How Much Greasing a Semi-Truck Costs

Let’s be honest, how much it costs to grease a semi truck is one of those questions you might not ask until something starts squeaking, seizing up, or worse, laying you up on the side of the road. Between engine oil changes, transmission checks, and keeping your tires inflated, greasing might not be top of mind, but it should be.

If your truck is your livelihood, then greasing is part of the routine that keeps you making money instead of spending it on downtime and repair. The short answer is that it can cost $40-$80 depending on the size and complexity of the job. Here at Fuel Ox, we know a thing or two about semi-truck grease and best practices. Read on to learn more about your options and the total cost.

Key Takeaways

• Greasing a semi truck typically costs between $40 and $80 depending on service complexity and location.
• Regular greasing prevents friction, wear, and costly breakdowns in key components like u-joints and wheel bearings.
• Labor is the primary cost driver, with service times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes depending on truck condition.
• Grease supply costs are low (under $10), but the type of grease, lithium, moly, or synthetic, matters greatly.
• Both truck and trailer components must be greased for safe, smooth, and fuel-efficient operation.
• Fuel Ox provides premium grease and lubrication solutions like Infinity Lube™ Super Grease and Super Spray trusted by fleet operators and owner-operators alike.

Understanding Semi Truck Greasing Basics

Greasing your semi truck is all about preventative maintenance. It’s not just a quick squirt of grease here and there, it’s a thorough chassis lubrication service targeting every joint, pivot, and pressure point that keeps your truck running smoothly.

If your own truck is your business, then this should hit close to home. Greasing isn’t optional. It’s survival. Here’s why we never skip it, and why you shouldn’t either.

• Reduces Friction and Prevents Wear
  Think of grease as the protective shield for your metal components. It keeps friction in check, even under pressure, helping to maintain parts that take a beating every mile.
• Extends the Life of Critical Components
  From your wheel bearings to your U-joints, consistent greasing ensures your semi holds together on tough hauls and doesn’t fall apart when you need it most.
• Helps Avoid Costly Breakdowns
  A seized fitting, a dry frame pivot, or a burnt-out clutch linkage can sideline you for days. Routine greasing helps prevent these breakdowns so your tractor stays on the road, not in the shop.

It’s easy to overlook when you’re rushing to make deliveries or hit your next oil change, but trust us, this is one of those jobs that pays off in the long run.

Average Cost to Grease a Semi Truck

Typical Price Range

So, really, how much does it cost to grease a semi truck? On average, you’re looking at $40 to $80 per service, depending on a few important factors. Some of those include:

• Where you’re located – A dealership in the South might charge less than a high-end shop up north.
• Who’s doing the job – Independent techs may be cheaper than a full-service fleet maintenance center.
• What’s included – Is it just the tractor, or are you greasing the trailer too?

If you’re driving cross-country or hauling heavy, this cost is a drop in the gallon compared to the wear you’re preventing. It’s not just about how much you pay, but how much you don’t have to fix later.

Greasing Both Truck and Trailer

Let’s not forget: your trailer works just as hard as your semi. Some shops will grease both for $35 to $45, which is a great deal, depending on the level of service. But don’t assume it’s automatic. Ask.

The trailer’s fifth wheel, suspension parts, and brake fittings also need grease to operate properly. If you’re skipping those, you’re leaving money on the table, and possibly parts on the side of the highway.

A properly greased rig doesn’t just operate better, it’s safer, smoother, and more fuel-efficient. Not a bad return for a basic maintenance check.

Breakdown of Greasing Expenses

Labor Costs

Here’s where most of the cost comes from: labor. Shops typically charge $60 to $80 per hour, and while greasing isn’t brain surgery, it does take time, especially if it hasn’t been done on a regular basis.

A full greasing service might take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition of the parts, frame, and fittings. If there’s a lot of built-up dirt or previous neglect, your mechanic might need extra time to clean, prep, and inspect every point.

If you’re running a fleet, those costs can add up, but so can the downtime of trucks waiting on repairs that could’ve been avoided. This is why many fleet managers schedule greasing at the same time they change oil or swap filters, kill two birds, stay on schedule, and hit the road.

Grease Supply Cost

The silver lining? The grease itself is usually under $10 per job. And yet, it’s the MVP of this entire process. Different grease types are used based on what your semi truck needs:

• Lithium grease – great for wheel bearings, frame points, and general-purpose use.
• Moly grease – perfect for high-pressure joints, like u joints and king pins.
• Synthetic grease – often used in cold weather or high-heat applications, especially long-haul.

Some drivers prefer to bring their own grease and additives, especially if they’re loyal to a brand that’s worked well over time. Others let the shop choose, trusting their experience. Either way, Fuel Ox supplies both shops and independent drivers with industry-leading grease and lubrication products.

The important part is that the grease gets applied correctly, sticks where it needs to, and holds up through rain, snow, and the beating a semi takes every mile.

Fuel Ox® Lubricants & Greases – Heavy-Duty Protection for Semi-Trucks

Fuel Ox delivers premium greases engineered for the punishing conditions of semi-truck maintenance. Our Infinity Lube™ Super Grease bonds at the micron level to polish metal-to-metal surfaces, ensuring exceptional thermal stability, extreme‑pressure resistance, and superior rust and water‑wash protection, ideal for bearings and joints under intense loads.

Complementing this our Infinity Lube™ Super Spray, a versatile aerosol that delivers the same lubricity in hard-to-reach spots. Together, these formulations provide long-lasting, reliable lubrication that minimizes downtime and maximizes semi-truck performance on the road. When you need premium protection for your semi truck, reach for industry-leading Fuel Ox greases and lubricants.

So, How Often Should You Grease a Semi Truck?

If you want to maintain your own truck and avoid expensive repair bills, you’ve got to commit to chassis lubrication on a regular basis. The standard rule of thumb? Grease it every 12,000 miles. That’s your baseline for keeping things like U-joints, kingpins, spring pins, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings in good shape.

But there’s more to it. The fifth wheel takes a serious beating. It sees constant friction, dirt, dust, and load transfer, and because it’s the pivot point for your trailer, it needs to be greased way more frequently, every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on how hard you’re running and where you drive.

Ignore this schedule, and your semi won’t be running smoothly for long. And once those components start to seize, you’re not just dealing with downtime, you’re staring down thousands in repair costs and a serious hit to your schedule and wallet.

Final Thoughts: The Total Cost For Greasing A Semi-Truck

So let’s cut to it, if you’re taking your semi to a dealership or repair shop, you’re looking at anywhere from $40 to $80 per service, depending on the location, time of year, and how thorough the technician is. A proper grease job should include the king pins, drag links, spring pins, fifth wheel, tie rod ends, and more.

Whether you’re maintaining your own truck or managing a full fleet, using a premium grease from Fuel Ox ensures maximum protection for your truck components. Not sure what type or how much you need? Just reach out, we’re happy to help.