Help- grease nipple fell off

where I want to · #1 10/02/13, 01:44 PM

I just bought a very expensive utility cart. Last one bought 10 years ago was great. The new one- no so much. Parts keep falling off. An EZ Haul cart.

The latest part problem has been that the grease nipple on the tire just fell off. In trying to put it back, I found that the hole is too big to hold it. The nipple is not stripped nor is the hole- it's just too big.

The (justified word that can't be use'd) company has not responded to my contacts- it's just not worth the effort to keep trying.

What would be the way to fix this? I would most like to be able to fix the nipple into the larger hole somehow- I just can't think of how.

Waterwheel Farm · #2 10/02/13, 01:49 PM

They make different sizes of grease fittings. Any auto store will have a selection. Would be nice if you could take the wheel with you to make sure you get the right size, but there's not that many different sizes of them. Also, some aren't threaded, they have little ribs on them and they press in.

simi-steading · #3 10/02/13, 02:27 PM

I was about to say that one was probably pressed in.. If that is the case you will have to get a new threaded zert that will fit the hole, or is larger than the hole, then you will need to probably drill the hole to the correct size, then you will need to tap it to put in the new zert..

where I want to · #4 10/02/13, 02:35 PM

And just what is a zert? I know I can google it but I just can't help asking.............

simi-steading · #5 10/02/13, 02:37 PM

Grease zert.. grease nipple. .one in the same.. er rather.. zerK...

Long day.. dull mind..

**highlands** · #6 10/02/13, 07:01 PM

So I sent my wife in to town to get some new fittings for the tractor. She goes to the dealer's store and asks the guy at the counter, "Can I see your nipples." Then she told me she blushed after realizing what she had just said. He grinned and helped her find the right ones. Nipples come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

FarmboyBill · #7 10/02/13, 09:37 PM

IF it is a pressed on zerK, you can drill it out and thread it for a 1 1/16 th size zerK. IF it had a 1 1/16 zerk screwed in it, You can drill that out and thread it for a 1/4 zerK Take the wheel off, and if you don't know about the right measurements to drill or to tap, take it to an auto supply store and they likely can help you.
To do it, drill one size smaller than your tap. Use a taper tap iof possible. easier to use. turn the tap one revolution, then back it up 1/2. do that till you have it threaded. Spray oil onto the tap, or brush it on. Clean threads of tap when finished.

Awnry Abe · #8 10/02/13, 10:20 PM

I don't know about the other parts on your utility cart, but as for zerks, they are prone to loss. There is a lot of nipple hanging out relative how much mating area they have. When one is exposed to a lot of rough work, like a wheel, they are just begging to get snapped off. Zerks are one of several parts that I have on hand in various sizes in my shed.

Grumpy old man · #9 10/02/13, 10:26 PM

You just can't trust a zerk nowadays !

1shotwade · #10 10/02/13, 11:11 PM

Don't know what a "zerk" is unless that's the new name for an alimight.(probably spelled wrong).Any,if it's off a wheel you got two wheels right?Take one out of the other wheel and match it up.That way at least they will be the same.

rambler · #11 10/03/13, 03:46 AM

Grease zerk.

Been called that in the USA fot many many decades.

Come in many sizes for threaded side, as well as the push in type which make assembly cheaper but seem easy to pop out.

Paul

wy_white_wolf · #12 10/03/13, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1shotwade

Don't know what a "zerk" is unless that's the new name for an alimight.(probably spelled wrong).Any,if it's off a wheel you got two wheels right?Take one out of the other wheel and match it up.That way at least they will be the same.

http://saeproducts.com/grease-zerk.html

I've never called them by anything else.

FarmboyBill · #13 10/03/13, 09:22 AM

An Alamite grease fitting has been called a Zerk for at least 75yrs, as that's what my dad called them, and hed be 94 now.

arabian knight · #14 10/03/13, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rambler

Grease zerk.

Been called that in the USA fot many many decades.

Come in many sizes for threaded side, as well as the push in type which make assembly cheaper but seem easy to pop out.

Paul

Yes there sure have I worked in a service station back in the early 70's and that is certainly what they are called.
I remember back when everyone was jumping on the Shortage bandwagon, from toilet seats to yes even Grease zerks.
We got a order of U-Joints. And inside the package was a note saying Due To The Shortage Of Grease zerks We Will No Longer Supply Them With The New U-Joint. Ya Right~!!

Snowfan · #15 10/03/13, 10:16 AM

I would just remove the tire and wheel assembly and drop it off at the local garage. Or, I believe they still make special tools that resemble a leather punch used to drive the fittings in. I have several in my tool boxes which, I realize, is of no help to you right now. You could drill and tap but be sure the wheel is not on the axle or spindle. Or, if this is a low speed, light weight cart, you could just remove the wheel a couple times a year, grease the spindle, axle and bushings or bearings and call it good. Messy but effective and it gives you a chance to check for other problems too.

where I want to · #16 10/03/13, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowfan

I would just remove the tire and wheel assembly and drop it off at the local garage. Or, I believe they still make special tools that resemble a leather punch used to drive the fittings in. I have several in my tool boxes which, I realize, is of no help to you right now. You could drill and tap but be sure the wheel is not on the axle or spindle. Or, if this is a low speed, light weight cart, you could just remove the wheel a couple times a year, grease the spindle, axle and bushings or bearings and call it good. Messy but effective and it gives you a chance to check for other problems too.

All great advice- except for my tendency to avoid thinking about maintenance. If the thought creeps into my head that I ought to (fill in here) to keep something working, I suppress it immediately. I think I do this because I enjoy the sensation of amazment that things tend to keep working despite the lack of effort on my part. It makes me feel specially protected.
Right until the moment it collapses all together...............

Well I have an abundance of good advice here. I think my plan of action will be to take the tire off and go to a parts store to see if there is a zerk (thanks for the alternate, less-opportunity-for-hilarious-jokes-at-the-customer's-expense name) to easily fit- if not, drop it off to be fixed.

1shotwade · #17 10/03/13, 12:42 PM

OK you guys! Just overlook the alimight-zerk thing for now and remember,I'm in southeastern indiana where we stay about 20 years behind the rest of the world.LOL!

arabian knight · #18 10/03/13, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1shotwade

OK you guys! Just overlook the alimight-zerk thing for now and remember,I'm in southeastern indiana where we stay about 20 years behind the rest of the world.LOL!

I am sure it is a regional thing. Just as this is.

Is it a drinking fountain, or water fountain or a bubbler? LOL

**highlands** · #19 10/03/13, 05:57 PM

It's a spring.

1shotwade · #20 10/05/13, 08:20 PM

Today for the first time I went to harbor freight.(isn't it a bad sign that you reach the age of 63 before you can afford to shop a harbor freight?). There was a shrink pack of "grease fittings" I saw so I just had to look! EVERYBODY IS WRONG!!!! They didn't sa "alimight" and they didn't say "zerk"! All they said was "grease fittings" so I guess we're all wrong!! (or all 20 years behind!) LOL, Wade