I am in the process of replacing universal joints on my 63 221. Two of the three UJ's were totally stuffed - needle bearing impressions on each bearing face.

The support bearing feels to be in fine condition so I am not planning to replace it this time.

Can anyone tell me if I should try and get any grease into the support bearing? I can't find any reference to lubricating the support bearing in Haynes or Volvo service manuals. This makes me think that perhaps it is not supposed to be lubricated. The bearing feels dry and appears to have dust shields but no seals. I'm thinking that it might be supposed to run dry. If I did manage to get some grease in, it might be worse because without seals the grease would attract and hold dust and dirt in the bearing.

My car did not have a tension spring fitted on the support bearing. What does this spring do? Does it just give the support bearing a bit of axial load to prevent it rattling?

I'm hoping that new support bearing rubber bushes, new UJ's and putting the shaft together on the correct orientation will make all the difference with my bad vibrations.