VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 U-joint housing lube level

On my 1931 Roadster, I know that the housing should have 4 ounces of transmission lubrication (from a previous post). My question is how do I check the level of the lubrication? There is no opening that you can check the level of the lubrication that I am aware of. There is only the plug on the top where lubrication can be introduced.

It will atomatically fill from the traansmision. Just make sure the transmission is full.

I made a tiny dip stick, about 1/4" wide by 6" long, and can put it down through the 3/8" fitting hole. I then filled the u-joing case with the aforesaid 4 oxz of 600W and put dipstick to bottom of case. Brought it up and scribed a line where oil top came to. Now I just check it every so ofte by popping up the floor board etc. Usualoly Speedo cable leaks profusely if overfilled. Don't run without any oil here, relying on transfer from tranny is OK, but.......Cheers

Thanks, that makes sense and sounds like a good idea. That way I know if there is oil in the u-joint housing and roughly how much.

As long as the main case level is correct and there is no obstruction at the rear bearing there will always be the correct amount of oil in there. It's much easier to remove the main case plug and check the level than to remove the floor mat and floorboard and check.