The definition of a zerk is a fitting often found on a wheel to allow lubrication. An example of a zerk is a grease fitting usually found on a wheel. A type of grease fitting.

Why is it called a Zerk fitting?

The Zerk design, named after Oscar Zerk, used a fitting much smaller than the Alemite pin-type and did not lock the hose coupler or hand gun and fitting together. Instead, the seal between them was maintained by the pressure of a pushing action when the operator applied the coupler to the fitting.

How do you spell grease fitting?

A grease fitting, grease nipple, Zerk fitting, grease zerk, or Alemite fitting is a metal fitting used in mechanical systems to feed lubricants, usually lubricating grease, into a bearing under moderate to high pressure using a grease gun.

What is a Zerk fitting?

A zerk grease fitting (also known as a grease fitting or grease nipple) patented by Oscar Zerk in 1929 is used in mechanical systems to feed lubricants like lubricating grease into a bearing using a grease gun.

Are cars still lubed?

A vehicle’s frame is also known as its chassis. Few vehicles are still manufactured with chassis lubrication fittings, but if you drive an older vehicle there may be a host of grease fittings that need attention during your regularly scheduled oil change service. … Today, most vehicles do not require lube service.

How do Zerks work?

The Zerk is really a valve that opens under the force of the grease lubricant, then closes again when the grease gun is removed. The ball returns to its closed position, preventing grease from escaping and not allowing dirt and debris into the bearing. … That idea of a check valve should not seem strange.

What are Zerks on a car?

Simply put, a zerk is a fitting that lets you inject grease lubricant into wear points on cars or trucks. This allows smooth, steady movement and better overall handling.

Are there different ZERK sizes?

Grease fittings come in many different styles. There are two grease fittings that are very common. These are the 1/4″-28 thread and the 1/8″ NPT thread. However, there are other less common grease fitting threads in use.

How do you pronounce ZERK?

1. (General American) IPA: /zɝk/
2. (Received Pronunciation) IPA: /zɜːk/
3. Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)k.

Are there metric Zerk fittings?

Metric Grease Fittings are available in both regular and stainless steel. Metric Grease Fittings are also referred to as Metric Zerk Fittings, Metric Lubrication Fittings, Metric Hydraulic Fittings, and Metric Zerks.

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How do you know when a grease fitting is full?

If this is the case, the best tactic is to “feel” the grease into the bearing cavity until slight resistance or back pressure is felt against the trigger, or lever, signaling the bearing cavity is now full.

How do you open a clogged grease fitting?

Heat up clogged grease fittings and pins with a standard hair dryer or a heat gun on the low setting. Attach the grease gun and use it immediately; the new grease will push the now-softened older grease out of the way and unclog the fitting.

Do new cars need to be lubed?

However, today’s vehicles don’t necessarily require lube services, either due to the way that the parts are sealed or due to the “lubed for life” parts. … Typically, lube may be done during your vehicle’s regular oil change and is it done more-so on older vehicles than newer vehicles.

Do modern vehicles have grease fittings?

Some heavy duty and off-road capable vehicles may still have a few grease-able fittings but practically all automobiles have sealed “lubed for life” ball and u-joints. The chance of introducing foreign matter through the grease gun and fitting contaminating the assembly is removed.

How often should you lube car?

For most cars and light trucks, Road Runner Lube & Tune recommends changing the oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles (six months or 5,000 miles with full synthetic oil), whichever comes first. Your vehicle’s engine needs to stay well lubricated.

Can you over grease Zerks?

Use Just Enough: Don’t overfill when you grease Zerk fittings. Usually, three or four pumps of grease are enough and over-greasing a joint pushes grease out the aforementioned seals, which attracts dust, sand, and dirt. Contaminated grease can damage moving parts, so avoid having excess squish out the seals.

Do new cars have Zerk fittings?

Zerk fittings can still be found in use on new cars, on the u-joints of a driveshaft for instance, with the same essential design of the 1934 piece.

How often do you lube ball joints?

Ball joints allow you to steer smoothly and are constantly moving so throwing a little lubrication their way is a small favor for the big job that they do every day. The rule of thumb is to grease these parts every, or every other, oil change which might seem excessive, but again; little thanks, big job.

What is a spindle ZERK?

The grease zerk used in their EZ Lube spindles like # TRU74FR is a standard 1/4-inch pipe thread fitting that you can replace with an item like # Gzerk.

What size drill and tap for a grease fitting?

Fitting Thread SizeTap Drill Selection For Standard Thread FittingsDrill Size Selection for Spin Drive Fittings1/4″-28#3 (for soft metal use #5)”A” – .234″ Dia.5/16″-329/32″ (for soft metal use “J”)-1/8″ Pipe11/32″ (for soft metal use “R”)3/8 – .375″ Dia.*1/4″ Pipe7/16″-

What is a button head grease fitting?

Button head grease fittings are a heavier duty fitting distinguished by its flat, low profile appearance. They are able to handle large grease volume due to their high flow rate and sturdy construction. Button head fittings feature a smooth working surface and allow for easier coupler attachment and removal.

How do you grease your nipples?

Applying the grease Push the end of the nozzle over the grease nipple and pump the trigger or lever. The ball inside the grease nipple will compress under the pressure to allow grease to flow. Watch the fitting that you are greasing carefully, as grease will appear as soon as the joint is fully lubricated.

Are there different types of grease fittings?

There are three major thread types for grease fittings: metric, taper or parallel, and unified. M5, M6, M7, M8, and M10 are common metric threads. British standard pipe (BSP), pipe thread fine (PTF), and national pipe thread fine (NPTF) fittings use tapered or parallel threads.

What thread pitch are Zerk fittings?

1/4″-28 Taper Thread Grease Fittings, 1/4″-28 Zerk Fittings, Taper Thread Grease Fitting.

What is a hydraulic type grease fitting?

Hydraulic Couplers, commonly referred to as grease gun couplers or grease couplers, are a grease gun attachment that allows the gun to connect securely to a zerk fitting. … 90°, 180°, and 360° swivel grease couplers provide easy access to most grease zerk fittings.

Are all grease guns the same?

A grease gun may come with the standard connection adapter such as a hydraulic coupler, but there are several variations depending on the application. The standard hydraulic coupler is the most commonly used and most applicable. A 90-degree adapter is ideal for fittings in confined areas that require a 90-degree bend.

When should I stop greasing?

1. Stop greasing if you note back pressure that is not normal.
2. Check to see that the exhaust ports on a machine are free from debris, including hard crust.
3. Slowly pump the lubricant into a machine’s bearings for several seconds.

Do new ball joints need grease?

Usually the joints will come with enough grease for assembly, but not enough for long term use. This is to keep the parts from metal on metal friction, but not to spill grease out making a mess. Also, if they have a zerk, this means that they are not sealed and will need to be greased at an interval.

How much grease should you put in a grease fitting?

Rule of Thumb #2: One Stroke per Inch of Shaft Different grease guns deliver different volumes of grease per stroke. It would probably be better to say 2 or 3 grams per inch of shaft diameter. Most grease guns deliver a volume close to this figure.