How to Remove Grease Fittings

Grease fittings are used in a wide variety of joints on a car or truck. These fittings are connected to a joint that needs regular lubrication, like a ball joint. To service the fitting, you connect a grease gun to the fitting and pull the trigger on the gun. These fittings can get dirty and become jammed, and when they do, they must be replaced so that you can service the joint again. In this case, the example is a tie rod end, but the process is similar for other grease fittings as well.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Tire iron
• Mechanic's rags
• Brake cleaner
• Open-end wrench set

Instructions

1. Lift up the front of the vehicle, using the jack, and place it on a pair of jack stands so the front tires are off the ground. Remove the wheels and tires with the tire iron.

2. Search for the grease fitting on the top of the tie rod end, which is next to the brakes and connected to the steering knuckle. The grease fitting itself is typically less than 1/2 inch tall, with a ball in the end. Clean off any grease around the fitting using a mechanic's rag and some brake cleaner.

3. Turn the grease fitting counterclockwise, using an open-end wrench. Remove the fitting from the tie rod end.