Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
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philipp
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Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by philipp » Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:21 am

Hi fellows,

I recently came accross this ARMY WORK ORDER: http://www.archive.org/details/MwoOrdG1-w43M38M38a1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
According to this, on each side of the axle one grease fitting has to be removed.
Which one is meant, I have two on each side...

Image

I appreciate your advice,

regards

Philipp
´57 M38A1, Ramsey 50R setup, arctic defroster, USMC spec. limited slip Powr-Lok on both axles, vintage Meyer ST84 snow plow


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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:00 am

There are only two, one on each side pointed toward the rear. The upper fittings you see are Vents. On the M-38/M-38A1 they are calibrated to release at a certain pressure loaded, you will note a little cap on top that you can raise with your thumbnails.
The Army noticed a problem of drivers or mechanics over greasing the rear wheel bearings resulting in failed outer seals and greasy brake shoes. The cure was to immediately order the grease fittings removed and a plug installed until the next grease interval indicated in the LO. Best way to lube the rear bearings is slowly and sparingly with a hand operated gun. Pump slowly until the spring loaded valve starts to rise and stop. Some grease may appear, do not add any more.
The LO is confusing as to how to lube this area, it indicates removal and hand packing, that is an error, the grease fittings are for that purpose. Those CJ2A-CJ-5 owners will notice(Correction) a grease fitting also, there is no pressure relief valve on the CJ, just a small hole at the top, slowly pump grease in by hand until it just shows at the hole on top.
Last edited by Joe Gopan on Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
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philipp
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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by philipp » Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:07 am

Well,
for me, there is no distinction between these two - I greased them both with the hand-gun, as every spring...
Am I blind?

Philipp
´57 M38A1, Ramsey 50R setup, arctic defroster, USMC spec. limited slip Powr-Lok on both axles, vintage Meyer ST84 snow plow

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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by sinrisnekaf » Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:59 am

perhaps this helps.
Chris
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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Apr 25, 2011 1:47 pm

And now you know the difference. I have a few NOS if for some reason grease fittings have been installed instead of the correct Pressure Relief Fittings. Air Mail to Europe is quick and inexpensive.
The Pressure Relief Fittings must be in place, without them installed the risk of grease getting to your brake shoes is very great.
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philipp
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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by philipp » Mon Apr 25, 2011 2:05 pm

ok, how much are they including shipping to Germany?
´57 M38A1, Ramsey 50R setup, arctic defroster, USMC spec. limited slip Powr-Lok on both axles, vintage Meyer ST84 snow plow

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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Apr 25, 2011 2:25 pm

Less than $20.00, probably closer to $15.00.
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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by muttguru » Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:20 am

philipp wrote:Hi fellows,
I recently came accross this ARMY WORK ORDER: http://www.archive.org/details/MwoOrdG1-w43M38M38a1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
According to this, on each side of the axle one grease fitting has to be removed.
Which one is meant, I have two on each side...Philipp
Hello Philipp,
I have a feeling that this particular MWO was eventually rescinded.
Ken
Contact address - muttguru@aol.com
Always wanted - Details and pictures of M416 Trailer data plates & M151 data plates & body-tags for my research. Thanks!

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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue May 27, 2014 7:31 pm

Just a reminder to carefully grease the M-38/M-38A1 rear wheel bearings every 12,000 miles or every couple years if you drive less than 12,000 miles per year.
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LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Jul 29, 2014 5:22 am

Just another reminder for this very important detail.
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LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Sep 09, 2018 12:47 am

How many of you M-38/M-38A1 owners have serviced your rear wheel bearings?
It is an often neglected service. Be careful, do not use too much grease.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by pajeff02 » Fri Sep 14, 2018 12:30 pm

Glad I stumbled across this thread. I just happened to notice the vents on top of the axle tubes as I was removing the wheel cylinders and wondered what the heck they were.

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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Fri Sep 14, 2018 2:18 pm

Pump real slow and easy till you jut see the cap on the vent just start to move and stop.
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LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by pajeff02 » Sat Sep 15, 2018 4:21 am

Well that was pretty slick. Cleaned up around the cap and plugs and was pleased when both plugs came out easily. I had to hunt around the chassis for an appropriate size grease fitting and found one on the steering bell crank.

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Re: Rear axle: grease fittings to be removed

Post by Joe Gopan » Sat Sep 15, 2018 6:44 am

If toy pump too hard or too much, it can blow the seals on the backing plates. Not good for the linings.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO


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