Effects of not greasing zerks?

[pgun67]

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

[silverado122775]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by pgun67

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.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by pgun67

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.

[abaird]

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]

Mobil 1 grease once a year (after the Spring rain) will keep yu jints like new indefinitely!