ZERKS WILL NOT ACCEPT GREASE

[Tollster]

I have been trying to grease the zerks on my MMM for 2 cuts now, to no avail. Tried after mowing, zerks were hot to the touch, tried all three spindles, but nothing but excess everywhere else. Did the balancer with no problem. The I tried the spindles again before mowing when they where cool, still no good. I always wipe zerks before and after greasing to prevent dirt from entering the fittings. What gives? Deck is new with less than 15 hrs on it. I did grease the **** out of it when I recieved it, do to other threads on the 60"MMM Kubota factory greasing issue.

 

[firemanpat2910]

2 options I can think of. remove the fitting and soak in parts cleaner, or just replace the zerk. I would choose option 2 most of the time.

 

[JimR]

Remove the zerks, check the spindle hole to make sure it is not plugged, install new zerk and grease away.

 

[kentrodngun]

I had the same problem, replaced the zerks and STILL had the problem. My brother (old Sears repairman) suggested I remove the (new) zerks and heat up the area until the grease liquefied. Did so, replaced the zerks, greased em up and it worked like a charm. Of course my equipment was old and the fittings were probably impacted and needed such radical treatment but it worked for me.

 

[AndyMA]

I've done the heat trick and it ususally works well. I recently bought a tool from Gemplers that allows you to inject (with hammer force) oil into a grease fitting to loosen it. works good.

Andy

 

[AndyMA]

Here is the URL for the Gempler tool
http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/product.asp?T1=109643&UID=200607211632105623282132

 

[gotrocks]

I've had success using a small punch and light tap on the little ball bearing in the fitting. That knocked it loose and the grease went in OK.

 

[tglass]

All good responces, but if it were mine with only 15 hrs. I'de be talking to the dealer that sold it to me for advice, repair or warranty. That new of mower shouldn't need you to work on it to do routine maint. There's a chance someone at the bearing factory might have missed initial greasing and if the bearing or bushing has already gotton hot, it might be gone already and need replacement. I've seen this with new sealed bearings I've never installed after removing the seals. No grease. Hopefully not the case, but def. get with whoever sold you the mmm.

 

[AndyMA]

I didn't notice it was only 15 hours. I'd bet on paint clogging the hole.

Andy

 

[PineRidge]

Zerk's are inexpensive, you can buy a whole assortment of them at Harbor Freight for less than 5 bucks in SAE or Metric your choice. Replace any that won't take grease, and you can get back to work.