It appears the flattened-out side of the yoke was cracked for a while before the whole thing came apart. Considering that I've only had this driveshaft for 8 months, it must have been cracked when I got it. And since I have 3 other vehicles to drive, this one hasn't been used every day.

I found that cap in the dirt where I had shifted out of 4 just before pulling out onto the pavement. All the needles appear to still be in it, along with that plug of grease in the center.

I have no idea where or when the Zerk fell out (assuming it was even installed), but since this failure has nothing to do with grease, it's irrelevant.

Owner caption January 2015 · Photo 0 of 5000