Top Link Greasing 102

[Rusty]

What is the proper way to grease a top link that has no zerk fitting? My catagory 1 link from Tractor Supply Company has no zerk fitting, and has a hole drilled all the way through the link body tube near the center of the link body. This is the same hole that is used to turn the body to adjust link length. Thanks, in advance! Rusty

 

[Bird]

Just unscrew (lengthen) it a bit and put a little grease (or oil) on the exposed threads, screw them back in aways to lubricate all the threads to prevent corrosion. That's all it needs.

 

[Birdhunter1]

The only thing you'd need to grease is the threads or the balls.
I wouldn't shoot that tube on your top link full of grease because then it will just get your hand greased every time you go to adjust the length.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about it unless it is just plain difficult to turn it or the balls won't move freely.

 

[AndyMA]

The only thing you'd need to grease is the threads or the balls.
I wouldn't shoot that tube on your top link full of grease because then it will just get your hand greased every time you go to adjust the length.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about it unless it is just plain difficult to turn it or the balls won't move freely.

I use a can of Lithium White Grease tospray both the threads and the balls. If you don't keep the threads greased they will freeze. I have one that is frozen and heat, PB blaster and 36" pipe wrenches can't get it to turn.

Andy

 

[Rusty]

Bird, Birdhunter1, AndyMA - Thanks for the replies! I think that I was trying to make this much more difficult that it needs to be. I hadn't thought about the ball ends, I have never greased or oiled them. Thanks, again! Rusty

 

[Birdhunter1]

Keep in mind that grease coated items collect dust, which is why I have never greased the ball ends or the threads on a top link.

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

I use 80-90 SAE. It doesn't collect dust and crud up as much as plain grease.Have to reapply more often though.

 

[Theowegian]

Since grease holds dust, I dont grease my toplink. I keep it clean and lube it with graphite, the kind of stuff used on locksets. Seems to work ok.

 

[Bird]

Dwight, I've not done it myself, but I think the graphite is a very good idea.

 

[normde2001]

I keep a "Plews" squirt oil can, ( good for 10 feet), full of 140w, walk around the tractor, and squirt anything that looks like it might need it