Broken Grease Zerk - How to Remove

[303Radar]

I have grease zerk which looks like it was forcibly removed by road debris. It is broken below the opening of the hole. The piece is cast aluminum.
Any special tricks to not make the problem worse than it already is?

In the future, I plan on only having the zerk in place for lubing and replacing it with a set screw to prevent problem from repeating.

I'll get a picture posted later today.

 

[Junky]

A small easy out should remove it, if it is aluminum into steel. I have some flat faced Snap On easy outs that work great. Just don't break the easy out off in the fitting. Another way is to use a slow speed drill that will reduce the size, and then use a small dental pick to turn it out. Patience is the important thing, and usually they will come out easy if you work it slowly. You might even be able to tap a small screwdriver into the aluminum and unscrew it that way.

 

[63 dream'n]

Left hand(reverse) drill bit or easy out......I like the spiral easy outs myself give the out a tap with a hammer to seat or grab...... it’ll turn right out

 

[303Radar]

Here is a terrible picture but this is where the zert broke off.

 

[Iowa 409 Guy]

If I recall correctly a zerk is pipe thread and with that taper, should come out fairly easy.

 

[409gang]

I found using torx bitts for easy outs worth great. I find the size that I can drive in so as the torx bitt splines itself into the hole, then use a ratchet (gingerly) to remove. I would put a little heat on the aluminum first as it would probably loosen it up by expanding before the zero heats up.

 

[DonSSDD]

If I recall correctly a zerk is pipe thread and with that taper, should come out fairly easy.

Might not work Dave if that zerk is full of that dirty old Canadian tar sands grease?

 

[Iowa 409 Guy]

Ya, keep away from that stuff....

 

[303Radar]

I'll try using a small torx, I'm not sure I have a small enough ez out. I'll definitely put the heat gun to some gentle use.

Thanks guys!

 

[oldskydog]

Left hand(reverse) drill bit or easy out......I like the spiral easy outs myself give the out a tap with a hammer to seat or grab...... it’ll turn right out

Or left out.

 

[63 dream'n]

Very funny ......you very funny

 

[55Brodie]

Not all zerk fittings are pipe thread.

 

[Junky]

Not all people are zerks!