Lubricate the chassis Ford F150
1 Engine oil — Light engine oil in a can like this can be used for door and hood hinges
2 Graphite spray — Used to lubricate lock cylinders
3 Grease — Grease, in a variety of types and weights, is available for use in a grease gun. Check the Specifications for your requirements
4 Grease gun — A common grease gun, shown here with a detachable hose and nozzle, is needed for chassis lubrication. After use, clean it thoroughly!
1. Refer to Recommended lubricants and fluids at the front of this Chapter to obtain the necessary grease, etc. You will also need a grease gun. Occasionally plugs will be installed rather than grease fittings. If so, grease fittings will have to be purchased and installed.
2. Look under the vehicle for grease fittings or plugs on the steering, suspension, and driveline components. They are normally found on the tie-rod ends and universal joints. If there are plugs, remove them and install grease fittings, which will thread into the component. An automotive parts store will be able to supply the correct fittings. Straight, as well as angled, fittings are available.
3. For easier access under the vehicle, raise it with a jack and place jackstands under the frame. Make sure it is safely supported by the stands. If the wheels are to be removed at this interval for tire rotation or brake inspection, loosen the lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Before beginning, force a little grease out of the nozzle to remove any dirt from the end of the gun. Wipe the nozzle clean with a rag.
5. With the grease gun and plenty of clean rags, crawl under the vehicle and begin lubricating the components.
6. Wipe the grease fitting clean and push the nozzle firmly over it. Squeeze the trigger on the grease gun to force grease into the component. The component should be lubricated until the rubber seal is firm to the touch. Do not pump too much grease into the fittings as it could rupture the seal. For all other suspension and steering components, continue pumping grease into the fitting until it oozes out of the joint between the two components. If it escapes around the grease gun nozzle, the fitting is clogged or the nozzle is not completely seated on the fitting. Resecure the gun nozzle to the fitting and try again. If necessary, replace the fitting with a new one.
Note: Not all models have grease fittings for the steering joints. They are factory sealed and do not need lubrication.
7. Wipe the excess grease from the components and the grease fitting. Repeat the procedure for the remaining fittings.
8. On models equipped with an automatic transmission, lubricate the shift linkage with a little clean engine oil.
9. On 4WD models, lubricate the transfer case shift mechanism contact surfaces with clean engine oil.
10. Lubricate the driveshaft slip-joints.
Note: It may be necessary to disassemble the driveshaft to lubricate the slip joint (see Driveline).
11. Lubricate conventional universal joints until grease can be seen coming out of the contact points.
12. While you are under the vehicle, clean and lubricate the parking brake cable along with the cable guides and levers. This can be done by smearing some chassis grease onto the cable and its related parts with your fingers.
13. Open the hood and smear a little chassis grease on the hood latch mechanism. Have an assistant pull the hood release lever from inside the vehicle as you lubricate the cable at the latch.
14. Lubricate all the hinges (door, hood, etc.) with engine oil to keep them in proper working order.
15. The key lock cylinders can be lubricated with spray-on graphite or silicone lubricant, which is available at auto parts stores.
16. Lubricate the door weatherstripping with silicone spray. This will reduce chafing and retard wear.