Proper maintenance of your OzHitch Uni Joint is essential for ensuring smooth performance and extended durability, especially in off-road conditions where wear and tear are more likely. Regular greasing will help maintain flexibility, reduce friction, and prevent damage to the moving parts. The OzHitch Uni Joint is equipped with two grease nipples, one on each side of the joint, making the lubrication process simple and efficient.
Important: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses during installation. If you’re unsure about any part of the process or lack the necessary tools, it’s recommended to consult or hire a professional for the installation.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- Grease gun (compatible with the grease nipples)
- Heavy-duty lithium-based grease (or other high-quality lubricant suitable for off-road use)
- Clean rag or cloth (for wiping away excess grease and dirt)
- Safety gear (gloves and safety glasses)
Step 1: Clean the Uni Joint
Before applying grease, it’s important to clean the Uni Joint to prevent debris from contaminating the new grease:
- Inspect the Uni Joint: Check for any visible dirt, mud, or debris that might interfere with the lubrication process.
- Wipe the Grease Nipples: Use a clean rag to wipe down the grease nipples, ensuring no dirt or debris enters the joint during greasing.
Step 2: Attach the Grease Gun
Once the area is clean:
- Prepare the Grease Gun: Ensure that your grease gun is loaded with high-quality lithium-based grease.
- Attach the Grease Gun: Place the grease gun nozzle onto one of the grease nipples. Make sure it fits securely to avoid leakage during application.
Step 3: Apply Grease to the First Nipple
- Pump the Grease Gun: Begin pumping the grease gun. You will know you’ve applied enough grease when you see excess grease starting to emerge from the edges of the joint, or the joint moves smoothly without resistance.
- Wipe Off Excess Grease: After greasing the first nipple, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess grease around the nipple and joint.
Step 4: Grease the Second Nipple
- Repeat the Process: Move to the second grease nipple on the other side of the Uni Joint and repeat the same steps. Pump grease into the joint until excess grease appears or the movement feels smooth.
- Wipe Clean: Once finished, wipe away any excess grease around the second nipple.
Step 5: Check the Uni Joint for Smooth Movement
After both grease nipples have been serviced:
- Move the Uni Joint: Gently rotate or move the joint to ensure the grease is evenly distributed and the joint articulates smoothly in all directions.
- Final Inspection: Make sure there’s no stiffness or grinding in the movement, which would indicate insufficient lubrication.
How Often Should You Grease the Uni Joint?
- Regular Maintenance: Grease the OzHitch Uni Joint every 3-6 months or approximately after every 5,000km of towing to ensure optimal performance.
- Off-Road Conditions: In particularly harsh off-road or wet environments, consider greasing the joint more frequently to prevent premature wear from mud, dirt, or moisture.
Why Regular Greasing is Important
Regularly greasing the Uni Joint prevents excessive wear on the bushes and moving components, reduces the risk of corrosion, and ensures that the joint can flex and articulate as needed, even under heavy off-road conditions. Keeping it well-lubricated will extend the life of your OzHitch coupling and keep your towing setup performing smoothly.
Need Assistance? Contact Us!
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to call us on (08) 8260 2277 or Contact Us here. We’re here to help ensure your OzHitch coupling is always performing at its best.
For more installation resources and tips, visit our Resources Page.
OzHitch: Engineered for durability, built for the outback.
