Monaco issued a long forgotten and often ignored service bulletin around 2005 or 2006. I have a PDF copy that I can e-mail to anyone that wants it. At a Monaco sponsored forum it was stated that part of the "problem" is that the drive shaft is so short compared to other over the road applications.
The original includes some drawings that won't show up here. Basically is says you will grease your drive shaft every 5,000 miles!
It is actually easy if you get the right tools and do it on days when the grease in the gun is warm. Cold grease in a new cartridge can cause air locks. My version of easy was to get a pneumatic grease gun with a double length hose. I bought an Ingersoll Rand version at Lowes for about $50. Plug in to a compressor or the motorhome air system with the engine running. You can get throw away coveralls in the paint department at Lowes. Wiggle under, lay the gun on your chest and find the zerk fittings as described in the ebullient. Attach and hold the nozzle on the zerk with one hand and squeeze the trigger with the other.
"Real" men will say you can do it with a hand gun. I found that I must not be "real" enough.
The text from the service bulletin:
Drive Shaft Addendum For all model year diesel products
The information printed here reflects product design, fabrication, and component parts at the date of printing. The manufacturer reserves the right, at any time, to make changes in product design or material or component specifications as its sole option, without notice. This includes the substitution of components of a different brand or trade name, which will result in comparable performance. All information printed in this document is subject to change after the date of printing. Due to product improvements, changes during the model year and/or transcription errors that may occur, information represented within the owner’s manual and/or this document may not be accurate at the time of your purchase. Please confirm any information with your dealer.
The following information supercedes previous information and applies to all motorhomes equipped with a Roadmaster Chassis. ©Monaco Coach Corporation.
All rights reserved. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective holders. Brand name products of other companies mentioned in this addendum are not endorsed by Monaco Coach Corporation.
Drive Shaft: The drive shaft transfers the power produced by the engine to the drive axle. A worn or out-of-balance drive shaft causes chassis vibration that generally increases in intensity with road speed.
Lubrication Maintenance The drive shaft requires periodic lubrication maintenance. Lubricate the slip joint and universal joints every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever occurs first. Use NLGI #2 chassis lubricant.
NOTE: It will be necessary to move the motorhome forward or backward to access all grease fittings on the drive shaft.
Greasing the Drive Shaft Universal Joints:
1. Check the drive shaft for looseness. Repair if loose or worn.
2. Apply lubricant at the grease fitting(s) on the universal joint. Apply until new grease purges from all the seals.
3. If new grease does not purge at the seals, loosen the bearing cap bolts and re-grease until all four caps purge. If new grease still does not purge, disassemble and clean or replace the universal joint.
Greasing the Drive Shaft Slip Yoke and Splines:
1. Check the drive shaft for looseness. Repair if loose or worn. 2. With finger, cover the rear air hole. This will force lubricant to front seal. Apply lubricant at the grease fitting on the slip joint until new grease purges and forces finger away from the air hole in the end of the slip joint.
Warning: Rotating shafts can be dangerous. Rotating shafts can snag clothes, skin, hair, hands, etc. causing serious injury or death. DO NOT work on or near a shaft “with or without a guard” when the engine is running.
Monaco Coach Corporation 91320 Coburg Industrial Way Coburg, OR 97408 800-634-0855
www.Monacocoach.com Warranty/Technical Support Toll Free 877-466-6226