Workhorse bell crank

[donhoward49]

2004 National, Workhorse. The brake bell crank needs a grease fitting. National RV placed a metal I beam in front of the bell crank. The best I can tell I do not have a grease fitting. I can not see it, but do not feel anything back their. Has anyone "Fixed" this.
thanks

[kennersonf]

Yes, I did mine several years ago. It's a tight fit but can be done. I have a DeWalt cordless screwdriver (7.2v) which is very strong and able to drill through metal. I drilled through the outer housing using a 7/32" drill bit being careful not to drill into the inner shaft. I then use a 1/4" X 28 bottom tap (flat nosed) and tap T handle to thread the hole for the zerk fitting. The zerk fitting I used had very short threads, only 1/4" long. Again, it's a tight fit, but now I can grease the bell crank.

By the way, you probably will not find bottom taps at your local auto parts store. I had todrive 20 miles from my house to a tool supply store to get one.

[donhoward49]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennersonf Yes, I did mine several years ago. It's a tight fit but can be done. I have a DeWalt cordless screwdriver (7.2v) which is very strong and able to drill through metal. I drilled through the outer housing using a 7/32" drill bit being careful not to drill into the inner shaft. I then use a 1/4" X 28 bottom tap (flat nosed) and tap T handle to thread the hole for the zerk fitting. The zerk fitting I used had very short threads, only 1/4" long. Again, it's a tight fit, but now I can grease the bell crank. By the way, you probably will not find bottom taps at your local auto parts store. I had todrive 20 miles from my house to a tool supply store to get one.

Thanks for the reply..Question? Did you drill it laying on the ground? I am having trouble even seeing it..

[kennersonf]

I did it all from the front. I was able to reach around the metal support beam. I believe I started with a small drill bit to drill a pilot hole. The zerk does not face forward. I installed it at an angle towards the driver's side of the coach. It would be the 10:00 o'clock position. I use my pneumatic grease gun with a long flexible grease hose to get to it.

[donhoward49]

Thanks I will take a look at it today

[donhoward49]

Kennersonf,, FYI. I just finished the install of the grease zerk. What with rain ,sick for a week ,Christmas, roof leak, Etc.. But I got the Da## thing and gave it several pumps of grease. Thanks for all the help. i did it just as you suggested and it worked.. Except I used my 18 volt drill , hard to get in but it was all I had
thanks

[JohnRR]

Thank you for the update.

[kennersonf]

Don, I'm glad it worked for you.