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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: fe2_o3 on August 23, 2011, 03:35:29 PM

Title: King pin zerks
Post by: fe2_o3 on August 23, 2011, 03:35:29 PM
    Lost the ability to get grease in to the king pins on both sides. I hope it's just a zerk issue, but to be sure we're going to stop at Kaisers in Eugene tomorrow. Any one have any experience with them? The appointment was made for us and we're thinking of running with it...Cable
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: Boomer on August 23, 2011, 05:20:28 PM
Kaiser is one of the most experienced and best shops in the country.  I HIGHLY recommend them.
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: luvrbus on August 23, 2011, 05:54:56 PM
Amen to Dick Kaiser he's been a friend of mine for 20 years I drive a 1000 miles to get him to do my work tell him Clifford said hi and you can  pay double lol  

good luck
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: fe2_o3 on August 23, 2011, 06:44:48 PM
Thank you Gentlemen... Your confidence in him allows us relax a little. We don't mind these little hiccups, as long as they are done right (and we can afford them)...Cable
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: Chopper Scott on August 23, 2011, 06:50:12 PM
Just don't forget to pay him double as Clifford stated. Sure don't want you to ruin it for everyone else! ;)
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: fe2_o3 on August 23, 2011, 07:19:54 PM
 I don't know about paying double...She who must be obeyed has a firm grasp on the finances, but I'll see what I can do! Maybe I'll tell them Clifford said I only had to pay half. We'll see what kind of trouble I can get into. After they're done...Cable
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: Kevinmc5 on August 23, 2011, 08:00:32 PM
Seams like your in good hands. Only wish I could help you as you helped us. Good luck and  keep us posted
Kevin and Traci
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: artvonne on August 23, 2011, 08:08:59 PM
  Maybe tell him Clifford said to tell ya he was picking up the tab. lol
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: luvrbus on August 23, 2011, 08:24:52 PM
No no put it on Marks (Boomer) account lol, Dick will put your bus on the front end pit and will tell you if you have problems if you do he won't waste your money trying to align it then you can repair it yourself and bring it back or he will do the work makes no difference to him he is not one to get PO if you want to do the work yourself a fine gentleman not like most shops.
I have a friend in Neb that drove his Prevost from Cambridge Neb to Eugene OR for Dick to do his work he is one happy camper now

good luck

PS he has 50 amp service for RV's and BBQ every Friday lol
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: AndyG on August 24, 2011, 06:16:17 AM
Sometimes there is a load on the pin which will prevent grease from entering.  Try turning the wheels left or right.  If turning the wheels does not work use a jack to remove most of the load from that wheel.  If it has been a long time since is was greased the old grease may be petrified and you cannot force new grease in.  Remove the zerk and scrape out the hardened grease with a wire or small screwdriver.  Put the zerk only into the grease gun and force fresh grease through it reinstall the zerk.  A bit of heat (or solvent if you are patient) will also soften hardened grease.  This should fix it if old grease is the problem.  These are a couple of the tricks that I use on my antique equipment that might work for you. 
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: Busted Knuckle on August 24, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
OH and just to take Andy's comment one step farther it used to be common practice and expected to jack up the front axle and take the weight off both sides when greasing the king pins! 
I haven't been in any shops where lubes are commonly done lately other than my own so I don't know if it's still common among the younger grease monkeys or not!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: artvonne on August 25, 2011, 01:15:25 AM
  There is a tool you can buy, I think Napa can order one. Its a grease gun you hit with a hammer. Ive never used one, but supposedly it was made for situations like this, the tool generates pressures much higher than normal grease gun to force grease past the blockage and blow new grease through. Might well be worth the price.
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: bevans6 on August 25, 2011, 05:30:10 AM
I just (well, a year ago) went through this.  In my case my kingpins are very new and were installed tight.  I had my success with  taking the zerk out, installing a fitting and direct-connecting a brand new high pressure pump gun, and pumping Marvel Mystery Oil (any solvent type fluid would have done) in over a period of days, coupled with heat, jacking up, jacking down, swivelling the hub, cursing, etc.  Eventually I got movement.  It took a long time.

Brian
Title: Re: King pin zerks
Post by: fe2_o3 on August 26, 2011, 10:59:06 AM
   Kevin, Thanks, It's always nice to have someone on the other end of this thing. It can get lonely when things go bad on the road.
   Clifford, Dick wasn't there. His son said he got a new Camaro and was trying it out, so he's on his way to Montana.
   They did just like Clifford said. They put her on the rack and started checking her out. They were able to get grease into the proper areas and forced the old grease out. The check up went well. No major problems and we were sent packing for a reasonable cost. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend or return. Great people to do business with. Thanks to all of you for your support...Cable