LS R4041 Grease Nipples

[SandyMushFarms]

Just did a service on my LS R4041 and busted a grease fitting (NIPPLE-GREASE TRG970 Part#: 40009516 M10PT1/8). I checked several automotive and tractor supply places in my area of western NC and could not get a nipple that fits. The thread is finer than all the nipples I've found. So I went online to order an OEM part at $1.50 an $22.00 shipping!! I can't understand why a part that is so small and light ships for $22.00. After checking several online parts places, they all charge huge shipping cost. My LS dealer told me the part was inexpensive, but shipping would be just as high as the online prices.

Does anyone know where you can get grease nipples that fit the LS R4041 without paying $22.00 for shipping?

 

[Zebrafive]

Are you able to ID the threads? I am thinking they would be metric. Get as diameter in mm and pitch (distance between thread points) in mm.

 

[SandyMushFarms]

I'm not able to ID threads. I had a friend look at it and he told me it's a metric thread. When compared to a standard 10mm metric grease nipple, the threads look closer together. I count about 4 threads with a standard nipple, and about six on the original part. I'm not very experienced with this hardware, so my explanation may seem overly simple.
The parts guy at the place I bought the tractor tells me the nipple is metric, but the code listed for the part, M10PT1/8, indicates 10mm, and the "PT" indicates the thread, which he says is standard American. He was confused about the code, and suggested I check automotive supply places if I don't want to order the OEM part with the high shipping fee. While I waited on the phone, he pulled a nipple from a tractor and confirmed that the threads were finer than a standard nipple.

After searching for hours online, and making some calls, I broke down and ordered six nipples from the PartsforLSTractors site--shipping was $22.00!

 

[SandyMushFarms]

I found another source for LS R4041 grease nipples. Amazon.com has them for a lot less money. Just search for: grease fitting pt1/8.

 

[jaydee325]

McMaster Carr has metric grease fittings.

Don't know what shipping would cost but they have so much stuff you could probably have a big enough order so shipping would be reasonable.

 

[SandyMushFarms]

Thanks for the suggestion jaydee. That idea crossed my mind.

I did find the right thread by searching on Amazon.com. I'm just guessing, but it seems that the code for the part, M10PT1/8, means metric 10mm (that's the wrench size for removing), and PT1/8 refers to the appropriate thread.
Anyway, I learned a good lesson in searching the Internet. Next time I need to get a proprietary part, I'll get all the info (part# and any other codes associated with it) and try various permutations until I hit on what I want.

 

[TomWhite]

If you have a Fastenal anywhere nearby, they carry all sorts of zerks.

 

[SandyMushFarms]

Thanks for the suggestion Tom. I just checked online and there isn't a Fastenal close to me, but they have a website which I've just added to my saved links.

 

[sleepybozo]

You couldn't drill the hole out and re-tap it for a more standard fitting?

 

[SandyMushFarms]

Thanks for the suggestion. I thought of that too, but I wanted to keep all fittings the same. As it turns out, you can find the right fittings on Amazon.com and have them shipped in 2 days. I ordered a few straight and angled nipples to have on hand.