Dana has introduced service-free u-joints to its heavy-duty Spicer Life Series (SPL) driveshafts, creating a permanently lubricated driveline and thus reducing maintenance costs. 

The new SPL-250 and SPL-170 service-free u-joints have been designed for main and tandem-drive inter-axle driveshaft applications for a variety of class 8 heavy-duty truck applications. They borrow from Dana’s service-free technology that’s been available in Europe for 13 years. 
 
The company says it recently upgraded the performance and durability of its entire line-up of SPL heavy-duty universal joints. Enhancements include a new bearing package that includes larger needle bearings for increased capacity, along with a special ‘Viton’ synthetic seal for improved grease retention. A new premium synthetic lubricant helps improve bearing life as well. The SPL line of universal joints is claimed to offer up to 40% better dynamic bearing capacity.

These features will come standard on SPL service-free u-joints and are available to all OEMs next month. Warranty coverage is available for up to four years or 400,000 miles of service for linehaul applications.