Service Bulletin

Customer Service Bulletin
Commercial Business Group
Groundsmaster
®
580-D Series
January 29, 2002
Model/Serial Range: Model Numbers: Serial Numbers:
30580 00000-70999
30581 80101-220000101
Subject: Proper Drive Shaft greasing procedures.
The drive shaft located between the engine and the transmission requires lubrication
every 50 hours. Proper application of grease to the universal joint is essential in
preventing premature drive shaft failure. Lack of lubrication to the universal joint
bearings will cause failure of the drive shaft and damage to surround components (i.e.
oil cooler and or radiator). For added protection, Drive Shaft Guard can be added.
Proper procedures are outlined below.
Lubrication Procedures for Universal Joints
1. Always use a hand grease gun when greasing. The high volume of grease from a
Pneumatic Grease Gun can cause damage to the universal joint seals.
2. Use #2 EP General Purpose Lithium Base Grease.
3. Grease each universal joint until ALL FOUR SEALS ARE PURGED. Purging the
grease cavity flushes moisture and abrasive contaminants from each bearing
assembly and ensures all four cavities are properly lubricated.
4. If a seal fails to purge, move the drive shaft side-to-side while applying pressure.
This allows greater clearance on the thrust end of the bearing assembly. On the cup
mounted design (4 grease fittings), try greasing from the opposite grease fitting if a
seal will not purge.
Lubrication for Slip Spline
1. Always use a hand grease gun when
greasing. A Pneumatic Grease Gun
can cause damage to the seal and
drive shaft Relief Plug when purging
the spline seal.
2. Use #2 EP General Purpose Lithium
Base Grease.
3. Apply grease gun pressure to the
fitting until lubricant appears at the
base of the upper yoke on the drive
shaft.
Slip Spline
Universal Joint
(4 grease fitting style)
Universal Joint
(One grease fitting style)
Upper Yoke
Ref: 09-12 Copyright

, 2001. The Toro Company