grease zerk cleaning tool

[94yj]

what is a good brand of grease zerk cleaning tool to use where the zerk or grease is dried up and wont let you grease spindles and pivot points on a john deere industrial tractor and i did search but did not come up with what i needed thanks

 

[LAROKE]

I didn't know there was such a thing. I usually just heat it up a little with a plumber's torch.

 

[Straydog]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200430913_200430913

I dont have one, but I've always kind of wanted one. I won't be of any help as to the quality of this product.

 

[zcbauer89]

I've used them on my farm equipment and some large earth movers and my opinion is that I wouldn't waste money on them again. They didn't work real good. I have better luck with a plumbers torch.

 

[PelicanPines]

I've used them on my farm equipment and some large earth movers and my opinion is that I wouldn't waste money on them again. They didn't work real good. I have better luck with a plumbers torch.

+1

 

[rlitman]

I can't say I've had the experiences with clogged zerks as others here, but the few times it's come up, I've unscrewed the zerk, put in a new one, and put the old one in a jar for cleaning later. After I have a few, I put them in the ultrasonic with some kerosene.

 

[Rondog]

I'd just replace 'em if possible. If they're some obsolete/obscure type and not replaceable, I'd try a small glass jar, some brake cleaner, and compressed air. Probably scrub 'em with the brake cleaner and an old toothbrush too. Just be careful you don't blow them into the distance with the air nozzle! Might want to wrap some safety wire around it first so it can't get away.

 

[zcbauer89]

Sometimes it's not the zerk, it's the passage way for the grease itself. I've spent many a time cleaning passage ways out with a small pick, air blow gun, and solvent. Then replace with a new QUALITY zerk.

 

[94yj]

would something like this be good on unstopping grease fittings and pressuring the grease out
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161234204037?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[rlitman]

Sometimes it's not the zerk, it's the passage way for the grease itself. I've spent many a time cleaning passage ways out with a small pick, air blow gun, and solvent. Then replace with a new QUALITY zerk.

Good point. For the straight shot under the zerk, I use a drill bit (turned between my fingers). The twist makes it easier to pull frozen stuff out, without driving anything further in.

 

[bobcatdan]

The tool is useless.

 

[kd3pc]

replace them,, anything else runs the risk of pushing/sucking dirt and such in to the joint, which will cause premature failure.

They are just too inexpensive to NOT replace them.

The better option is to clean them and use them from the get go...that is what they are there for.

 

[94yj]

thanks guys i will replace them but my problem is this tractor has not been greased in a while and the grease is old and dry and that is why i was thinking about the pressure cleaner tool

 

[94yj]

but since the opinion is the tool is junk i will go another route and i have cleaned the zerks that are in the tractor but cant get the grease in to the pivot points

 

[theoldwizard1]

I can't say I've had the experiences with clogged zerks as others here, but the few times it's come up, I've unscrewed the zerk, put in a new one, and put the old one in a jar for cleaning later. After I have a few, I put them in the ultrasonic with some kerosene.

+1 ! Especially on cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner !!

 

[zcbauer89]

94yj, that can be a real problem. Take the Zerk out, and squirt as much solvent as you can in there, get some small picks, and clean out as much as you can. and repeat. You can PM me and I can help you out further. It will help if I knew what kind of tractor it was.

 

[94yj]

john deer 400 industrial loader/backhoe

 

[94yj]

the only problem is some of the pins are 6" long i wish they were on the loader or backhoe but no they had to be on the front axle

 

[carcajou]

Have you tried to grease the axle pivots when the tires are off the ground? That helps a lot.

 

[94yj]

yes i think this was last greased in the early 90s i will get it if i have to pull and clean every pin and bore but i was trying to avoid the night
mare

 

[Fretters]

Zerk's are grease *******, I assume? Syringe filled with paraffin, (kerosene). Wipe the ****** clean first with a rag, then use the needle to depress the ball and squirt as much paraffin in there as you can. If it's only dried in the ******, the paraffin should soften the hardened grease. If grease then still won't go in, replace the ******.

 

[94yj]

the ******* are clean and open but i do like the idea or kerosene

 

[jnyost]

I guess I'll be the first one to post and say that the tools are not useless and work quite well when used properly and for the right purpose. I have one that I've used several times on different vehicles. The only time I had a problem was hitting it too hard and shearing off a zerk.

 

[jmm]

I work on Mack trucks -- lots of concrete trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy haulers prone to getting really nasty. I use this Mac kit: http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-319002-grease-joint-rejuvenator.aspx

Works perfect, and not only cleans out the fittings themselves, but also clogged grease channels. Highly recommended.

 

[smiffy]

What u describe they are perfect for and are actually a really good tool fill them with a mixture of hydraulic oil
And diesel so it can force itself in where the grease has ran dry of course clean the channel first and dissasemble where possible but the do work when the pins or such are completely dry also make sure there is no air in them before use there also good for old bearings that are filthy

 

[Steinmetz]

Just replace them. Zerks are really just a plug that is configured to admit pressurized grease following installation, and that's it. Subsequent applications of grease may introduce contaminants through the thing if not replaced.

 

[SteveCh]

I work on Mack trucks -- lots of concrete trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy haulers prone to getting really nasty. I use this Mac kit: http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-319002-grease-joint-rejuvenator.aspx

Works perfect, and not only cleans out the fittings themselves, but also clogged grease channels. Highly recommended.

Yes, while I usually replace, I have a couple on my Kubota I've had problems with and used a tool similar to this MAC I got off Amazon. Worked fine with a bit of diesel in it. Sometimes you don't have the right fitting handy and these tools can get you done with the maintenance. [And, yes, I know, I should have extra fittings but now and then you just don't.]

 

[sberry]

I think its worth a 50$ try, it might even help with disassembly. That Mac thing looks good, has a case. I don't own one, I had intended to but now have came around where I don't have seized equipment anymore and don't need it or will bite the bullet on occasion and fix/service. I figure if I am already to the point I cant get it apart it wont get any better in the future.
Flea mkts the place to buy zerks, the farm store is priced reasonable too.

 

[PelicanPines]

would something like this be good on unstopping grease fittings and pressuring the grease out
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161234204037?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I'm one of those ppl that can see disasters ahead of time. The first thing I see with using this tool on a stuck zerk... is a blown out grease bowl. It might be good to clear a stuck zerk if the zerk is not installed.. but installed.. I can't stop seeing the need for lots of rags and a mess and a bigger repair.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200430913_200430913

I dont have one, but I've always kind of wanted one. I won't be of any help as to the quality of this product.

got the exact same thing from harbor freek and you put oil in it and hammer on it to get the dried grease out. Have yet to use it. and I have a couple of not working fitting on my tractor that need attention