How much grease in the clamshell?

31 Woody

31 Woody

Senior Member
Lubing the chassis, the clamshell is the concern. Everything else grease squeezes out somewhere when full. I think the clamshell does the same, but something tell me it squeezes into the transmission through the rear bearing. Is there a way to decide how much grease to pump in there?
 
I have had to put in up to one full tube of John Deere Cornhead Grease. I guess it all depends on how long it has been since the last time it was serviced.

Be careful with the nuts on speedo drive. If they haven’t been loosened in a long time, use a lot of penetrating oil. They can break. Enjoy.
 
Hello, what is "clamshell" please? Which is called like the "Universal Joint" in the Lubrication Chart?

Thanks in advance!
 
If you have a Mitchell overdrive as I do then how do you check for grease in the universal. The Speedo connection is in the overdrive box.
 
wmws, good question, that would be relevant for me too! I hadn’t considered that and Richard should know because he helped me put the Mitchell in my car.
 
The 2 pieces on the right:
 

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Yes, I answered for stock setup only. Maybe someone could call Mitchell and see if they have an answer to that. It looks like a hole with a plug in the torque tube directly under and behind the "bell" enclosing the universal joint would do it.

Look at 31 Woodie's avitar closely. Ever seen wood wheels on a Model A woodie before?

I think we hand packed the universal cavity before installing your overdrive. Better check it :-)
 
Thank you for that informations. Now I know, what was meant. I checked that immediately. Very well too the hint from WHN ...
I have had to put in up to one full tube of John Deere Cornhead Grease. I guess it all depends on how long it has been since the last time it was serviced.
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... because I had to fill in about 1 pint of grease until it became visible in the hole of the speedometer drive.
 
I have NO PROBLEM, sold both cars---LOL------ How much grease is required to help a CLAM open?
Bill Walking
 
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Richard, I pumped quite a bit in it on Saturday before thinking—hey, where is all this going and could that be a potential problem? I decided to stop pumping grease in and ask the question. I think I pumped in quite a bit, but not overly concerned by how much. I did do a test drive and shifted the three speed, but didn’t think to try the Mitchell. Given the Mitchell has gear oil I would guess it has a seal in the front input and rear output.

When we put the Mitchell in we did hand pack the u-joint, but I was sure there were voids and wasn’t aware there was a zerk fitting there to fill it up, or this question would have come up sooner. I will try and call Mitchell. I will report back if/when I get an answer.

Thanks everyone!
 
I don't if this is an old wifes tale or not, was told this at one of our Model A meetings.. Someone told me a fellow kept pumping grease after grease in his universal. Couldn't figure where it was going, decided enough was enough, got into his car for a spin. Grease was oozing out of his speedometer, what can I say. Is it true or not don't know but makes for a good story.:):):):):)
Gerry Birch Bay WA
 
I contacted Mitchell today, sorry for the delay in doing so. Anyway, they do not have a precise answer on this. Here is their reply:
That is a very good question. Not one with a firm answer sorry to say. A reasonable amount. You are correct too much and it could either go into the transmission or push by the bearing and head down the tube. I would say give it about the same amount of grease you did prior to installing the overdrive. Wish I could be more helpful.
 
It has not been mentioned, but grease is only REQUIRED on the early "ring" type universal joint.

The later "cross & yoke" style popularized by Dana/Spicer are made with sealed needle bearings - which are pre-lubricated. Some of the crosses DO include a grease zerk which is a one-time fill until you see it squirt from the needle seals, but no more - much like any zerk lubricated bearing.

In many modern cars and trucks these universals are fully exposed to the weather and soldier on in their function for a good 100K miles. One wonders how long they would last in an enclosed space such as the universal clamshell?

I usually put only enough grease into the clamshell to "coat" the yokes/cross to prevent rust and allow the clamshell free movement. Also the splines need a dab of grease on assembly as there is the possibility of a sliding fit here.

If you own the earlier "ring" type universal - more is better - up to a point where the universal slings it off. I might give that one a cup or so of grease.

Joe K
 
Joe K said:
It has not been mentioned, but grease is only REQUIRED on the early "ring" type universal joint.

The later "cross & yoke" style popularized by Dana/Spicer are made with sealed needle bearings - which are pre-lubricated. Some of the crosses DO include a grease zerk which is a one-time fill until you see it squirt from the needle seals, but no more - much like any zerk lubricated bearing.

In many modern cars and trucks these universals are fully exposed to the weather and soldier on in their function for a good 100K miles. One wonders how long they would last in an enclosed space such as the universal clamshell?

I usually put only enough grease into the clamshell to "coat" the yokes/cross to prevent rust and allow the clamshell free movement. Also the splines need a dab of grease on assembly as there is the possibility of a sliding fit here.

If you own the earlier "ring" type universal - more is better - up to a point where the universal slings it off. I might give that one a cup or so of grease.

Joe K
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Not knowing enough to know exactly what you said in the post, could someone post labeled pictures of the assembly as viewed from under the car?
 
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