Install new zerk

[ronwmiller]

Hi all,

I have an excavator that has a broken grease zerk and its inside of a recessed area. I've scoured the internet looking for a thin wall deep socket or some of other type of specialized wrench that will reach it. I was able to get the old zerk out but need a way to put the new one in and tighten it. I don't mind buying a tool to manage this if needed as I have other zerks in a similar situation which will eventually need replacement. Suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Ron

P.S.
Yes, I know this is the tractor forum but I've always gotten great answers so trying here.

 

[Roadworthy]

You got the old one out somehow. If you used a socket stuff paper or something into it to prevent the zerk from going in too far. Put the zerk into the socket and wrap a turn or two of electrical tape around to hold it in place. Install zerk, tighten zerk, remove socket.

 

[Reb954]

I don't know of anything specific for that. When I have run into that type of situation I just grind down a socket or wrench until it will fit.

Usually the biggest problem is when I need that socket or wrench again I can't find it so I have to grind down another one.

 

[ronwmiller]

You got the old one out somehow. If you used a socket stuff paper or something into it to prevent the zerk from going in too far. Put the zerk into the socket and wrap a turn or two of electrical tape around to hold it in place. Install zerk, tighten zerk, remove socket.

Good advice. I can't remember what I used to get it out. This will help with putting a new one in. Do you have a recommendation on a socket type? I think it needs to be a thin walled, deep socket?

Thanks,

Ron

 

[DJ54]

I had a hollow stem nut driver for zerks in places like that. But, I did need to drill a bit of a recess in the hollow stem, so the head of the zerk would fit.

 

[Roadworthy]

I like the nut driver idea - did not occur to me. As far as sockets I'd probably go with a quality thin wall deep well socket. The higher quality sockets are made with better steel and can have thinner walls. If you go shopping you could take your dial caliper with you and measure the outside diameter of sockets of the size you seek.

 

[WranglerX]

I would go with the deep well socket and cut a length of fuel line or some other hose or what ever into socket to keep zerk threads exposed....

Though a nut driver may be just the ticket...

Dale

 

[Roadworthy]

I had all but forgotten, but where I used to work they turned some 3/16" nut drivers down so they'd fit into a space to remove a nut. I don't recall the equipment we were working on now but the only way to gain access was with these modified nut drivers.

 

[radios1]

I'd screw it in by hand first, to make sure it's not cross threaded, just like with lug nuts before using an air wrench on them!..

 

[hosspuller]

Start the fitting with a piece of rubber tubing. Avoids cross threading the Zerk. Then use the socket to tighten.