Lubing a Chevy varies significantly with the type and model. Cars with rack and pinion steering have lube points on the tie rod ends and lower ball joints. Most of the cars today use struts in the front, which eliminates the upper control arm. The later model vehicles that have conventional steering gear need lubrication on all steering components and the upper control arm as well. Some vehicles, whether they are front- or rear-wheel drive, may have sealed joints. These joints are not a manufacturing defect, as they are just permanently lubed and sealed. This in no way ensures a lack of wear.
Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands.
Inspect the front suspension for grease fittings on the lower control arms. If the vehicle has a strut suspension, it has grease fittings on the outer tie rods where they attach to the spindle. Grease all these fittings. If the vehicle is a conventional steering vehicle, it has a grease fitting at the pitman arm, which is the arm on the steering gear box. It also has a grease fitting on the idler arm, which is the arm attached to the frame on the passenger side supporting the center link, at four points on the center link, at both lower control arm ball joints, and on the upper control arm ball joints. Use the grease gun to grease all these fittings.
Grease both the front and rear universal joint on the drive shaft.
Grease the slip joint on the steering shaft, which is directly above the rag joint or steering coupler, using the white lithium grease. Grease the steering column shaft where it passes through the firewall from the inside of the vehicle. Be sure to put a clean rag down to prevent grease from getting on the carpet. This prevents cracking and snapping noises when the steering wheel is turned.
Remove the plug in the differential carrier or rear axle housing. The plug is located on the front side of the center section above the pinion gear. Use the adjustable wrench for this. Stick a finger, a straw or something similar to check the depth of the oil in the rear. The oil should be within an eighth of an inch of the hole. If it is not, fill the rear with oil until it begins to run out and quickly install the plug.
