about to attempt my first Chassis Lubrication

[heftylefty58]

As you know, the general recommendation is to lube the chassis components during each oil change.

According to the Service Manual for my 2003 Yukon Denali, here's what needs to be lubed:

• the front suspension,
  ball joints,
  steering linkage,
  transmission shift linkage,
  transfer case shift linkage,
  parking brake cable guides, and
  brake front axle.

For those of you who are not familiar with the process, I've uploaded the "Chassis Lubrication" section (with diagrams) as a word doc here: http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?id=1182615&da=y

Unfortunately, I don't have ANY experience with Chassis Lubrication as I don't even own a grease gun. As a matter of fact, I'm ashamed to admit that I only recently learned what a zerk was.

At this point, I'd appreciate any feedback for the following:

-Recommendations for grease gun brands/models. (I can't tell which guns are junk versus guns that are of acceptable quality.)
-Recommendations for grease gun tips.
-What type of grease to buy.
-How many zerks can I expect to find for my 2003 Yukon Denali. (Yes, I still can't figure it out after reading the above info from my manual.)
-Any other tips/tricks for a chassis lube.

In the meantime, here are a couple other links that might help out other newbies in the same boat as me:
http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?autocom=ibwiki&cmd=article&id=402
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/article_detail.asp?articleid=313

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[rdtahoe]

I have had 2 grease guns, one a pump action, one a "Lincoln" brand air (pneumatic) activated. The inexpensive pump types sold by any car parts store should work well for you.

I counted 11 zerks in the front end, your diagram shows others perhaps along the drive shaft area that I will need to look for.

I have used inexpensive tube type refills for the guns, but try to use the synthetic (Mobil, Catrol, etc, refills when I can get them). The refills for the guns are fairly inexpensive.

On the steering linkage, there are 2 zerks that are hard to get the fitting of the gun on. Buy yourself an adaptor for these (about $10) that allow you to come in on them from a 90 degree angle, or change the zerks on these 2 over to 90 degree angled zerks. Can get the adaptor at any parts store like a NAPA.

It's a crappy messy job, not hard to do, but just messy.

I have a 2000 Tahoe LT 5.3L by the way, and have always kept up with the lube/oil changes on it, now at 103k miles and still runs fine. Ball joints are still good also as are the other linkage parts. This I attribute to keeping it greased per schedule, so don't neglect it.

Hope this helps.

 

[bottomline2000]

I'd definitely recommend doing this before replacing parts. I thought my front end was shot and after I greased everything the steering was tight again. made a huge difference. gotta start doing this with the oil changes. I'm sure most shops don't do this without charging so I wouldn't expect it with an oil change. I don't trust anyone to do my oil changes or anything else since last time I did my oil pressure gauge started showing low pressure. lack of maintenance is harder on your truck than big wheels and tires lol.

 

[Bailey-Hoe!]

On the steering linkage, there are 2 zerks that are hard to get the fitting of the gun on. Buy yourself an adaptor for these (about $10) that allow you to come in on them from a 90 degree angle, or change the zerks on these 2 over to 90 degree angled zerks. Can get the adaptor at any parts store like a NAPA.

+1 Big time. 90 fitting is easier than replacing the Zerk.

 

[Eagle]

hef, that was an awesome post!

To show my thanks, here's a playmate for you!

 

[Thumper8302]

great post..... i know valvoline does chassis lubes well as far as front suspension goes anyway..... here in oklahoma the lube is included with ur oil change... i agree with going for the 90 degree fitting.... saves alot of cussing down the road...... and thanks eagle for the pic.. i been craving pizza all day

 

[Bailey-Hoe!]

hef, that was an awesome post!

To show my thanks, here's a playmate for you!

That pizza looks yummy.

 

[04XLDenali]

looks like papa johns pizza. ummmmmm

 

[04Hoe]

looks like papa johns pizza. ummmmmm

What Pizza?

 

[yukonjacks]

That pizza looks yummy.

How much drop you have on that hoe