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Ford 4x4 may have Grease Zerks on Front End

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  • #1

    Ford 4x4 may have Grease Zerks on Front End

    Who knew? There's zerk fittings on the front spindles (half shafts?) of my 2017 Ford F-350 4x4 DRW that require servicing with grease.

    On page 424 of the Ford manual (Capacities and Specifications) it states the following: Spindle bearing: High Temperature 4x4 Front Axle and Wheel Bearing Grease XG-11​​ WSS-M2C192-A

    Before I go any further, yes, I've been watching too much YouTube lately. While watching ARod on his Powerstroke Tech Talk channel and his personal recommendations for what and when to service he mentioned "chassis lube". Huh? Chassis lube?

    Going down the YouTube rabbit hole I found this IMPORTANT maintenance for all superduty video and this one, too:2017 Ford F250 Superduty grease points/hidden maintenance/lubrication .

    I went out and checked my truck -- and even though the truck was literally just serviced yesterday (oil+filter and fuel filters changed) at a Ford dealer the zerks obviously weren't touched. The zerks were so caked over they've probably never been serviced. <sigh> The pics below are after I cleaned off the zerks (so they were visible.)

    Click image for larger version Name: zerk1.jpg Views: 992 Size: 93.3 KB ID: 110863
    Click image for larger version Name: zerk2.jpg Views: 609 Size: 72.4 KB ID: 110864
    According to the Ford Scheduled Maintenance list in the manual on page 576, every 15,000 miles Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings.​

    Since I've got over 70K on mine...think it might be due?

    So that led me down the rabbit hole of trying to find out which grease is the "right" grease. Searching for High Temperature 4x4 Front Axle and Wheel Bearing Grease XG-11​​ WSS-M2C192-A​ I came across https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...11-grease.html "..any Ford M1C75B spec'd grease will do...". That led to searching for this spec, which landed me at https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...or-better.html where I learned the Valvoline grease meets this criteria. Autozone has it for $8. https://www.autozone.com/greases-and...-1oz/54186_0_0

    ​Since I use Lucas Red & Tacky on the RV's wheel bearings I tried to find a reference if it met the spec but was unsuccessful. I have a history of using the wrong grease in the wrong locations (anyone remember the brake thread? ) I'm going to stick with what I know is compatible.

    Howard
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
    Tags: None
  • #2
    @Howson.

    Dang it. Now I need to crawl under my Superduty to see if my zerks have been addressed. 2016 with 82,000 miles.
    Jim and Ginnie
    2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
    GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
    GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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    • #3
      TucsonJim -- both of the zerks took at least 10 pumps of the grease gun (I used the Valvoline that meets the Ford M1C75B spec) to get the old grease to push out. There was evidence of the old grease (it's red) from when it was greased at the factory.

      If I understand what I read on the Ford forums, unless the hub (and/or 4x4 is engaged) the front half-shafts (or spindles--not sure which is the right term) do not spin and aren't subjected to a load. Thankfully I've only used 4x4 about a 1/2 dozen times and for short durations, so I'm hoping my lack of maintenance won't result in premature failure.

      Pic below is before I cleaned it all up...


      Click image for larger version Name: grease.jpg Views: 540 Size: 68.5 KB ID: 110914
      Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

      2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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      • #4
        I believe that the axel shafts will spin regardless if in 4x4 or not. They are part of the rotating assembly. Whether they drive or not depends on 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. Those u-joints will have the same mileage as displayed on the dash.

        Brian
        Brian & Michelle
        2018 Reflection 29RS
        2022 Chevy 3500HD

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        • #5
          Take the next step and purchase a hypodermic grease needle found at most auto parts stores. Insert the needle into the bottom of those rubber boots surrounding the tie rods and anything thing with a rubber boot around it squeeze a little grease in and while retracting the needle leave a bit of grease on the outside. If RVers know anything we know grease is our friend.
          Retired Tanker Yanker
          2017 F-250 6.7 2019 273 MK - Carlisle CSL 16 225/75 15, MORryde CRE 3000 & center X cross brace, Sumo springs, Andersen Ultimate Hitch 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,500-lb Axles
          My your pleasures be many and your troubles be few!

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          • #6
            Howard,

            Personally I do not think any dealer service person knows what a grease gun is any longer. On my 18 GM, I SPECIFICALLY requested they grease the front end when getting it serviced the first time since I could tell the boots were not "full". Well let's just say none of the 9 fittings were touched. I even commented to the service advisor / writer / HD specialist and he had no comment. Let's just say after the 2 free service visits, no more relying on the experts to do their job.

            105,xxx miles later and I have only replaced the 2 tie rod ends due to failing rubber boots, both ends were 100% tight.
            Joseph
            Tow             Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
            Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
            South of Houston Texas

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