Help with a sheared off zerk on the double-cardan joint.

[Blanco]

I know, I'm an idiot. I finally found that 'hidden' zerk up inside the double-cardan joint and fitted my grease gun on there snugly, but it was clearly too tight. I was unable to adjust the nipple tightness and therefore couldn't get the nipple loose. So I gave it a seriously strong wiggle to pull it off and brought a sheared off zerk with it. Anyhow, the thread is still in there so I'm going to need to get it out before I replace it. I've got vertigo so my time on the creeper under my truck is limited as I get really dizzy (sucks!) so I want to get my Runner up on a lift to do this at a shop. I packed some grease in there and the hole is so small that I can't imagine I'm in any danger of all the grease flying out and drying the joint in a hurry.

Questions:
- is a replacement zerk fitting readily available at Toyota Dealership and if so there a part number?
- is it a 'generic' type part available elsewhere and if so what is the size I'd need?
- it's in a really awkward place but if I was to attempt to pull it out myself would an EZ out or some kind of skinny pointed screwdriver do it?

Thanks for you help!

Sorry for the crap photo.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Those zerks are a universal part, you might even be able to find them at a local shop, I dont' remember the thread size, but I think they are M10 or something like that.

I would think an easy out or a left handed drill bit would be able to get the threads out.

 

[Stick Figure]

I would try the easy out before anything. Drill bit could cause shaving to be left behind. Check the "Help" section of the local parts store, or possibly hardware store. for size ... not a clue off the top of my head.

 

[ycl1688]

what size socket and wrench did you use to get this out ?

 

[IanB]

Given your vertigo and the importance of this zerk, I would take it to a shop and hopefully they can get it dealt with for about an hour's labor and the $5 part. I'm not one to promote taking things to a shop normally, but that could be a real PITA and require several attempts if your time/attempt is limited by your condition.

 

[scottyb]

I've always just used an appropriately sized star bit and tapped it into the broken zerk with a hammer. Then use a screw driver to thread it out. It's worked every time for me.

 

[Dous]

I've always just used an appropriately sized star bit and tapped it into the broken zerk with a hammer. Then use a screw driver to thread it out. It's worked every time for me.

That is a really good idea, I have a broken one from driveshaft/gas tank contact, will have to try that

 

[scottyb]

That is a really good idea, I have a broken one from driveshaft/gas tank contact, will have to try that

Yeah, I replaced that exact zerk 4 times using this method. I think I finally did enough trimming on the gas tank skid so it shouldn't break again.

 

[Blanco]

Thanks all.

I ended up taking it to my mechanic who had it out, new one in and greased all within about 10 minutes. A skinny driver and needle nose pliers did the job. Replaced it with a straight zerk instead of the elbow zerk so shouldn't run in to the same problem again.

 

[So Many Roads]

I replaced the zerk on the driveshaft that hits the gas tank with a recessed metric set screw. Mine was a b**ch to get out after it sheared off, hopefully this solves the problem going forward.

Metric set screws, Allen, Cup point, Class 14.9 steel black oil finish, 6mm x 1.0mm - Bolt Depot