Ever Seen a Zerk Installed at a 45-degree Angle?

[hotajax 236]

Tractor is 314-8.

Front wheel has zerk sitting at a 45 degree angle, relative to the axis of the axle.  I have to replace it because it won't take grease.  Please note, this is not a zerk that was manufactured with a 45 degree angle.  I am beginning to think that I screwed this up somewhere along the line.  Have you guys ever seen the zerk going in at an angle?  Or is the wheel trashed?  Thanks.  

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,057]

If you have no success replacing the fitting you could plug the hole with JB Weld and replace the bearings with prelubed and sealed bearings that are now available.

[hotajax 236]

1 minute ago, gwest_ca said:

If you have no success replacing the fitting you could plug the hole with JB Weld and replace the bearings with prelubed and sealed bearings that are now available.

Mr. Gwest:  Do you have link to this part?  Or better yet, know the part number?  This seems like the break I need.  Tired of removing the wheel just to lube the axle.  Thanks.

[wallfish 19,488]

1 hour ago, hotajax said:

Mr. Gwest:  Do you have link to this part?  Or better yet, know the part number?  This seems like the break I need.  Tired of removing the wheel just to lube the axle.  Thanks.

Just a quick net search so you might be able to find them cheaper but here's what you want

https://www.ombwarehouse.com/sealed-ball-bearing-8273.html

[peter lena 9,796]

@wallfish  those wide rubber sealed  bearings , make it easy to insure  a known dependable lubricant , done all my similar / type / size , with , flush , a clean out, then lucas  x tra hd green chassis , never had a bearing fail or whine , with that lube , every deck spindle , mule drive , bearings , pto related , never failed again, pete   

[Bill D 2,677]

Those grease fittings are tapped in at a 45° angle.   All my tractors are like that.

[sqrlgtr 2,294]

3 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

If you have no success replacing the fitting you could plug the hole with JB Weld and replace the bearings with prelubed and sealed bearings that are now available.

I have been replacing all mine with sealed bearings. I like not getting grease all over my newly painted wheels, when I have newly painted wheels that is .

[hotajax 236]

Thanks gents.  BTW, that OMB place is a 30 minute drive from my house.  Lucky find.

[hotajax 236]

4 hours ago, Bill D said:

Those grease fittings are tapped in at a 45° angle.   All my tractors are like that.

No kidding.  Must be difficult to start the zerk in at that angle.  I wonder if it has something to do with the years in which that tractor was manufactured.  One of my original wheels has the Zerk going straight in, and the other driled at an angle.  

[Retired Wrencher 6,512]

18 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

If you have no success replacing the fitting you could plug the hole with JB Weld and replace the bearings with prelubed and sealed bearings that are now available.

Where did you find those bearings Garry.

[Racinbob 12,843]

I've been replacing the front wheel bearings with sealed for many years now. No issues at all. I was skeptical about the mower deck spindle bearings but I gave it a shot. I did that the year before we bought this place and that's been 7 years ago. Again, no issues. It's clean and doesn't collect crud. I'm sold. 

Edited 6 hours ago by Racinbob

[Racinbob 12,843]

I'm not real particular on brand but just don't get the stamped steel body style. These are my latest purchase. I usually screw a 1/4"-28 setscrew in the zerk hole. 

 

Xike 4 Pcs Flanged Ball Bearings ID 3/4" X OD 1-3/8", Applicable for Lawn Mower | eBay

Edited 6 hours ago by Racinbob

[wallfish 19,488]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

but just don't get the stamped steel body style.

Those stamped body bearings don't last near as long