Grease fitting at Tie-rod ends

[JoeBabbs]

I was greasing my L3800 today. There was a zerk on the right hand tie-rod end at the wheel, but none on the left. I assume it fell out and that there is dirt to remove from the tie rod before installing a new zerk and greasing it.


I'm wondering if I can loosen the castle nut, rinse out the tie rod joint with water through the missing zerk hole, then blow it out with air before torquing the castle nut, installing a new zerk and then greasing.

Or do I need to split the ball and socket? Do I need a special tool called a Tie-rod End Lifter in the WSM (details below)?

Code No : 07909-39051
Application : Use for removing the tie-rod end with ease.

Thanks in advance for input.

 

[JimmyJazz]

Why not save yourself some trouble and use the red straw like extender on the can of WD 40 to "pressure wash" the crud out thru the zirc hole. Then install your new zirc. That is probably good enough. Thats what I would do. Good luck.

 

[woodman55]

I would not try taking the joint apart. Clean it out the best you can, install the zert, then flush a bunch of grease through it.

 

[Russell King]

If the tie rod end has been replaced it may not have a zerk hole in it.