Plugged Grease Fittings

[WNYBill]

What is the best way to clear a plugged zerk (grease) fitting?

 

[TheBartman47]

If it's got dirt in it, forcing that dirt farther into whatever needs grease will cause more wear on that part. Replacement zerks are cheap. Just install a new one.

 

[TerryfromSWIowa]

Yeah pull the zerk and inspect the opening for hardened grease

 

[Dusty MI]

Most, not all, grease zeros have threads and are screwed in.

 

[bfullmer]

if it is not a plugged zerk they make a tool you put WD40 in it and hit it with a hammer

 

[tom upton]

What is the best way to clear a plugged zerk (grease) fitting?

Usually it is not the zerk that is plugged, but what you are tring to get grease to that is the culprit.

 

[Steve in VA]

What is the best way to clear a plugged zerk (grease) fitting?

Personnaly, zerks are bog cheap so I just replace them. I have a jar of various sizes in the shop. I totally agree that forcing junk further in is a bad idea.

 

[moresmoke]

Replace the zerk and use better grease. If the pin is packed with hardened grease/dirt, sometimes a portapower can be screwed into the hole and push oil into it.

 

[Ray,IN]

The usual cause of a plugged zerk fitting is lack of attention, or non-use. I always wipe off the zerk before greasing, this prevents forcing dirt into the greased bearing and zerk fitting.
I do the same as Steve, I keep a small supply of zerks on hand JIC.
Not all zerk fittings screw in the opening, one is a drive in type. if closely inspected it has retaining rings, not threads, but they can be removed with pliers.

 

[rustred]

hardly ever is it the zerk that's plugged, its just the very end of it. but remove it, stick in the grease hose and pump some grease through it. this happens when a person don't keep up on greasing equipment and it forms a hard layer on the shaft inside.

 

[soupkid]

I use a propane torch to loosen them up, if that doesn't work I replace it.

 

[Roger in Iowa]

Perks may also be metric in size. More inventory on hand!

 

[Brownie450]

Remove the zerk & use a small drill bit by hand to
go in the fitting & where the grease is supposed
to go. Usually both directions are full of dirt.
Jim

 

[rustred]

If it's got dirt in it, forcing that dirt farther into whatever needs grease will cause more wear on that part. Replacement zerks are cheap. Just install a new one.

Not really. Zerks plug due to dirt getting onto the shaft then the dirt is forced around the shaft. Implements are a perfect example. Least if we have a picture of what the op is referring to. And greasing it forces the dirt out not into. Seam to always lack good information on o p subjects.

 

[Stephen Newell]

What is the best way to clear a plugged zerk (grease) fitting?

They are cheap, just put a new one on.

 

[redtom]

The times ive been successful, I've removed the zerk and cleaned out the old grease and crud with a small wire and gumout. I try to leave a little gumout in the hole and put in new zerk. I've have the best luck with a good brand name long handled lever gun instead of the grip squeeze type. Some cases like axle king pins, it helps to jack up rig and take weight off. Oh, and thanks for correctly calling it a "zerk".

 

[rrlund]

I'm afraid to use heat on the zerk. I've heard of the heat causing pressure that shoots that little BB out like a tiny bullet.

 

[soupkid]

I'm afraid to use heat on the zerk. I've heard of the heat causing pressure that shoots that little BB out like a tiny bullet.

I've heated lots of zerks, NEVER had it happen.

 

[rustred]

I'm afraid to use heat on the zerk. I've heard of the heat causing pressure that shoots that little BB out like a tiny bullet.

you can go squirrel hunting ! lol. actually i cant see that happenIng.

 

[timcasbolt]

The biggest concern with using heat on a zerk is annealing the spring and allowing debris to enter later.