Chassis Lube Frequency

[big_dawg74]

Ok, here's the deal: My 2006 is needing an oil change soon. It currently had 20288 miles on it, and the oil was changed at 5408 (Jan 07), 10941 (Sept 07), and 16750 (Sept 08) miles. All were done when the OLS indicated as such. First and third change done by local qwik lube shop; second done at dealer. I have decided that I want to start doing my own oil/filter changes switching to Mobil1 and Wix filter. My question/concern is about lubing the chassis. I have never done it myself, so I don't have any tools. A forum search revealed a decided opinion sway towards a "pistol grip" style gun vice lever pump style. Is lubing a 2wd chassis w/ 6 zerks really such a PITA? Can I lube it every other year, or is annual lubing required? I don't really want to go down an expensive compressor road just to use it maybe once a year. I called the qwik lube shop and asked if I could come in and just get the chassis lubed, that's it, and they said they could do just that, but beacuse it is part of their "20 point full service oil change" they could more or less do it under the table on a tip basis. 1) How much do you think that's worth? and 2) Would you do it?

 

 

 

On a side note, how do you get your truck pix in your signature?

 

 

 

TIA

[nh09z71]

I grease my vehicles every time I change the oil.

 

I use a plain 'ol lever type grease gun with a flexible shaft. If some of the zerk fittings are too hard to get at, even with a flexible shaft, you can always swap them out for a 90° or 45° zerk fitting.

[txab]

Just do it yourself. You're under there already changing the oil, might as well grease it yourself too. Tools cost very little. you can pick up what you need at Wal mart or any auto parts store. Any style will do you. One thing I dislike about pistol grip type is it's small supply of grease. I use either an air powered grease gun or a battery powered grease gun. A lever type will serve you well though.

 

At your rate of oil change, I'd lube the chassis at every oil change

[2COR517]

One advantage of the pistol grip is that you can squeeze with one hand while you hold the hose on with the other. A nice one at Napa is like $30.

[Tsmith]

Good idea on doing the service yourself and knowing its done right ...

[WaterGuy]

I use a pistol style since my zerks are easy access.

I have a lever style but since I'm Polish it is difficult for me to use.

 

I juice the joints 2x a year.

 

Most quick lubes don't grease anymore because of overfilling the boots and causing boot blowouts.

[2COR517]

I have a lever style but since I'm Polish it is difficult for me to use.

 

That made me laugh.

 

So, how many................ah, nevermind.

[randyf]

Just get the lever type grease gun at your local auto parts store.

You may want to also get the flexible hose for it.

 

I grease mine every 10,000 miles.

[big_dawg74]

Ok guys, I was at Home Depot and they have a 14 oz lever style or a 3 oz pistol grip mini gun (which comes with a flex hose). Which do you recommend? I am leaning towards the mini gun....

 

How many ounces does it take to lube 6 zerks?

[Spurshot]

Get a large size (14 oz?) and get a hose for it. A pistol type in the large size, I don't recall seeing. Pneumatic pistol style is the cats meow. But you need compressed air.

 

Should lube at least the:

upper balljoints (2)

Lower balljoints (2)

Outer tierod ends (2)

Inner tierod ends (2)

Pitman arm end (1)

Idler arm end (1)

 

If they all don't have zerk fittings, see about putting them in.

[2COR517]

Idler arm should have two. One at the center link, one at the frame bracket. I saw a full size (14 oz) pistol grip at Napa. About $30. Going to grab one before my next oil change.

[Erichcb]

I’m lucky enough that are mechanic for are fire dist. Is a good friend of mine and allows me access to some of his new toys in the shop.

How about a battery powered grease gun

 

 

 

PowerLuber 14.4 Volt Cordless Grease Gun

by Lincoln Industrial

New and Improved addition to Lincoln Industrial’s line of battery-operated grease gun products. This Professional quality tool features two-speed operation for high-pressure or high-volume delivery. Balanced design and overmolded grip provide operator comfort during extended use. Integral hanger and hose retainer for added convenience.

 

 

[CapitalTruck]

The 2wd only has 6 in the front suspension because it's a rack and pinion steering. (none of that idler arm stuff). Just upper and lower balljoints and outer tie rods. There is (at least on my extended cab) a zerk on the drive shaft about half way down (NOT on the u-joints). I put two shots from my pistol gun in the joints every time I rotate the tires. Just get a pistol grip gun from NAPA and do it yourself. It's not nearly the issue you think it is.