Grease gun usage on cars?

[bowlofturtle]

I've never owned/used a grease gun before. I'm a shady tree mechanic/ average DIY. I mainly work on 98+ imports(mainly cars,no trucks), rarely do I come across a zerg fitting. I normally just install parts without greasing them.

I just got some tie rod ends and saw the zerg fitting on them and thought about buying one.

Should I bother? these parts should come pregreased right? What other parts can I use the gun for?

Recommend me a cheapy one? I saw the little 3oz guns for like $15. But I fear I won't even use it after the first time.



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[Mikerodrig27]

Generally most stock suspension components don't come with grease fittings. If it comes with one, I'd go ahead and hit it with some grease when i'm doing oil changes. Also, don't loose the dust cap that comes with the fitting. Otherwise you'll be pumping dirt through the hole...

 

[Tim37]

15 bucks vs wearing out your new parts and having to replace them then pay to have another alignment.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I don't own a grease gun either. I'm a fan of sealed

 

[goodysgotacuda]

If it comes with a zerk, you should grease it upon install.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I don't own a grease gun either. I'm a fan of sealed

I find the usually result of grease fittings are prematurely blown boots, due to over-greasing. 5 or 6 pumps, every 3000 miles, is a lot of grease. Especially since most people pump them until the boot bulges upon instillation. Once the boot blows, the joint will follow.


I too, buy sealed parts whenever possible.

 

[trentonmakes]

with zerk fittings, where does the "old", grease go???
I can't see ALL the old grease going out, especially with only several pumps.
Wouldnt you always have old grease in there?
Thinking about its not much different then a sealed compononent, except your adding a bit a fresh grease.

yes, I may be overthinking this. lol

 

[gungatim]

it gets forced out and is contained with the rubber seal, until it gets full and blows. the idea is to displace old grease with new under pressure.

and it's zerk, not zurt, zirt, zirk, zurg, sawzaw,....(JK)

 

[shockwave]

Most imports do not have grease fitting but a lot of replacements do like moog tie rods and ball joints

It will be good to have a grease gun aswell as a good bearing packer

And sealed units are easier to deal with but I prefer the ones with a grease fitting

 

[hoston23]

most u-joints have grease fittings

 

[Zrexxer]

Most imports do not have grease fitting but a lot of replacements do like moog tie rods and ball joints

And Moog specifically instructs you to grease the joint once the Zerk fitting is installed.

 

[bowlofturtle]

I'm installing MOOG tie rod ends.

I just cant help think if i run out and get a gun, it will be another thing sitting next to my timing light (another one time use item) but least the gun is $15 VS the light being $50-75.

Now you can over grease these things... man i dont know now.

This was the gun i was thinking about getting.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004G08K9I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dr_clyde]

I feel like owning a grease gun and knowing when to use it is a good part of preventative maintenance on most mechanical objects, not just cars.

Most tractors, implements, lawn mowers, and other things with moving parts usually need grease somewhere. Plus its nice to have for the times you just need a pump or two on your finger to grease up a shaft or something without a zerk.

 

[gungatim]

neither of those should be a one time use if you have a muscle car, a fullsize pickup truck, a real car ( older than about '80), a lawnmower with greasable spindles and suspension, a tractor, older motorcycle, etc. even my 2 post lift has zerks on the pivots.

you must not have enough Man Toys!!

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Your floor jack probably has a zerk fitting too. Trailers bearing buddies as well.

 

[Mr. Fixer Upper]

I wouldn't get a little gun like that with 3oz cartridges. You just won't find the assortment of greases that you may want in the small size.

 

[bowlofturtle]

neither of those should be a one time use if you have a muscle car, a fullsize pickup truck, a real car ( older than about '80), a lawnmower with greasable spindles and suspension, a tractor, older motorcycle, etc. even my 2 post lift has zerks on the pivots.

you must not have enough Man Toys!!

I would have to agree with you on that.

My floor jack has one zerk, my 2003 suzuki motorcycle doesn't have any, nor any of my cars. Well one will have these tie rods on soon enough.

Any decent recommedations on a cheap gun? Seems like good old HF has one for $20 and they are perfect for my once in a while usage.

 

[Ponchoguy]

with zerk fittings, where does the "old", grease go???
I can't see ALL the old grease going out, especially with only several pumps.
Wouldnt you always have old grease in there?
Thinking about its not much different then a sealed compononent, except your adding a bit a fresh grease.

yes, I may be overthinking this. lol

If it's got a fitting, it gets grease. My '84 Walker jack has grease fittings. I have a grease gun from when my dad was working on cars in the 60's. I keep grease on hand. No biggie.

 

[Skyline]

neither of those should be a one time use if you have a muscle car, a fullsize pickup truck, a real car ( older than about '80), a lawnmower with greasable spindles and suspension, a tractor, older motorcycle, etc. even my 2 post lift has zerks on the pivots.

you must not have enough Man Toys!!

X2 on that; Not enough toys!

Also, to add to the list, ANY trailer will have grease fittings on the hubs, and must be greased religiously to avoid catastrophic failure...especially a boat trailer where the wheels get submerged. When you see a trailer on the side of the road with a missing wheel, it's generally because this was neglected. If you have a boat with an outboard, that will require marine grease from a grease gun on the steering and tilt. If you have a jet-ski, that will require the same marine grease on the drive pivot and also the reversing clamshell.

Reminds me...my lawn tractor was squeeking a bit yesterday...time to get out the grease gun, drop the deck, and lube the spindles...(if it's not too late for the bearings already.)

 

[shockwave]

Keep in mind a grease gun can be useful in other ways like popping out a rear main seal (yes the pressure from the grease will pop it out on certain vehicles)

Gm steering boxes and a lot of replacement u joints aswell

 

[Thumper68]

Add a needle fitting and you can grease just about anything, I have 4 or 5 grease guns in different sizes, some have the flex hose and others the ridigd pipe.

I do like my small gun, have about 10 different types of grease on hand.

 

[warweapon762]

Add a needle fitting and you can grease just about anything, I have 4 or 5 grease guns in different sizes, some have the flex hose and others the ridigd pipe.

I do like my small gun, have about 10 different types of grease on hand.

My only complaint is people us the needle to service the non serviceable stuff and end up destroying boots in the process.

I use the needle assisting in packing grease into small bearings and its fantastic for that use.

 

[SAATR]

For most vehicles, greasable components are pointless, as they will be one more thing that doesn't get serviced. Hence the reason why most new vehicles have sealed suspension and steering components, sealed u-joints, etc. Vehicles that see a lot off off-road use, or things like boat trailers and lawn mowers where contamination is expected, need greasable components so that the grease can be used to flush out the dirt and water that will inevitably find its way into the component. Greasable components that leave no path for the old grease to leave the joint are the worst of both worlds, as their are not fully sealed from contamination but leave no path for contaminants to be flushed out. Best thing you could do there is flush it before install and pack it with a high quality grease, then leave it alone.

As far as grease guns, I would probably find a good used one at a garage sale or flea market and call it done. I would imagine you could get a good name brand like Lincoln or Alemite that takes full sized cartridges for less than 10 bucks.

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[trentonmakes]

it gets forced out and is contained with the rubber seal, until it gets full and blows. the idea is to displace old grease with new under pressure.

and it's zerk, not zurt, zirt, zirk, zurg, sawzaw,....(JK)

I see a dab of old grease with a lot of newer grease ooze out.???
So again, how can it displace all the old grease and put in all new grease with a "zerk" fitting? Lol

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[gungatim]

[/ATTACH]

I see a dab of old grease with a lot of newer grease ooze out.???
So again, how can it displace all the old grease and put in all new grease with a "zerk" fitting? Lol

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it can't, if you haven't ever greased it before, it's worn out, contaminated, etc. they only work if kept up. btw, there is a special tool for cleaning and unplugging the fittings, and you should ALWAYS wipe down the fitting and grease gun end before greasing anything to avoid pushing dirt into the fitting...

you know that picture in every shop manual that shows how to determine a worn ball joint? it depicts pretty well how the system works...i'll try to find one to post.

 

[trentonmakes]

I use point of a phillips to unclog them. Lol

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[theoldwizard1]

I have a Plews 3 oz grease gun that I use for my boat trailer bearings. It works well, Under $20 with 3 cartridges of grease.

For suspensions, you MUST have a flexible hose to get the proper angle. Use moly (molybdenum - for extreme pressure) grease on suspension items.

 

[sberry]

Yes, I have 2 guns,,, well 6 but really 2 used. For auto work you want pistol grip with hose. I have 2 of each, ones with solid and lever too but,,,,, for home/auto a single gun with most any chassis wheel grease will do fine.
I do keep 2 flavors but I got stuff,,, ha,,, one pink for bearings and ujoints and one with super black bear **** for suspension and steering.

 

[248superduty]

Man I haven't used a manual grease gun in years. I have an air powered and cordless one. But greasing equipment and semi trucks is usually somewhere in the 100+ fitting range.

 

[248superduty]

And also grease it till the boot is full.

 

[LX-Markham]

LOL at the guys that think unserviceable joints are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

A joint with a grease fitting will outlast the vehicle if maintained. It doesn't take much grease, just a few shots, just enough to displace the old grease from the joint. Look at the picture: the void around the actual joint is very small. You don't need to keep pumping until grease starts shooting out of the boot.

 

[james92se]

I'm installing MOOG tie rod ends.

I just cant help think if i run out and get a gun, it will be another thing sitting next to my timing light (another one time use item) but least the gun is $15 VS the light being $50-75.

Now you can over grease these things... man i dont know now.

This was the gun i was thinking about getting.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004G08K9I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I purposely seek out MOOG for my cars (Hondas and Nissans) specifically because they have the zerk fittings. I don't know what kind of car you have, but on my Civic tie rod ends for example, there is simply no part of it that could "burst". What would typically be the boot is merely a "cap" of sorts on the MOOG.

Here is a great picture showing the MOOG Civic tie rod end.

As you can see the "boot" is actually a completely separate piece and is very thick and durable and not easily stretched and torn like a lot of them. It really just kind of sits in place between the knuckle and the tie rod unit since it doesn't attach anywhere. The grease easily pushes right out around the "boot" no problem at all.

and it's zerk, not zurt, zirt, zirk, zurg, sawzaw,....(JK)

It seems like 9 times out of 10 when I hear a guy talking about it or even written in text the person says/types "sawzaw". Drives me up a wall.

I really can't fathom why everybody doesn't realize it's sawzALL (as in, saws everything). Perhaps they've never seen a genuine Milwaukee to know any better.

 

[rodm1]

I'm installing MOOG tie rod ends.

I just cant help think if i run out and get a gun, it will be another thing sitting next to my timing light (another one time use item) but least the gun is $15 VS the light being $50-75.

Now you can over grease these things... man i dont know now.

This was the gun i was thinking about getting.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004G08K9I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I like to add a zerk to sealed units.

Get this one instead good quality gun at a reasonable price.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KKTFO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ttpete]

X2 on that; Not enough toys!

Also, to add to the list, ANY trailer will have grease fittings on the hubs, and must be greased religiously to avoid catastrophic failure...especially a boat trailer where the wheels get submerged. When you see a trailer on the side of the road with a missing wheel, it's generally because this was neglected. If you have a boat with an outboard, that will require marine grease from a grease gun on the steering and tilt. If you have a jet-ski, that will require the same marine grease on the drive pivot and also the reversing clamshell.

Reminds me...my lawn tractor was squeeking a bit yesterday...time to get out the grease gun, drop the deck, and lube the spindles...(if it's not too late for the bearings already.)

Boat trailer bearing buddys are a scam. The only correct way to service the wheel bearings is to pull the wheels and pack the bearings by hand. With a grease gun, you'll never get grease to the inner bearing unless the whole hub is full of grease, and then you'll blow out the seal.

The wheels should be packed as part of winterization to get any water out and prevent corrosion over the winter. Using a bearing packer with a grease gun, packing 4 wheels can be done in about an hour and a half.

 

[APEowner]

Boat trailer bearing buddys are a scam.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that they're a scam. They're just not a complete solution or the only one. As you've indicated they're only effective if the grease and water that they're displacing has somewhere to go. That means using the correct seal and for goodness sake don't use them on drum brake applications.

 

[TomB19]

Recommend me a cheapy one? I saw the little 3oz guns for like $15. But I fear I won't even use it after the first time.

I have an HF quality level grease gun. I bought it for a job about 15 years ago and I've used it 3 or 4 times since then.

It's more than sufficient to the task.

 

[velillen01]

I picked up this grease gun..a Lincoln 1134 Heavy Duty
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYDZ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Its not that expensive and has good reviews. I havent had it "leak" at all which has been a plus but i do still put a paper towel over the end after each use.

As for use...ive been amazed at how much i have actually used the damn thing. I got it mostly to do my own maintenance on my tacoma (8 or so zerks on it). But i have ended up using it on family's cars and also my riding mower, floor jack, casters, all sorts of things i never thought id use it on. The gun plus a tube of grease was like 50 bucks and is going ot last me years and years.

And why did i never think of dust caps for zerks. Nothing i own ever came with any so i just wiped them off before greasing. But just ordered 25 of em for 6 bucks

 

[GTO]

I picked up a brand new Lincoln air grease gun from amazon a few years ago,love it.IIRC I think I paid about $65 for it(great price).Use it all the time

 

[geartow]

There are 3 greese fittings on the seat in my truck. There are at least 52 on the truck.
I just did a quick front to back count in my head, may have missed 1.

 

[WhiffySpark]

LOL at the guys that think unserviceable joints are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

A joint with a grease fitting will outlast the vehicle if maintained. It doesn't take much grease, just a few shots, just enough to displace the old grease from the joint. Look at the picture: the void around the actual joint is very small. You don't need to keep pumping until grease starts shooting out of the boot.

People don't maintain them. That's the point. Plus they're messy. You get grit stuck to the grease dirt inside then etc.

I'm a professional tech and I don't own a grease gun. Times have changed