Switching out grease zerks

[2000 GMC]

Because of where it is I want to swap out the straight upper end of idler arm mount grease zerk with one that has a 90 degree bend.  Has anyone swapped this one out and was it difficult?   Do they sell spacers to make sure the zerk points down when I'm done.  

[MarkD]

Not difficult at all.  Just use a properly sized box end wrench, make sure you don't cross thread, and only put 10 ft. lbs or so of torque on it (these things are aluminium).

 

Also, check the check ball in the new fitting before you put it on.

[RyanbabZ71]

6mm not to bad to change.  I did get pretty greasy

[MountaineerTom]

Yep, same here.  I think I remember someone saying you can get to the original (straight one) easily by turning the wheels.    

 

I didn't think of trying that before I changed mine out though.  

 

Here's a pic.

[AirForceAngler]

Yep, same here.  I think I remember someone saying you can get to the original (straight one) easily by turning the wheels.    

 

I didn't think of trying that before I changed mine out though.  

With my 99 Tahoe, it didn't matter how I turned the wheels, I couldn't get to the zerks.  I changed to the 90's.  It was easy. :popcorn:

[Greek]

Yep I changed some of mine. It makes it a lot easier. It wasn't hard. You have to take the skid plates off if you have a Z71.

[JoeChevy]

Yes,

 

I did change the same zerk on my 02 Tahoe about 3 weeks

ago. It was very easy. Use the box wrench and , if you have

it, a small mirror is very useful to see what you are doing. The

mirror is a nice to have only. You can do it without. The 90

degree fitting make lubing a piece o cake. I also got a $12

pneumatic grease gun from Harbor.  ...  

 

 

Joe

[sgiangregorio]

Kind of similar in topic, but what type of grease should you use to top off the joints? It's time to do it, and I searched and couldn't find a definite answer. I'm looking for the genuine GM grease part number. I assume it's the same grease for all 11 or so fittings?

 

Thanks.

[RyanbabZ71]

I use mobil 1 grease.  Pretty inexpensive also like $3.99 a tube

[MountaineerTom]

I don't know the GM P/N, but it should be in the owners manual, under the table that lists all the lubricants to use.  It will be called chassis grease (or maybe lube, can't remember which).

[sgiangregorio]

Thanks Tom, I'll look it up tonight.

[JoeChevy]

I use Mobil 1 synthetic, but the GM part number

is:

 

     12377985

[sgiangregorio]

I was just thinking about that straight zerk fitting. Can't you get on it with the grease gun if the gun has a flexible hose on it? From the picture, it looks like you'd have enough room. No? I'm just trying to figure out if I "have" to change it, or if I'll be able to get on it. All my grease guns have the 12" hose on it.

 

Thanks

[RyanbabZ71]

you can get to it but the 90 or 45 makes it much easier.

[cyrylyn]

I bought the 90 angle zerk and didn't put it in.  the stock zerk is easy to get to for me - maybe because of the lift?  I used a grease gun with a hose and pistol grip.