Zerk problem

[Stuart725]

Zerk fittings on harrow axles rejecting grease
What to do?

 

[Sterff]

Zerk fittings on harrow axles rejecting grease
What to do?

If the grease is coming back out of the hole then, they need to be replaced.

 

[Stuart725]

Thanks. Can they be cleaned or is that hopeless?

 

[k0ua]

sometimes it could be that the channel in the implement joint that grease flows thru is clogged with old dried grease and dirt mixture. Unscrew zerk and make sure it is cleaned out, and look into the grease channel and pick out old dried grease and dirt.. Take entire joint apart if neccessary to clean out the grease groove. You can also try heat on the joint to melt the old grease/dirt mixture, or you can buy one of those high pressure grease joint cleaning tools like this and try that..


Amazon.com: grease joint rejuvenator

In my opinion it is unlikely to just be the zerk stopped up itself, more likely the whole joint is compacted. Final solution: once you get it cleaned out and grease flowing nicely by whatever method.. Grease more often. Don't let it get in this condition again.:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[DJ54]

It's best as mentioned, if you have the time, clean the grease channel. Good winter time, rainy day job type of thng... If in a pinch for time, remove zerk, and clean hole as best you can. Be sure and pump a bit through the zerk before installing to make sure it is clear.

Spray some type of lubricant in the hole. WD-40, PB Blaster, whatever you have on hand... Install the zerk, and start pumping. You'll probably feel some resistance, but keep pressure on it. The thin liquid, 99% of the time will find a way out, and grease right behind it. Just keep your hand on the handle, clear of anything it may hit. When it breaks loose, it breaks loose, right now...

On a horizontal hole, make a half dam of grease with your finger, and spray fluid in, etc, etc...

 

[creekbend]

Good luck. When you do correct and resolve the issue, why don't you put zerk covers on your grease fittings? The cheap plastic ones seem to not last very long. The rubber type are much better, in my opinion. Those are the type that I have on my Kubota L4400. I bought mine at a NAPA store. There was a thread circulating in regards to failed zerk fittings not long ago here on TBN. BTW, new zerks or grease fittings are not very expensive.

 

[Soundguy]

i agree with the above.

it's rarely the zerk itself.. but instead blocked grease channels.

heating is ok, if there are no seals involved.

soundguy

 

[crazyal]

On ebay you can buy sets of 100 for $20. For that kind of money I just toss them when I have a problem and then, like others have said, clean the hole under them. I then squirt in a little Kerosene before putting the new zerk in. That usually soaks it's way through the old grease pretty good and then in a few hours I'll try to pump in new grease.

 

[Stuart725]

Thanks for all the replies. I removed and cleaned and squirted a little wd40 into the channel which did flush some old caked grease. Got em working. But I think I will take the suggestion of purchasing spares and simply change them out. I am also going to try to find some covers. Lastly as one responder suggested....don't let em get that way again. Thanks to everyone.

 

[Sterff]

I think I would still replace them. It's cheap insurance. When I grease our large 30' disk it's not uncommon for 3/4's of the zerk to be worn off. When it's getting hit by dirt and rocks they wear quickly.