Re: Lubrication Note

Posted by James T Axman On 2009/5/29 11:12:42

Owen>>>the oil fills a reservoir which then gradually over time feeds fresh lubricant; the driving force for the king pins is gravity, and for the universal joints is centrifugal force. Grease on the other hand is not mobile and cannot continue to provide fresh lubrication.

Perhaps related to this, is the Central lube system of the pre-war Mercedes, which I have some knowledge of. There is a plunger down by the clutch pedal. The manuals call for pushing on this once every 500 miles. On the firewall, there is a magnesium cannister (which contains 90 weight hypoid oil) (which is actually fairly thin)... the action of the plunger feeds various lines going to steering knuckles and tie rods. The fluid actually goes into a reservoir (a junction box with separate caps) and under some pressure lubricates these parts. I think the oiling of these pre-war front suspension parts prevents less wear and adds to some eternal functionality many years later. Wear comes from the friction of 2 metal parts without lubrication.; the oil provides a film causing less wear.

Is this Mercedes Lube description similar to the Packard Bijur Chassis Lube system?