JD lawn tractor greasing

[Edzell]

I can't get grease into the steering pivots on the front axle of my lawn tractor. Removed the nipples and pumped grease through them confirming they're not blocked, but when I replace them the gun won't force grease into the axle. Is there something I'm missing?

 

[jenkinsph]

I can't get grease into the steering pivots on the front axle of my lawn tractor. Removed the nipples and pumped grease through them confirming they're not blocked, but when I replace them the gun won't force grease into the axle. Is there something I'm missing?

Take the joints apart and clean everything completely. Then reassemble and try the grease gun again.

 

[MortOz]

Yes, most likely scenario is that the old grease has mixed with some dust or dried and hardened sufficiently that the grease gun won't push through the plug or seal it has created. If it has gotten to that stage, a full clean up as Jenkins suggests is definitely indicated - if it's that bad at the grease nipple, it could be worse around other parts of the joint, so best to be thorough and sure. Once cleaned, a light coating of grease on everything before reassembling, and then try the grease gun again. Hopefully, it won't be too difficult a fix, and shouldn't take too long to do. And then take the symptom as an indication that the joint probably hasn't been lubricated regularly enough in the past to keep that old grease moving out and being replaced with fresh. Good luck!

 

[RandyT]

If the pivot bushing to spindle clearance is tight like it should they will not take grease very well

 

[joecdeere]

Lots of those front ends are welded together, if so, you can't take it apart, but you can heat the joints with a heat gun or carefully with a propane torch, this will loosen up the dried grease and while it's still hot you can pump in some fresh grease. Sometimes it helps to jack it up and take the weight off the axle when trying to grease it.

 

[woodchuckie]

Sometimes it helps to jack it up and take the weight off the axle when trying to grease it.
Especially with my FEL

 

[bigtiller]

Over the years, I have bought a lot of new JD garden tractors and never got more than half a pump of grease at any one time in that joint. I figured it was enough because it was new with tight tolerances.

 

[Edzell]

Thanks for all the replies. I'd rather avoid dismantling if I can. I don't have a decent tool for removing the spring clips and they're awkward to get at. Oddly, (?) the steering seems to work well with little effort. Might try the suggestions by joecdeere - jack up & heat.

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks for all the replies. I'd rather avoid dismantling if I can. I don't have a decent tool for removing the spring clips and they're awkward to get at. Oddly, (?) the steering seems to work well with little effort. Might try the suggestions by joecdeere - jack up & heat.

I think jacking and heating up the joints is a good option. But if that doesn't fix it I would persevere with taking it apart as this type of problem will only get worse with time.

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks for all the replies. I'd rather avoid dismantling if I can. I don't have a decent tool for removing the spring clips and they're awkward to get at. Oddly, (?) the steering seems to work well with little effort. Might try the suggestions by joecdeere - jack up & heat.

I think jacking and heating up the joints is a good option. But if that doesn't fix it I would persevere with taking it apart as this type of problem will only get worse with time.