
- Check and repeat
If the fitting is clean, remove the grease nipple and check for blockage. If so, it must be replaced with a new fitting of the same size and angle, and the joint re-lubricated. Remove the nozzle from the fitting and wipe away any excess grease from it. Repeat the procedure until all the appropriate joints have been lubricated.
- Complete the service
After you have completed lubricating all the appropriate joints and cleaned off any excess grease, it is appropriate to attach a sticker to the windshield. This will tell the owner when the service was carried out and when the vehicle could be due for any service. Lower the vehicle and remove it from the lifting device.
