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Do Not Lube Zerk Fittings

Yahoo Message Number: 21153
At the recent Ft. Myers East Coast CCI Rally, a service technician pointing out chassis features while standing beside CC's chassis exhibit told those assembled to be certain we NEVER LUBE four specific zirk fittings on the suspension - two on each side of front axle. He explained that these particular fittings were installed by the suspension manufacturer for use at assembly only. He cautioned that if we lubed these fittings we would damage some sort of seal.
When asked why the fittings had not been replaced by a plug, he could give no answer.

I am about to have my 04 Allure 36' lubed and want to be as specific as possible in describing these "no lube" zirks to the service center..... can anyone here tell me which fittings they are? How to identify them?

I'll be calling CC Service tommorrow to try to find the answer and to get a service bulletin (if any exists) sent to my service center.

Joe in Punta Gorda, FL
2004 Allure 36 #31031

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21160
Quote from: Joe Pehoushek
>

..... can anyone here tell me which fittings they are? How to > identify them?

Joe in Punta Gorda, FL
2004 Allure 36 #31031

Hi Joe,

I asked the question at the seminar as I was unable to get two of these fittings to take any grease, with or without weight on the wheels. As you stated, we are not to grease four fittings as the knuckle arm assemblies have o-rings and the joints are factory lubricated and do not need periodic service.

If you are under your coach, you will find a knuckle post assembly that the front axle attaches to on each side of the coach. There are four fittings on each knuckle post assembly; two that lubricate the up/down motion of the coach and two that lubricate the left/right turning of the coach. The two fittings that lubricate the up/down motion are the ones that CC said not to lubricate. These fittings are the top and bottom ones on each knuckle post assembly.

Hope this helps. It is still unclear to me as to why the zerk fittings were not replaced with plugs and why this was not specifically referenced in the chassis manual.

Rick Breedlove
40' Intrigue 11518
Suite Sensation

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21161
Rick,

I remember having a couple of fittings that were difficult to lube also. However, I think I finally was able to get grease into them. I guess now after reading your message that I damaged the o-rings/seals.
I bet there isn't a technician or shop outside of Country Coach that knows about these special "don't grease zerks" that I have been forcefully applying grease in for the last four years. Just another Country Coach slip-up or poor design that creates problems for owners.

Rob

'02 Intrigue - #11480

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21162
Once you get a response from CC Tech Support, it would be great to have a copy of the info put in the files folder and along with a photo of the location in the photo folder.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Quote from: lfsatrp
[quote author=Joe Pehoushek"

>
>

> ..... can anyone here tell me which fittings they are? How to
> identify them?
>

> Joe in Punta Gorda, FL
> 2004 Allure 36 #31031

Hi Joe,

I asked the question at the seminar as I was unable to get two of
these fittings to take any grease, with or without weight on the
wheels. As you stated, we are not to grease four fittings as the
knuckle arm assemblies have o-rings and the joints are factory
lubricated and do not need periodic service.

If you are under your coach, you will find a knuckle post assembly > that the front axle attaches to on each side of the coach. There

are

Quote
four fittings on each knuckle post assembly; two that lubricate the > up/down motion of the coach and two that lubricate the left/right > turning of the coach. The two fittings that lubricate the up/down > motion are the ones that CC said not to lubricate. These fittings

are

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21165
My Country Coach manual says NOT to grease the Spindle and King Pin zerk fittings. These fittings are permanently sealed on the Dynamax chassis.

So that you can know what a "Spindle and King Pin assembly" looks like, click here...

http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech/0101ct_kingpin/
These pictures will answer your questions about exactly which zerks should not be greased. You may even read in the last paragraph on this web site that... "Note the threaded holes (arrow) in the spindles where the original grease zerks went. These will be sealed with set screws."

You'd think that the maker of the "World's Finest Motorhomes" would have used set screws instead of zerk fittings to protect this assembly from a well-meaning grease monkey!

Regards,

Bob Kumza
2003 Intrigue

Quote from: Jim Hughes
Once you get a response from CC Tech Support, it would be great to > have a copy of the info put in the files folder and along with a > photo of the location in the photo folder.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

[quote author=lfsatrp"

>
>

[quote author=Joe Pehoushek"
>]
> >
> >

> > ..... can anyone here tell me which fittings they are? How to > > > identify them?
> >

> > Joe in Punta Gorda, FL
> > 2004 Allure 36 #31031
>

> Hi Joe,
>

> I asked the question at the seminar as I was unable to get two of > > these fittings to take any grease, with or without weight on the > > wheels. As you stated, we are not to grease four fittings as the > > knuckle arm assemblies have o-rings and the joints are factory > > lubricated and do not need periodic service.
>

> If you are under your coach, you will find a knuckle post

assembly

Quote
that the front axle attaches to on each side of the coach.

There

Quote
are

> four fittings on each knuckle post assembly; two that lubricate

the

Quote
up/down motion of the coach and two that lubricate the left/right > > turning of the coach. The two fittings that lubricate the

up/down

Quote
motion are the ones that CC said not to lubricate. These

fittings

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21169
Hi Bob,

In the seminar, the Country Coach chassis techs specifically pointed out the knuckle arm fittings, not the post or king pin fittings. The suspension shown in the website referenced in your post is not that of an independent front suspension and is not indicative of what is used on our coaches.

Can you tell me where the chassis manual references the DO NOT GREASE fittings? In my manual, on page 7.239, it references the IFS Post Assembly lubrication requirement, but never references the arms or the posts (two fittings on each on each side of the coach on BOTH the arms and the posts-8 fittings total). I have reviewed the chassis manual numerous time but have never seen a statement "NOT TO GREASE". I would appreciate any help you could give me in locating this. The Country Coach techs said it was in the manual. Thanks.

Rick Breedlove
40' Intrigue 11518
Suite Sensation

Quote from: rvrobert2003

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21171
So, how does one know if the fittings have been greased and the seals are shot? Mine has been greased twice and I don't have a clue if they greased the fittings or not.

Bob

'05 Intrigue 11872

Quote from: Joe Pehoushek
>

At the recent Ft. Myers East Coast CCI Rally, a service technician > pointing out chassis features while standing beside CC's chassis > exhibit told those assembled to be certain we NEVER LUBE four

specific

Quote
zirk fittings on the suspension - two on each side of front

axle. He

Quote
explained that these particular fittings were installed by the > suspension manufacturer for use at assembly only. He cautioned

that

Quote
if we lubed these fittings we would damage some sort of seal.

When asked why the fittings had not been replaced by a plug, he

could

Quote
give no answer.

I am about to have my 04 Allure 36' lubed and want to be as

specific

Quote
as possible in describing these "no lube" zirks to the service > center..... can anyone here tell me which fittings they are? How to > identify them?

I'll be calling CC Service tommorrow to try to find the answer and

to

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21172
The seals are meant to be a labor saver in that extended intervals between service could be used. Spicer even makes U joints with extended service intervals now.

If your seals are blown, there will be grease that expels from the joint in question through use of the coach and while lubricating the joint. I believe that if the seal has been compromised that it is important to "flush" the joint during the the lubrication. This should remove moisture, contaminants, and the worn grease. As long as the chassis is lubricated on a regular basis, I personally don't believe that there is any major concern with this. It is just regrettable that Country Coach meant well, but didn't inform the end user.

Rick Breedlove
40' Intrigue 11518
Suite Sensation

Quote from: Bob Stephens

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21179
They are the top and bottom "knuckle" fittings on the IFS wheel pivot points. Thanks to no 'do not grease' notices on these fittings I now have to replace mine.

[quote author=Joe
Pehoushek"

>

> At the recent Ft. Myers East Coast CCI Rally, a > service technician

> pointing out chassis features while standing > beside CC's chassis

> exhibit told those assembled to be certain we > NEVER LUBE four
specific

> zirk fittings on the suspension - two on each side > of front
axle. He

> explained that these particular fittings were > installed by the

> suspension manufacturer for use at assembly only.
He cautioned
that

> if we lubed these fittings we would damage some > sort of seal.
>

> When asked why the fittings had not been replaced > by a plug, he
could

> give no answer.
>

> I am about to have my 04 Allure 36' lubed and want > to be as
specific

> as possible in describing these "no lube" zirks to > the service

> center..... can anyone here tell me which fittings > they are? How to
> identify them?
>

> I'll be calling CC Service tommorrow to try to > find the answer and
to

> get a service bulletin (if any exists) sent to my > service center.
>

> Joe in Punta Gorda, FL
> 2004 Allure 36 #31031
>[/quote]
ddtuttle

2000 Allure #30443

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21183
Hello David, I have three questions for you 1. How did you know these zirks needed replacing? (symptoms) 2. How much did it cost? 3. Did CC stand behind you since they didn't notify any owners of the situation? Thanks in advance for your response, Dale Hollick 05 Affinity 6370

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21194
Just spoke to CC about this issue. First, the tech I spoke to had no idea about the issue. Second, he did some research and called me back , "you were correct, how did you know this?". Third, he faxed me a flier from Holland re the IFS zerk joints. Fourth, he said not to worry they have not seen any issues with lubing these - unless you dislodge the O ring.

Steve Brown

04' Inspire 51168

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21195
Steve

Have you still got the flier from Holland and could you post it on the website.

Kevin

05 intrigue
11886

--- stephen brown docflynnbrown@...> wrote:

Quote
Just spoke to CC about this issue. First, the tech I > spoke to had no idea about the issue. Second, he did > some research and called me back , "you were > correct, how did you know this?". Third, he faxed me > a flier from Holland re the IFS zerk joints. Fourth, > he said not to worry they have not seen any issues > with lubing these - unless you dislodge the O ring.

Steve Brown

04' Inspire 51168

Dale and Candace Hollick cdhollick@...> > wrote:

Hello David, I have three questions for you 1.
How did you know these zirks needed replacing? > (symptoms) 2. How much did it cost? 3. Did CC stand > behind you since they didn't notify any owners of > the situation? Thanks in advance for your response, > Dale Hollick 05 Affinity 6370

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Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21196
The only problem is that David Tuttle said in his email that he had to replace the zirk fittings. So I am still curious as to the answer to my three questions. Did the tech say anything about anyone having to have them replaced because they did not know NOT to lube them? I am sure that mine have been lubed as well since I have 17k on this coach. Thanks, Dale

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21197
I just went searching for info on these "NO Grease" zerks and I found some great info on our Holland IFS.
I have uploaded several files to the file area

--Maintenance Manual

--Lubrication service bulletin(shows NO GREASE zerks) --Spider Bolt service bulletin/recall --Steering gearbox bulletin /recall

Hope this helps. I think I will climb under there and look around tomorrow.

Kevin

05 Intrigue
11886

--- stephen brown docflynnbrown@...> wrote:

Quote
Just spoke to CC about this issue. First, the tech I > spoke to had no idea about the issue. Second, he did > some research and called me back , "you were > correct, how did you know this?". Third, he faxed me > a flier from Holland re the IFS zerk joints. Fourth, > he said not to worry they have not seen any issues > with lubing these - unless you dislodge the O ring.

Steve Brown

04' Inspire 51168

Dale and Candace Hollick cdhollick@...> > wrote:

Hello David, I have three questions for you 1.
How did you know these zirks needed replacing? > (symptoms) 2. How much did it cost? 3. Did CC stand > behind you since they didn't notify any owners of > the situation? Thanks in advance for your response, > Dale Hollick 05 Affinity 6370

SPONSORED LINKS

Automotive technician Insurance > recreational vehicle Automotive technician > training Recreational vehicle financing > Automotive equipment Recreational vehicles >

Visit your group "Country-Coach-Owners" on the > web.

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email > to:

Country-Coach-Owners-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com >

> >

Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get > pricing, reviews, & more on new and used cars.

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21198
Hey Steve, by the way, it was good that you already called CC on this issue. Do you know the tech's name that you talked with? It would be easier to call in and ask for that same tech than to have another tech have to do research on the subject. Thanks again for your help, Dale 05 Affinity 6370

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21199
Thanks Kevin and Steve for finding this great info. It would have been nice if the IFS Maintenance Manual had been included in the Dynomax Chassis Manual. Again thanks for the detective work. I'm sure it will protect some o-rings and assist owners with the proper lubrication of their chassis.

Quote from: Kevin Holmes\[br\
]

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21200
Kevin

I cannot find any of your files in the "File" area. Also I looked in "Photos", "Links" and "Database".... to no avail. Can YOU find your files in the "File" area? If not, could you load them up again? If so, can you tell us?

Thanks much,

My coach is being (thoroughly ?) lubed as we speak, because I could find NOTHING in the Meritor Manual telling me NOT to lube those "knuckles".
Joe

2004 Allure '36 #31031

Quote from: Kevin Holmes\[br\
]

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21201
Joe,

I just went to the web site and found them.

Go to the "Yahoo Country-Coach-Owners ยท Country Coach Owners Association Forum"

On the top left hand side of the screen you should click on the "files" selection

Scroll down and look for 4 files - all of them begin with "CC Holland". They are in PDF format.

You can also find the same files by going to the Holland website below:

http://www.thehollandgroupinc.com/Portal/Literature/Suspensions/default.htm#IFS
Hope this helps

Kevin

05 Intrigue
11886
--

[quote author=Kevin
Holmes

>

> I just went searching for info on these "NO > Grease"

> zerks and I found some great info on our Holland > IFS.

> I have uploaded several files to the file area > >

> --Maintenance Manual

> --Lubrication service bulletin(shows NO GREASE > zerks)

> --Spider Bolt service bulletin/recall > > --Steering gearbox bulletin /recall > >[/quote]

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21202
I have notes which say to lube 5 zirks on the driveshaft slip & union, and 20 other zirks.

Question? Does the 20 include or exclude the 2 zirks we are not to lube?
Herb

2002 Allure #30690

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21223
The referenced manual has been posted in the file section of this forum under "IFS Maintenance". It is over 1MB in size.

Herb

Forum Moderator

Quote from: rvrobert2003
> > Click here, go to page 13 for specific "do not lube" details on the > Neway independent front suspension...
http://www.thehollandgroupinc.com/NR/rdonlyres/06AF713E-8700-438B-

8F72-

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21401
http://www.thehollandgroupinc.com/NR/rdonlyres/1AF6DA84-E5F2-41C9-8B59-99475B349DE8/0/XLSB06701.pdf
It is interesting to note that dispite CC statements at the East coast reunion. The knuckle zerks are greaseable as per Hollands web site. However there is a specific procedure to be followed. I think the error is on CC's fault in that these instructions are not in alot of coach manuals and also there could be a sticker attached by the zerks instructing service people that there is a procedure to be followed. Once the O-rings have been displaced it is going to cost more than a couple dollars to be rectified. Not counting the time and inconvienence one must go thru.
I know compaired to some probs it is minor, but, it is also highly avoidable and it just irritates me to have to go thru the repair when I followed my manual as best as it showed.

ddtuttle

2000 Allure #30443

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21403
Sorry but I read the web site to say that "If there is maintenance done on the knuckles" then to follow the procedure they give...Not to follow it for normal greasing. Oh well....

Ray and Rue
05 Allure 31176

is how to grease them -

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21414
I'll have to go back and look, but are those "ZIRK" fittings flat and recessed into the knuckle post? Back in my Air Force grease monkey days the term "ZIRK" represented a totally different type of grease fitting than the protruding stem-type that we normally see.
The "ZIRK" fittings I remember had to be serviced with a different type of grease fitting tool-bit, than what was typically used. It looked like a pencil tip that had to be held onto the flat recessed fitting with force while the grease was inserted. These ZIRK fittings were known as "high pressure" fittings. It could be just terminology here, but I was hoping that they were the flat ZIRKS, because that would mean I didn't grease them because I didn't have that type of fitting. Thanks.

Larry, 2003 Allure #30856

Quote from: David Tuttle\[br\
]
>http://www.thehollandgroupinc.com/NR/rdonlyres/1AF6DA84-E5F2-41C9-
8B59-99475B349DE8/0/XLSB06701.pdf

Re: "Do Not Lube" Zerk Fittings

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 21416
On my 2005 Allure they "zerks" are 90 degree angled fittings, but look like regular grease fittings. They are outboard of the knuckle joints.

I just had my coach in a shop and the tech (26 years in the front end business) said that it looked to him as if any grease beyond what was added at manufacture COULD blow out the "O" rings. Further, from what we could see there was no way for the original grease to seep out past the O rings anyway, unless of course there was some kind of problem. So, unless there was a problem he would agree that the fittings should not be greased in normal preventive maintenance.

Hope this is helful...

Ray and Rue
05 Allure 31176

In Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com, "Larry Feather" wrote:

Quote
>

I'll have to go back and look, but are those "ZIRK" fittings flat

and