How to Install Bulk Grease in a Grease Gun
The axle, parts of the brakes and other parts of your car's suspension require certain fittings to be packed with grease to keep internal metal bearings from wearing out or becoming damaged. The schedule of maintenance for your vehicle will list the recommended time frames that you should add grease to a fitting. When you do so, you will need to know how to install bulk grease into the grease gun. Using bulk grease versus a prepacked tube gives you control over how much grease you use and what kind (each fitting will have its own specific weight and type of grease). Less grease wasted means less money spent.
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Things You'll Need
- Latex gloves (or hypoallergenic equivalent)
- Grease tub
- Grease gun (refillable)
- Spoon (if needed)
Instructions
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1
Put on a pair of latex gloves or the hypoallergenic equivalent to protect your hands from coming in direct contact with the grease.
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2
Grab the grease gun by the grease barrel (the part the grease goes in with a plunger at the end) and by the top of the trigger unit. Twist the grease tube counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the trigger cap. Remove the tube completely.
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3
Unscrew and remove the lid to your tub of grease. In the center of the grease you will see a large plastic washer. This is the "fill washer." Place the open end of the grease barrel on the washer so it is centered on it. Pull back the plunger on the grease barrel to draw the grease up into it. On some grease guns you will turn the T handle of the plunger counter-clockwise to release it and then pull the plunger by the handle out of the barrel until it hits the stop inside. Other types of grease guns will have a small tab at the top that must be pressed and held in while you pull the plunger back to the stop.
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4
Trim the grease. When you have the amount of grease you want loaded into the barrel, lift the barrel off the fill washer and drag the edge over the edge of the tub. This will trim the grease in the barrel flush and leave any extra in the tub. Insert the barrel back into the trigger unit and turn it clockwise until it is screwed tightly into place.
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Tips & Warnings
If your tub of grease does not have the fill washer in it, use a spoon to scoop and fill the grease gun by hand.
Always wear gloves when working with any kind of grease. Not only will gloves keep your hands dry and prevent you from "greasing up" nuts and bolts, but the chemical compounds in grease can be toxic. Wear gloves so that you are not exposed to these chemicals more than necessary, to protect your health and to prevent infection by avoiding contact with any open wounds or scrapes on your hands.
