Troubleshooting Wet Bolts/Grease Zerks That Will Not Accept Grease

Updated 10/23/2025 | Published 04/03/2025

Question:

I purchased this 2 0r 3 years ago for our 2012 Heartland Cyclone 3612 HD camper, and it took a while before it was installed by a local trailer place. I was under the camper this week greasing up everything for this year, and found 4 grease zerts that would not accept grease. I tried 2 different grease guns, but could not get them to accept any grease. I changed out the grease zerts and still was not able to get grease into them. Two of them are just bolts, the other two are the shackle version. Any recommendations? Thanks.

asked by: Chuck B

Expert Reply:

Hello Chuck, thanks for reaching out. I have heard of this happening before if the parts have been sitting for a while and dirt/dust gets inside the zerk and clogs the weep hole. It can also happen if you have been trying to add grease when its too cold outside. One thing you can try is like a heat gun or hair dryer on a low setting to try to warm things up and get things moving. Try warming it up for a bit then try adding grease. It might help to soften whatever is clogging it.

If that doesn't work you could try removing the zerks and using a compressed air tool to blow out any debris that may be stuck inside. Be sure to blow from the weep hole out once you remove the grease zerk from the end of the bolt. You can also use some brake cleaner or other solvent to try and release any of the debris. You might be able to find a shop that could do this for you, if they are familiar with working on RVs.

Or if you want to avoid all this, there are replacement parts available.

If there is anything else I can do to help just leave a reply and let me know.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

10/22/2025

Hey Chuck, how did things go after you tried warming the fittings and cleaning out the clogged zerks on your Dexter E-Z Flex suspension kit? Your results could really help others who run into the same issue. Sharing what worked might point the next person in the right direction.

Chuck B.

10/22/2025

@JesseM I have not been able to get the grease zerks out of the fittings. The are stuck in there. I have used 6 point sockets and wrenches and still have not been able to remove them. Only option left would be to remove them from the trailer and maybe use a torch to heat them up and get them out. More likely they will just have to be replaced with new parts. Very disappointing to have spent that much money for a triple axle setup and find that I will have to replace four of the components.

Jesse M.

10/23/2025

@ChuckB I definitely understand the frustration, Chuck. This is not a super common problem with suspension bolts so it makes me wonder if the previous owner might have neglected some of the routine maintenance. At this point I would just replace everything. Parts for this should be readily available and they are generally not terribly expensive. If you want to look into replacements let me know. I would need to get measurements of your shackle links and equalizer if you want to replace those too. I can definitely make sure you get the right stuff.