Bellcrank: To Zerk or not to Zerk

[RottenRalph]

In order to minimize possible brake problems(I know, another brake thread-I just can't help it)I am considering installing a grease zerk in my bellcrank. I hesitate because, first, it doesn't seem to be causing any obvious problem. No binding or sticking. And second, unless it can be drilled in place, it doesn't seem to be an easy task. Does it need to be removed for drilling? If drilled in place, is there an inner shaft that cannot be drilled into?

Looking for any input.

Thanks

[RottenRalph]

In order to minimize possible brake problems(I know, another brake thread-I just can't help it)I am considering installing a grease zerk in my bellcrank. I hesitate because, first, it doesn't seem to be causing any obvious problem. No binding or sticking. And second, unless it can be drilled in place, it doesn't seem to be an easy task. Does it need to be removed for drilling? If drilled in place, is there an inner shaft that cannot be drilled into?

Looking for any input.

Thanks

[speed racer]

A 2003 should have a grease fitting on it. My 2000 p series had one and my 2004 w22 has one.

[CoastieSCPO]

My 2004 Allegro 32BA, W-20 did not have a zerk on the bellcrank. On my first trip to my Workhorse facility in Knoxville, Tn, I had a zerk installed. It was placed about half way up the shaft and was no problem to do and it was done free of charge. I believe that I could have done it at home, but you have to be carefull when drilling into the shaft. It does not have to be removed when installing to the best of my knowledge.
Bob

[RottenRalph]

Thanks Bob
It appears to be a 30 Min job if it can be done in place. I am worried about drilling too far or screwing the zerk in too far.

On another note: Is the Knoxville WH center you went to "Reeder Chevrolet". They bent over backwards for me while on a trip to Gatlinburg. Had me in an out in 45 Min after finding a bad plug and wire.

[k1hog]

Posted February 08, 2008 08:45 AM
Install Zerk

Below is the install procedure for 2004 Tiffin Allegro 32BA

Problem

Failure to properly grease the bell crank may cause brake issues. The Workhorse Chassis Guide has a paragraph discussing the lubrication of bell crank. They originally thought that the pivot shaft inside the tube could be lubricated by the following procedure:

"The pivoting shaft is removed by unbolting the retainer on the top of the shaft, pull the shaft upward, clean, grease, reinstall"

HOWEVER, they soon discovered that "most" coach builder's front cap design made pulling the shaft out the top impossible. Therefore, WCC came up with the Zerk installation to provide a way to shoot grease into the tube and lubricate the pivot shaft. The CG states they incorporated a grease fitting in the BC starting on May 17th, 2004 and it also says.

Solution

Three inches from the bottom of the BC use a center punch and hammer, for the drill point. Use a ½"� wrench and remove the bolt that holds the inner shaft of the BC in position. Slide the BC inner shaft up so that it clears the drill point. Use a new #3 high speed drill bit and drill a straight clean hole, the shavings will fall to the bottom of the outer BC. Use a ¼-28 tap and tap the hole, per recommended taping procedures. Use a air compressor and blow all metal shavings from the BC. Install a ¼-28 straight alemite fitting "Zerk"�. The fine thread tap and Zerk will make sufficient threads to hold the Zerk. The ¼-28 Zerk screwed all the way in will not impact the BC center shaft. Slide the BC inner shaft back into position, insure that the BC inner shat turns freely. Grease the Zerk so that grease comes from top and bottom of the BC.

The above information is made possible from information found on this forum.

Johnnie

[RottenRalph]

Thanks Johnnie

Perfect info.

[bruceh]

After reading all the threads on this, I got a little paranoid and had my Workhorse dealer install a zerk.

Oddly, the service advisor had no idea what I was talking about and didn't seem to know what a bell crank was. I pointed it out to him and told him to walk over to new vehicles and see the difference.

Bottom line, the zerk was installed and they charged me for 1/2 hour labor.

No problems before and, hopefully, no problems after.

[jdsr]

Scott, I had 2 fittings installed about 3 years ago and have had 3 failures since. IMo it didnt help me but I guess it couldnt hurt either.

[js9315]

I have a 2003 Pace Arrow on the Workhorse chassis, it did not have the zerk installed. Using the procedure above I installed the zerk in my driveway in about an hour. Once you get the inner shaft up out of the way, the rest is easy. You will need to put a block behind the outer shaft so that you can put some pressure on the drill. The shaft on my coach was a little far back to reach with the tap so I fit it into a socket and used an extension. Just be careful and work it back and forth, you do not want to break the tap off in the hole.

[CoastieSCPO]

Scott;
Yes, it is Reeder Chevrolet. All of our experiences with Reeder have been positive. They are a trustworthy shop and I am glad they are fairly close to home (80 miles.

Bob