73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Skunksmash on June 23, 2011, 03:55:59 pm
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Another thread I had (and the replies) got me thinking. I don't like those dang grease zerk type steering components. I am referring mainly to Moog of course, but I'm sure there are others. This of course would be all your typical suspension/steering components. Idler arm, pitman arm, tie rods, etc etc. There's just too many of 'em, and even if there was only one, having to grease the things up every 7K miles (as recommended by Moog) is just plain annoying.
I think we do enough vehicle maintenance without having to do all that mess. So I submit that quality self lubricating units are far superior. Such as AC Delco or Motorcraft and others. There is no grease zerk, and the grease can't escape. Sure they wear out in 80K-120K miles but that's worth it, if you don't have to grease those things up all the time. Anyway, I was bored so I figured I'd see if anyone agrees.
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Well I have had to replace several non-serviceable front end parts way to early due to wear. I also don't see grease escaping in any of mine that have grease zerks in them. I actually enjoy going through each one which usually only takes 1 pump of grease. Granted all mine are low use vehicles and if it gets an oil change a year I am doing good. Even when my daily drivers had more use it wasn't a big deal to me. My $.02
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I actually prefer greasing all the components. But I will tell you that my best friend and I had this same discussion, he absolutely hates the serviceable stuff. I think that personally the non-serviceable stuff just doesn't last as long but thats just me.
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Well you have to think: The non serviceable stuff comes on it from the factory. That means they are going to have to warranty them. It's unlikely they'll fail before 100K miles. And GM is going to be using AC Delco, which are non serviceable and cost every bit as much (if not more) than Moog. Same thing for motorcraft. If I have to replace it after 80-100K miles but I didn't have to grease it constantly.. I'm fine with that.
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If it weren't for lubrication, half of the people on here weouldn't exist.
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If it weren't for lubrication, half of the people on here weouldn't exist.
(http://www.naioa.com/v2/modules/Forums/images/smiles/24.gif)
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lol...thats so very true!!
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lol ;D
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If I have to replace it after 80-100K miles but I didn't have to grease it constantly.. I'm fine with that.
I'm slowly coming to that very place right now. I already started with non greasable U-joints last time, and I think I'll do the front end with em next time around. The front end doesn't bother me too much, as I used lots of the funny-angles zerks so I can grease almost all of it from 2 laying positions. I did hate the U-joints though, having to get them aimed in a certain direction and then I didnt have a fitting that would get the rearmost joint without unhooking the shaft.
I think both have their place.
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I'm old school...I prefer grease fittings.
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I would rather have them as well. As for U joints I try to get ones that have the fitting in one of the caps.
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If I have to replace it after 80-100K miles but I didn't have to grease it constantly.. I'm fine with that.
I think both have their place.
Yeah they both definitely have their place. And I'm only referring to passenger cars and light trucks like our half tons. Stuff that doesn't do too much real work. I mean there's a reason the automakers don't put them on brand new cars that they warranty for 100K miles. Less maintenance is good in my opinion. But I guess the greasable ones just never wear out as long as you grease em every 7K miles?
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bet they also make newer transmissions non serviceable. so you have to buy a new one once it tears up. sounds cheaper that way ::)
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Never heard of that before. Which ones come like that?
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Id prefer to have serviceable fittings on a off road vehicle.
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gimme the zerks.....i dont mind doing the maintenance of greasing them.
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Yeah but how often are you guys really greasing yours? Every 40K or something? I stick to manufacturer suggested maintenance intervals. So that's roughly every oil change.
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I grease them when I do oil changes. Maybe not every oil change depending on the usage of the rig or the time frame between oil changes. It only takes minutes while the oil is draining.
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I prefer greasable/serviceable parts.
I very particularly hate the unit bearings that new trucks have. $350 to do the front wheel bearings on one side of my 2006 GMC????
It cost me less to buy all new bearings and seals for my 1986 1 ton, and pinion seals as well.
Some people hate serviceable stuff like that because they say water gets in them and you have to repack your bearings more often. First of all, at least I will have the option to repack them. Second, those unit bearings have seals too.....seals on them can leak and let moisture in, they aren't immune but you can't do anything about it except replace it
Yeah, I definately prefer the greasable stuff!