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| | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | I just acquired a '53 3600 and wanted to do all of the lube work. Everything took grease OK except both lower king pin fittings. I removed the fittings and cleaned them out and ran new grease through them. They were packed with old "crud" when I started cleaning them. I reinserted them and still could not get any grease to pass into the king pin. Is there any method to soften what is in there and soften it enough to flush with new grease? Must I take the whole front end apart to clean?
Thanks
John | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | Might want to try warming up some with a torch. You can also put a jack under the axle and raise it enough to take a little weight off. | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | Don,
I had the front end up so that I could get underneath to lube everything.
John | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | I had the same problem the first time I tried to grease the kingpins. I warmed up the area with a torch to soften up the old grease and then the new grease flowed right in. | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | How hot would you suggest warming it? Warm to the touch? Hot to the touch? Or hotter than comfortable to touch?
John | | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 469 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 469 | Till the old grease starts to sizzel, be ware of hot splattering grease. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | And don't get it hot enough to start burning!
You could have other flammable liquids in that area if you have any oil or gas leaks. I agree with the heat approach but would roll the truck outside and encourage caution as you work.
I've seen undercoating catch fire and burn too...
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2010 Posts: 144 | I heated each side several times, warming as I went. Grease came out of the nipple but when I applied pressure to fill it, they "may" have taken a small amount but no grease extruded from around the joint. I may give it a rest and try again with more heat.
Thanks for the input.
John | | | | | Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 194 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 194 | I had the same problem with a 58 1/2 ton.Tried everything to get grease intp king pins and spring shackle bolts.Finally bit the bullet and rebuilt the shackle s and king pins. They grease easily now. I was suprised with the amount of rust and crud in these joints. No wonder they would not take grease. I found two broken shackle bolts that would take grease.This is not a fun job.Wish you luck.
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