Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Greasing rear axle

On my 69 4/4 there is a grease nipple just behind the brake back plate. From what I have read there is also supposed to be a small hole in the axle casing wherby the grease escapes once you have pumped enough in through the nipple. I have cleaned all around the end of the axle casing but cant see any hole. Were they sometimes omitted? Can anyone tell me what size of hole is supposed to be there and the actual position relative to the grease nipple? I assume the hole would be on the top of the casing? As the car is stripped for a re-build, it might be sensible to drill a hole in the axle case.

On my 1978 4/4 there are no holes although servicing guides talk about them. They are supposed to be opposite to the nipples.

Thanks revb, I wonder if drilling the holes during manufacture was a bit hit and miss then?

No hole on my 1967 4/4 with the same axle as yours, I believe. As far as I remember the holes were meant to avoid gearbox oil getting in the brakes. Another manual said there should be a hole on the upper side of the axle (to avoid building up air pressure related leaks?); also not there on mine. I used to grease those nipples too enthusiastically and after a time had well greased brake shoes....

Never found holes on the 72 4/4 I had either. And yes, I was another one who overgreased, blew the seal and lubricated my brake shoes.

I think some say "don't grease" as a result, but I think the axle needs a little. Clean the area around the nipple and when you've given it an occasional couple of strokes of the grease gun, remove the nipple and allow any pressure to escape before putting it back.

I have one down in the shop as I speak, a 58 Plus four.

I can find no "relief" hole in the axle housing. I have counseled my Morgan customers and TR folks to NOT over do the grease gun thing for the reason that Martyn noted. The cavity is relatively small and a bearing properly greased to begin with should not require additional lubrication for one or two millennium. The grease that is there is not going to drip off and if reasonably well packed there is no where else to go but to stay in the bearing.

To drill a vent hole would be to invite entry of moisture and grit, accelerating bearing wear.

The OEM seals were of spring loaded raw hide design fixed within two steel cups and would seal reasonably well from both directions, but grease being supplied under pressure from a grease gun will overwhelm them and pass grease either into the axle house or out into the brake area.

If in doubt, take the time to pull the axles and bearing for cleaning and packing once and for all, and then just forget about them.

BTW I am going to begin a separate thread asking about manufacturer alternative for the front wheel bearings on drum brake cars. If anyone can help I would surely appreciate it.

Jack

Thanks for all the answers. Once I have stripped the hubs etc I will be able to see how things go together.

On the subject of stripping off the hubs, I believe they can be siezed on pretty tight. I have a good hub puller but am wondering if they may need pressing off.

http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/99476/Re_4_4_Rear_Axle_Grease_Seals#Post99476

I had to press one side off. See the link.

Further to the saga of the "Grease escape hole" for the rear axle bearings, I spent an hour or so yesterday investigating this on my 1967 Plus 4 DHC. I did eventually find the holes, they are forward facing opposite the grease nipples on a "bulging" part of the axle near the brake back plate. I had to first clean off all accumulated crud and paint until I was able to identify a small indent in the axle. I used a small drill bit with the shank wrapped in several turns of insulating tape to give me grip and simply twisted the bit, removing it periodically to pull out the accumulated hard grease and crud until it was clear. A couple of strokes of the grease gun and "Hey presto" a little "worm" of grease creeped out - job done...!

My 64 4/4 has the weep holes opposite the grease nipples. I clean the crud off the axle and then use a cleaning solvent to wipe around the area to ensure all muck is cleaned off. Then having attached the grease gun apply a few squirts and the worm of grease begins to emerge.