Grease fittings

[richk55]

I want to replace the pressed grease fittings on my Model A. Some of them are clogged and paked with road grime and dirt and won't accept new clean grease. How can I remove the old fittings? I have tried to heat them to lloosen the old grease but that did not work. I am afraid that if I try to twist them out with a vise grip pliers it will crush then and leave the base of the fitting in place.

 

[mshmodela]

One thing you could do, is try a paper clip in the fitting (org. zerk type) it may help with some of them. Better to get some grease in sooner rather than latter

 

[CarlG]

The vendors sell a grease fitting kit that has enough to replace all the grease fittings on a Model A. You can get the original type fittings or the "new" type fittings. The tricky thing is that some fittings are press in, others are threaded (1/8" NPT). I'm sure there is a reason behind that methodology, but it escapes me. I just replaced threads where threads were, and press-in where they were and didn't ask.

 

[Vin-tin]

And if the paper clip doesn't do the trick, just place a chisel on the side of the grease fitting and give it a few taps with a hammer. It should pop right out.

 

[wrndln]

I have removed a number of old press-in grease jerks with ViceGrips. Usually a slight twisting motion will free them. There is a small flat part on the zerks that a ViceGrio can clamp onto. I have never had one crush to where it wouldn't come loose. Another method I have not tried, but would seem to work if ViceGrips don't work is to grind off the top o the zerk and use a tap and thread it into the zerk hole and clamp ViceGrips to the tap and drive the Jerk out. I have used this technique to remove distributor bushing. Most original jerks, I have found, are plugged, discolored and/or rusted and need to be replaced.
Rusty Nelson

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

One guy had a broken one & MIG welded a NUT onto it, to screw it out.
Bill W.

 

[Mitch//pa]

I use a smaller good quality channel locks to grab them which usually works. On any tough ones I carefully grind two little flats with a whizzer to grab them better. never had one break off yet...

 

[Pinesdune]

Have you tried an oil injector, I find they work great (at least on straight nipples), couple hits with a hammer and away you go.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grease-Buster-Zerk-Cleaning-Tool-Grease-Fitting-Cleaner-/121600228244

You might just have to swap the ends to the old ford style first.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

I've used the chisel and the vice grips method. I have also warmed up the fitting and the assembly with a propane torch and forced in the grease while still warm.