Effects of not greasing zerks?
pgun67
08-29-2007, 09:38 AM
I was just wondering what happens if you dont grease the zerk fittings on your truck? I have gone a while since I do my own oil changes now and dont have a grease gun. I had a front wheel bearing assembly go out a while back and was wondering if it is related to not greasing the chassis? I used to ask the oil change places to grease them when I had my oil changed, but dont really know if they did or not. Any input is helpful. Thanks
2000 Silverado, 5.3, LT 265's
2000 Silverado, 5.3, LT 265's
silverado122775
08-29-2007, 09:42 AM
That is a good question.. I have not greased my fittings since I owned my truck. If you take it in, then you are not sure if they "really" do it or not.
weo38
08-29-2007, 11:25 AM
I try to gease mine several times a year at least. It helps keep fresh grease in the joints, remove water and keep everything lubricated. I believe there are 11 zerks on my truck and it doesn't take long to do it. Especially if you rotate your tires regularly it's just a matter of a few pumps in each one and you're done.
777stickman
08-29-2007, 07:15 PM
I had a front wheel bearing assembly go out a while back and was wondering if it is related to not greasing the chassis?
The answer to that ? is a 98% NO.
The answer to that ? is a 98% NO.
silicon212
08-29-2007, 07:31 PM
I was just wondering what happens if you dont grease the zerk fittings on your truck? I have gone a while since I do my own oil changes now and dont have a grease gun. I had a front wheel bearing assembly go out a while back and was wondering if it is related to not greasing the chassis? I used to ask the oil change places to grease them when I had my oil changed, but dont really know if they did or not. Any input is helpful. Thanks
2000 Silverado, 5.3, LT 265's
After a while, all of the grease in whatever joint has a Zerk on it, will eventually disappear (it hardens, gets squeezed out, gets contaminated, whatever). If you do grease all of the joints at least once a year, then you prolong the life of those joints. Also, weo38 has it right.
And, silverado122775, you CAN tell if the joints have been lubricated. A properly lubricated joint will have a small amount of grease seeping from the dust boot, as well as the dust boot will be swollen.
2000 Silverado, 5.3, LT 265's
After a while, all of the grease in whatever joint has a Zerk on it, will eventually disappear (it hardens, gets squeezed out, gets contaminated, whatever). If you do grease all of the joints at least once a year, then you prolong the life of those joints. Also, weo38 has it right.
And, silverado122775, you CAN tell if the joints have been lubricated. A properly lubricated joint will have a small amount of grease seeping from the dust boot, as well as the dust boot will be swollen.
abaird
08-29-2007, 09:45 PM
In my experience, I have replaced a lot more ford front end parts than GM on vehicles that are around 10 years old and newer. Fords phased out grease zerks around that time. And all of the replacement parts have zerks so that should tell you something.
sub006
09-01-2007, 09:27 PM
Mobil 1 grease once a year (after the Spring rain) will keep yu jints like new indefinitely!
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