Broke zerk

[MSURRATT]

I planned on greasing the zerks and on my second one it would not take the grease.  While trying to disconnect the grease gun the insides of the zerk broke off and is stuck in my grease gun. What do I need to do to replace that zerk? I plan on jacking the trailer up to take weight off moving forward.

2023 elite 11 hule 1443.

Thank You,

Mark

[Mountainman198]

2 hours ago, MSURRATT said:

I planned on greasing the zerks and on my second one it would not take the grease.  While trying to disconnect the grease gun the insides of the zerk broke off and is stuck in my grease gun. What do I need to do to replace that zerk? I plan on jacking the trailer up to take weight off moving forward.

2023 elite 11 hule 1443.

Thank You,

Mark

Can you provide a picture of what remains of the zerk in the shackle?  This will help in diagnosing and recommending a solution (e.g. ez-out vs wrench vs?)

Edited July 20, 2024 by Mountainman198

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, MSURRATT said:

What do I need to do to replace that zerk?

If it came out completely it can merely be replaced. If it physically broke off leaving the threaded portion, you have to remove the remaining piece without damaging the internal threads.

In this case, I would remove the bolt so that the work can be done in a vise. You may have to drill it out and/or use the right size easy-out. Something like this, but caution as this is a job for the experienced DIYer: Easy Out Screw Extractor 5/32" To 7/32" | Aircraft Spruce

[Geronimo John]

One of the best investments I have made is the Lock-N-Lube grease gun head.  It works wonderfully and eliminated the forces that break zerks.

Highly Recommend!

GJ

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

... and eliminated the forces that break zerks.

I have no idea how a grease gun can break a Zerk. You have to hit it with a hammer!

[MSURRATT]

Yes, it broke off at the threads. Thanks Geronimo I will look into the lock-n-load.

JD1923 , I didn't use a hammer but thanks for your advice!!!

[katanapilot]

10 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

One of the best investments I have made is the Lock-N-Lube grease gun head.  It works wonderfully and eliminated the forces that break zerks.

Highly Recommend!

GJ

+1 for the L&L. 

[Frank C]

On 7/20/2024 at 10:26 AM, MSURRATT said:

I planned on greasing the zerks and on my second one it would not take the grease.  While trying to disconnect the grease gun the insides of the zerk broke off and is stuck in my grease gun. What do I need to do to replace that zerk? I plan on jacking the trailer up to take weight off moving forward.

2023 elite 11 hule 1443.

Thank You,

Mark

There are zerk fitting repair/extractor tools available at most auto stores & Tractor Supply.   It’s a combination wrench/tap/extractor.  I’ve used one in the past.  If the fitting is broken off but the threaded part remains in the wet bolt, the extractor (the pointy tool) should allow you to unscrew the threaded portion. 

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/workforce-all-in-one-grease-fitting-repair-tool-for-1-4-in-28-fittings
 

Edited July 22, 2024 by Frank C

[MSURRATT]

Thank you Frank, I will pick that up tomorrow!!

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, MSURRATT said:

Yes, it broke off at the threads. Thanks Geronimo I will look into the lock-n-load.

JD1923 , I didn't use a hammer but thanks for your advice!!!

Sorry Mark, I'm sure you did not get out the hammer, although we all want to at times like this. 🤣

The applicator head of a grease gun has a spring/retaining clip. They can get stuck, and you do not want to pull it on an angle when stuck, which creates force in a lever-action. What I do is wiggle the grease gun back and forth so that the hose whips loose. The Lock-N-Lube head is design to keep the applicator head on. Does it also release better? Thank you @Frank C as I was not aware of a special tool sized for Zerks.

[Geronimo John]

The L&L head opens the jaws to allow for much easier placement and removal.

It also grabbs on better allowing you to "FORCE" grease into the wet bolt. 

It certainly makes greasing much more efficient with a lot less waste.

I know it is expensive, and I "resisted" for years.  But after using one of my friends.... I was sold.  No regrets.

GJ

[MSURRATT]

Hi JD,

I did think about a hammer if that counts.

Ha

Ha

[Rivernerd]

1 hour ago, Geronimo John said:

The L&L head opens the jaws to allow for much easier placement and removal.

I concur.  I bought Lock'NLubes for both of my grease guns for the many zerks on my Kubota tractor many years ago.  Now I use them for the Elite II suspension.  Overpriced?  Yes.  Worth it?  Yes.

[MSURRATT]

Do you guys and gals have a recommended grease that you use?

[Rivernerd]

21 hours ago, MSURRATT said:

Do you guys and gals have a recommended grease that you use?

Oliver uses Mystik No. 2, and recommends that owners also use it, to avoid mixing greases:

https://www.amazon.com/Mystik-665005002901-Hi-Temp-Multi-Purpose-Grease/dp/B0B85SSQQ9/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T8s3eQBiwJh36veWt_W9io39pC8kilB52ekv2jldzv3qxB8wmo4PGUVkrlSIGW-LWagzMKZ3PQzRfwKLinMgDvTpX56OktuykKMLG0-Z3PDTZLlEiqkIdGbJwDVTuGiB9kVL3Pqf46wMmP-ELukh2Jjzep_N6qy24-5ylPpDrmjQOmVFqSW_9POcJGPB_glRD1rhYwmbyGDZfg-rcU-aie3u2JWB5f7xFeBEgIE1oRJotg2gMyztc2IzZImTxf0M4eKZkv4XJD7PCpDDdX3g5h5f32JPe9J6nJbblRy0qAA.Jvhjqox0XQDK6gHQJUtcEGqYN5IxZYj0v9B9G9mADfM&dib_tag=se&hvadid=295421046137&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1026990&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5412146109433303244&hvtargid=kwd-569702912144&hydadcr=6402_9585570&keywords=mystik+jt-6+hi-temp+grease+2&qid=1721744170&sr=8-2

 

[rich.dev]

11 minutes ago, Rivernerd said:

Oliver uses Mystik No. 2, and recommends that owners also use it, to avoid mixing greases

I was advised by Mike from OTT that I could use Lucas Red N Tacky grease for the Dexter EZ-Flex suspension, bearings and the 3 jacks. 

[MSURRATT]

I know Lucas makes great products. I have used other products for my vehicles by lucas.

[jd1923]

On 7/22/2024 at 9:35 AM, MSURRATT said:

Do you guys and gals have a recommended grease that you use?

Any red grease marked NLGI #2 as @rich.dev showed above. People have brand preference, but all that's important is the kind of grease and temp rating. I've been using this for years, since the company had good comments on forums and very good case price on Amazon. I prefer not to pay a lot extra for a brand name. Hard to beat $7ea on a ten-pack!

I have this grease in the Oliver front jack and wheel bearings. Also use it for wheel bearings every time I do a brake job in all our cars and trucks.

Amazon.com: TRIAX Atlas 600 Grease - Full Synthetic, Ultra-Heavy Duty, Low Temp, Marine, Waterproof; All Bearings, Joints, Drive Train & 5th Wheel (10 Pack - 14 Oz Tubes) : Automotive