I want to install zerk grease fittings on my swaybar brackets, but I don't know if the bracket is thick enough to accept zerks without being a total PITA. I know I'll have to cut threads in the new hole. I know this has been done before, but search isn't finding what I need. If any of y'all have done this, please let me know what to expect so I can get all the tools and parts before I start the project.

I'm trying to quiet down my suspension. I have VBP springs and T1 bars with QA-1 heim joints for my end links and shimmed brackets. The swaybar bushings still squeek, and that's what I want to fix right now. That'll make it easy to keep a quiet suspension for the next year or so. For a longer term solution, I'll install zerks in the control arms to grease the bushings, and if I ever find enough time, I'll install zerks for the balljoints, tie rods and wheel bearings too! I'll post pics of my handiwork when I'm done. Thanks a bunch!

Eugene

 

Get a needle point for a grease gun and shoot it sideways. Bracket is fairly thick and sould take the Zerk threads

 

John, I tried shooting it sideways, but couldn't get it to get in without loosening the brackets, and that's why I wanted to try zerks, but you were right John about the bracket thickness.

So here's how it went today.....

I went to Napa and bought zerk part # 715-2007 (6mm x 1), and because Napa didn't have the handle for the tap, I went to Checkers to and bought Tap Set part # 410595. I didn't have a 13/64" drill bit like the tap instructions asked for, so I went up 1/64th of an inch. I drilled on the bottom face of the bracket, closer to the front so the grease wouldn't have to go thru as much rubber. The handle for the tap kit kept slipping on the shaft of the tap, so I used biscripts to turn the tap whenever it get stuck. Fortunately the zerks went into the new holes without a problem. On the inside, the zerks barely came above the surface. I pressed the bushings into the bracket, and used the indentation from that as my mark to drill a hole thru the bushing. I mounted it all back on, and started inserting grease. Well, grease went thru, but instead of coming out around the swaybar, I could only see it coming out around the ends of the brackets. Hopefully some of it is still getting to the swaybar, but this didn't turn out as well as I was hoping. I may true to glue the bushing to the bracket so that the grease has nowhere else to get out but at the swaybar. Oh well, at least I'm one step closer to having an easy to maintain and quiet T1 swaybar system. BTW, for those that don't know, I put together some QA-1 Heim joints for my end links. I've also shimmed my brackets with some fat washers from Lowe's...either part #63309 or 68885, whichever is smaller.

Would I do this again? Yes, but probably because I'm a glutton for punishment, and I'm still hoping to make this work as intended.