Drilling in Zerk Fittings??

[Paul_NJ]

Does anyone have any experience adding Zerk fittings to drag link ends?

In the process of removing the front axle of my 340 Utility, I removed the drag link power steering arms. The tie rod ends (connected to axle end) were really worn, so I found NAPA replacements for them. The other ends (connected to power steering) seem to not be badly worn, but one was really dry, and the other almost frozen due (I presume) to hardened grease inside the housing. Neither have grease fittings.

I could try to find IH replacements, but I imagine they would be pretty expensive. The old ones don't seem that bad, but need lubrication. Could I soak the old ones in kerosene to get the old (factory) grease solubilized, and then drill and tap holes to install a Zerk fitting? Is it better to go in the back plate, or the side (casting)? Seems reasonable, but I've never tried it before.

Thanks

[beaconlight]

Paul I am not familiar with the particular ends you are talking about but i use one of my mother inlaws old insolin hyperdermic needles to inject grease into factory sealed fittings. There seems to always be a way to get past the seals without causing damage.

Bill

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Most auto parts stores sell injectors that look like large hypodermic needles with grease fittings for greasing sealed bearings.

[Paul_NJ]

Thanks guys, I never knew that I could do that. I'll try that tomorrow.