Chassis lubrication is also needed for better motor vehicle maintenance. In this article, I will discuss the basic details of Chassis Lubrication.
Chassis Lubrication
It has already been stated that there is no single universal lubricant to lubricate the various parts of motor vehicles. Where engine parts require one type of lubricant, chassis parts require different types.
Imagine your car as a marathon runner, as a runner needs to have proper shoes to glide over the track, in the same way, your car needs a little lubricant massage to maintain better running condition. In the chassis lubrication system, there are many parts that needed to be lubricated in a proper way.
There are special lubricants made just for vehicles. We’ve got oils, greases, and even some high-tech synthetic stuff to lubricate the moving parts. Oils are like the smooth talkers of lubricants – they flow easily and reach tight spots. Greases, on the other hand, are like sticky buddies. They stay put and make sure things don’t get too rowdy. Synthetic lubes are like fancy cologne – they’re designed for high-performance cars and extreme conditions.
Classification of Chassis Lubricants
The lubricants required by chassis can be classified as follows :
- Gear Lubricants.
- Chassis Lubricants.
- Special Lubricants.
1. Gear Lubricants
Gear lubricants are used in the standard transmission, steering gearbox, rear axle, and differential gearbox.
Extra-pressure lubricants are made to withstand normal gear tooth pressure. Hypoid lubricants are designed for use in hypoid rear axle gears. These lubricants are mineral oil compounded with other materials to increase their load-carrying capacity. Mild extreme-pressure lubricants are used where gear design does not require extreme pressure for improved performance. Multipurpose gear lubricants are also made to meet all the requirements.
Gear lubricants are graded according to SAE numbers, each number representing a particular specification. SAE 80 is the lightest gear lubricant for modern cars normally used throughout the year. SAE 90 is generally used in the summer and for mild winter temperatures. SAE 140 is a heavier type of lubricant normally used for summer. SAE 250 is an extremely heavy lubricant suitable only for very special conditions.
The gear lubricants are made for the following purposes:
- To withstand considerable pressure.
- To flow freely at fairly low temperatures.
- To maintain its body at relatively high temperatures.
- To cushion the hammering action which occurs between teeth of mesh gears.
- To carry the load from one gear tooth to another.
- To lubricate the rubbing surfaces.
- To clean and cool the rubbing surfaces of gear teeth.
2. Chassis Lubricants
The various lubricating points on the chassis are lubricated by a type of lubricant usually known as high-pressure grease. It is applied by a grease gun to the fittings with which the chassis is equipped. The chassis lubricants may be soft non-fluid o semi-fluid. It consists of lime, lithium, or aluminum as a base material which gives it good spreading qualities, load-carrying ability, and resistance to water.
3. Special Lubricants
The various lubricating points on the chassis require special lubricants. Different special lubricants have been recommended by the manufacturers of motor vehicles so that each chassis point may get proper lubrication.
Soft fiber grease is used in wheel bearings. It is usually made of sodium or lithium soap. It has a melting point and strong nature. A long fiber grease is specially designed for universal joints. It can resist centrifugal force action and prevent the soap base from separating from the oil. A medium fiber grease serves for both wheel bearings and universal joints.
Graphite lubrication is made for heat control valves. Special oil is designed for starters and generators, and a special grease for units with nylon bushings. Another special type of grease is for the operating conditions peculiar to the older type of gland-packed water pump.
Motor Vehicle Chassis Lubrication Chart
The following lubrication chart, supplied by a vehicle manufacturer, shows the location of many points on the chassis that require lubrication, the kind of lubricant needed, and the frequency of checking or renewal. The chart is below
| SL NO. | Lubricating Points | Details of Lubrication |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Universal Joints. | Every 3000 km. One-fitting-each joint chassis lubricant. |
| 02 | Engine. | Every 6000 km. Change the oil in the crankcase. |
| 03 | Oil Filer. | Every 6000 km. Replace cartridge. |
| 04 | Steering Stop. | Every 3000 km. On each side, daub on lubricant of stops, Lubricant- 8L 19586 |
| 05 | Front Suspension. | Every 3000 km. Two fittings, each side, chassis lubricant. |
| 06 | Rear Axle Differential. | Every 3000 km. Check level, add if required, B9L-16A508 |
| 07 | Turbo-Drive Transmission. | Every 3000 km. |
| 08 | Steering ball joints. | Every 3000 km. Chassis lubricant. |
| 09 | Front-wheel bearings. | Every 15000 km. Two bearings on each side, clean and repack. Lubricant wheel bearing grease MC – 19585 |
| 10 | Distributor. | Every 15000 km. Few drops of engine oil in the oil cup and on the cam wick. |
| 11 | Brake, Master Cylinder. | Every 3000 km. check level, add if required. Break fluid MK – 19542. |
| 12 | Power steering. | Every 3000 km. Lubricants automatic transmission fluid type A-9BL-19A 509. |
| 13 | Fuel Filter. | Every 40000 km. Replace filter. |
| 14 | Crank Case Inlet Air Filter Cap. | Every 60000 km. Wash in cleaning fluid and drain. |
| 15 | Carburetor, Air Cleaner | Every 60000 km. Clean Filter, Replace every 30000 km. |
Conclusion
Your vehicle Chassis also needs some relaxation. So please provide that for your better vehicle performance.
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