2003 Chevy Express 3500

I have a zerk fitting on the front driver's side top ball joint that is not taking grease.

The nut to unscrew it is buried under a plate. I do not see anything about removing this plate in the repair manual. It seems the zerk fitting is inserted up though a hole in the plate (?).

Will someone provide insight into removing the front driver's side top ball joint zerk fitting?

 

I don't think they are serviceable. I have seen a few on the newer gens that won't hold grease....just flows back out the zerk fitting. I couldn't remove it. it was under warranty so I didn't try to invent something to fix it. there may be a way but you may have to risk destroying it to find out.


a new control arm may be needed if you want to fix it...so you might as well leave it. You can get a zerk tool that you hammer into the fitting. it is suppose to clear blocked/clogged fittings so you can grease them.

 

follow-up:

I got a small nail the diameter of the zerk fitting opening, filed down the point so it was flat w/o any burs.
I placed the flattened point into the zerk fitting and tapped it with a block of wood. Just the lightest tap was needed ... don't drive the nail into the fitting!
This released the jammed the ball bearing and allowed me to add grease.

 

Good info. But I'm curious.

What made you come back and update a two year old post? It bothers me, somewhat, when someone solves their issue, but we never hear about it. But you did the polar opposite, and I applaud you for it.

 

I'm guessing it took a while from when I posted the Q to when I found a solution.
In that time I forgot about the post.
Yesterday I was cleaning out my email and found the response to my post ... so I came back and added my solution.
I too find problems without solutions to be a waste of research time.
But taking down or timing out a post that is a dead end removes the possibility of getting a solution.
I surmise the lack of follow through on forums is the same as in life ... and probably for all the same reasons.

 

Its admirable that you did follow up.. regardless of the length of time...
Do you still have your Van ?
Have you posted a pic of it ?
And welcome back....