broken zerk

[WH212-6 4]

One of the zerks for my 35-36RL01 deck is broken off and I was wondering two things:

What is the best way to remove it from the spindle?

What is the proper replacement zerk as parts tree does not list it as available.  It is part #22 here:

https://www.partstree.com/parts/toro/mower-deck-assemblies/35-36rl01-toro-36-rear-discharge-mower-deck-for-200-series-1987/rear-discharge-mower-36-in-92-cm-vehicle-identification-number-35-36rl01_2/


Thanks


 

[daveoman1966 3,841]

Try an easy-out on it.  Easy-outs have left hand threads and it may come out easily.  If that fails, you MAY have to drill it out, then retap to fit a slightly bigger diameter zerk.  The zerks are soft and should drill out easily.  Just be CERTAIN to get all of the drill chips out of the new thread hole.

[doc724 925]

I recall that zerks are 1/4-28 straight thread.  1/8 Pipe thread ones are available but they are not the correct ones.

[WH212-6 4]

Thanks guys for the help and info

[pacer 3,177]

What doc and dave said.... That zerk is common as dirt, you dont need one from the part #  - I assume youve got another spindle? back the zerk out of it and take it to the parts house to match it up. Like doc says its 1/4-28 thread and not pipe thread (some sizes are) I just went to Harbor frt and bought their assortment of zerks, about $10 - you probably can get an assortment of ez-outs there too for use in getting the broke one out. (I hate ez-outs as they so seldon work, but this is one application where one just might do the trick) They come in a square configuration (which I prefer) and a left hand 'spiral' configuration. Choose one that will go in the hole enough to get a grip and then give it a pretty good 'rap' with a hammer to drive its 'teeth' embedded in the zerk, then try and back it out. If that dont work then its drill out time - if youre lucky you can get it cleaned out and have the threads survive

[pfrederi 18,703]

Auto parts store will have a zerk fitting tool.  It has an easy out device on one end and thread restoration thing on the other with a wrench like thing to put in the new one.

[953 nut 60,224]

If you already have a tire valve tool that looks like the grease fitting tool it should do the trick too. 

[WH212-6 4]

Great going to get one of those tools this weekend.  Getting those spindle nuts off are such a pain.  Think I am going to place the bearings with sealed ones.  So I'll not have to worry about the grease there as much.  Still should grease I assume?

[pacer 3,177]

You'll no doubt get other opinions on the bearing thing - but heres the way I do it. I had a Yard Man mower for some 20+ yrs with 3 spindles and it had sealed bearings, I replaced them a couple times, but I found them to work just fine (and didnt have the aggravation of fooling with greasing them) So when I started fooling with horses and I tore into a deck and had those unsealed bearings ... well I decided pretty quick to run sealed ones. Cant say I have a long history of running them, about 2 yrs, but I'll have to see a a big drawback before I'll change back.

[cheesegrader 433]

I've never seen that grease fitting tool.  May have to get one.
I have always been able to get these fittings out with E-Z outs.  They are very soft.
Be careful not to drive the removal tool in too far.  Go slow.
If you get carried away, you will drive the extractor right through the zerk and into the threads on the seat.
Then the threads are ruined, little parts of the zerk end up everywhere,
and you get to sing the "Bad Mechanic" song, full of magic words, with the accompanying "Flight of the Tools" dance!