Front Spindle Bearing Won't Take Grease

[mscher]

'67 Ford 4500 tractor

The bottom bearing on the front steering spindle won't take grease, through the joint. Replaced the zerk with a known working one, same thing.

Any tricks to get the joint flowing grease?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Front Spindle Bearing Won't Take Grease

Other then taking it apart and cleaning the entire joint out? No Idea, I have used a torch to heat up the area but that only worked when the grease still had some movement/viscosity(?) in it, I think in your case the whole wheel bearing/spindle has let the grease solidify and now it just needs to be completely cleaned out, maybe rebuilt and then you can use the zerk as needed..

 

[rbh]

Re: Front Spindle Bearing Won't Take Grease

Before you go rippen apart the unit try removing the zirk and with a very small wire or screw driver dig out the dried up mess.
Also shoot some wd-40 into the area (up through the zirks hole), this will soften it and once it will take grease any residual wd-40 will be pushed out.

 

[Wind dog]

Re: Front Spindle Bearing Won't Take Grease

Before you go rippen apart the unit try removing the zirk and with a very small wire or screw driver dig out the dried up mess.
Also shoot some wd-40 into the area (up through the zirks hole), this will soften it and once it will take grease any residual wd-40 will be pushed out.

+1 on this! A small drill bit will also help with the cleaning, use your fingers not a drill motor.

 

[JB]

Re: Front Spindle Bearing Won't Take Grease

+1 on the use of WD-40 to soften the hardened grease. I have used that successfully on my mower wheel shafts. Once you get it softened a bit the Zirk Zapper can drive it out.

Good luck.