Zerk Fittings

[Ohjai]

Does anyone know the size of the Zerk Fittings for a 38 60S?

Seven of ten of mine are painted over and will not take grease even after removing the paint.

Thanks

Jim

[bcroe]

I do not know about a 38, but all I have seen
are screwed in, not so hard to replace.  In my
yard days I unscrewed a lot of them to create
my collection.  Yes there are a few varieties,
size and angle.  Bruce Roe

[pmhowe]

It is easy enough to remove a couple of them and take them to your local NAPA (or brand of your choice) parts store. Each of them  should have them in stock. Fortunately, zerk fittings are readily available.

[Chopper1942]

I assume you are talking about the kingpins, upper and lower spindle pivot pins, upper and lower inner control arm pivots.  Usually the tie rod ends, pitman arm, and idler arm are not an issue. Very seldom the zert is the problem when it will not take grease. The zert is just a ball bearing held against its seat (to keep dirt and moisture from getting into the joint/part) by a spring. Usually the problem is the old grease in the joint has solidified or if it is a king pin zert, the bushing has turned in the spindle.  Sometimes if you can heat the joint, it will liquify the old grease and you can pump in new grease. If that doesm't work, you need to diassemble and clean up the parts. 

[fishnjim]

They're SAE and only a couple sizes usually 1/8 or 1/4", maybe 3/8 but not likely.   Depends if pipe or straight thread which you won't know til you remove.
Take one off(clean off thoroughly, unscrew (small closed end wrench- if possible) and soak in kerosene or some cleaner solvent.  Probably can reuse if not rusted. 
But agree, the old grease turns "solid" and needs removed before refilling. 
https://saeproducts.com/grease-fittings.html

[TJ Hopland]

I say the same thing, pretty rare its the fitting that is the issue. Most of the time you only have to replace them when they get broken. 

[Ohjai]

Thanks everyone.  Went to NAPA today, they had 1 card with 5 of the larger Zerks, they did not have the smaller one..

I will remove, lean with solvent and heat, then grease through them and reinstall.

iim

[TJ Hopland]

Not that cleaning them up is a bad thing but maybe before you do that after you get them off see if the fitting itself will take grease.  If it does you will know that wasn't the issue and its going to take more than clean fittings to solve the issues.  If it is still stuck then you know that is all you have to 'fix'.

[Daryl Chesterman]

Another thing to check on zerk fittings is that the little ball at the end of the fitting should be flush to  slightly protruding at the end—this seals out dirt and water.  If the ball is recessed, the zerk will get dirt in it and when you grease the fitting you will be injecting a bit of dirt into whatever it is that you are trying to lubricate.  Zerk fittings are cheap, so when in doubt, just replace it.

Daryl Chesterman