Just got finished installing new tierod ends on my 71. 2 inner and 2 outer, all bought through Paragon, stating "correct style shape and boot". Problem is this, all 4 will not take grease. I get one full squeeze and a little bit of another from the grease gun and that's it, rock hard. Grease comes out of the sides of the plate that is pressed into the tie rod and that the zert screw's into and out of the sides of the zert, but nothing from the boot side of the tierod end. I have never come across this....any thoughts ? Car is up on 4 jackstands with front end hanging, I used GM# 12377985 grease.
-
-
Re: Tierod End Problem
It is possible they are "grease-less" but have the grease zert for original appearance. I installed "correct" ball joints on my '65 a few years ago and had the same problem. The vendor referred me to the manufacturer who told me they are grease-less or permanently greased. Don H. -
Re: Tierod End Problem
I have never heard of a "grease-less" tie rod end or ball joints, u-joints..yes, but it may be possible.Comment
-
Re: Tierod End Problem
Now days grease less (without Zirk fittings) suspension components are the norm. My 2008 Corvette has only 2 grease fittings (on the rear tie rods). Most new cars and trucks have NO grease fittings. Americans do not like to maintain their cars, and the car manufacturers (even including the foreign car manufacturers) are giving in to that kind of sloth.
I know we will hear from those who will point out that with no way to grease the unit there will be no dirt pushed in with the new grease, and no broken boots from too much grease. They will also point out that the lubricating material that is built into the fitting (often a high molecular weight plastic, or a Teflon impregnated material) has superior qualities to chassis grease. Don't let these purveyors of logic sway you. Get a more powerful grease gun -- turn up the air pressure on that sucka. Go for broke -- and it will break. There is nothing like the automotive dark ages. Let's stay there and draw on the cave walls.TerryComment
-
Re: Tierod End Problem
Joe,
They are already installed on the car, but I could probably get under there and take a couple of picture's. I'm curious as to what would be the reason for a picture.
DougComment
-
Re: Tierod End Problem
Take off the zerk fitting and see if you can get grease through the fitting all by itself.
I had this problem with my new hand pumped grease gun with the same results you have indicated. The fitting of the grease gun has a rubber diaphram inside with a small hole. The small hole looks like it is supposed to expand when place of the zerk nipple, but the gun I had wouldn't do that. I tore apart the rubber with a needle nose pliars. Now it works, but I do get grease going out the sides as well. I'm going to look for another grease gun tip but I'm going to check for this rubber piece. I was trying to get grease into the upper ball joints of a 73Steve L
73 coupe since new
Capital Corvette Club
Ottawa, CanadaComment
-
Re: Tierod End Problem
The grease gun I have works fine, I've had it for years and it works perfect on everything else. The grease is coming out of the gun, into the tierod, it just does not seem to be going all the way through the tierod and out the side of the boot.Comment
-
Re: Tierod End Problem
I would be curious what Paragon has to say about this since they supplied the product. Did you contact their help line? Best wishes...Comment
-
Re: Tierod End Problem
Joe....
No problem, I will try and get some pictures up for you tomorrow.Comment
Comment