What are the size and spec's for the grease fittings for the 2003
4WD Blazer chassis? I want to replace the 'straight' Zerk fitting at the 4wd lower ball joint with a 45* fitting. I can't get a grease gun on the stock straight fitting because of the brake caliper and the half shaft being in the way. I do have a grease gun with the flexible rubber hose.

 

From the O.P. The lower BJ is a replacement. How do you know that? It is held in by four bolts. The factory used rivets. So my upper B.J.'s are factory OEM's. My problem is the grease fitting is supposed to protrude through a dime sized hole in the lower control arm. The fitting is pushed to one side of that control arm hole that prevents you from getting a wrench or a deep thin wall socket on that fitting. I don't want to remove the lower BJ just to grease it! I don't trust the auto parts counter man to know the correct 'grease fitting' size.

 

I went to the Advance Auto Parts and of course, the counter persons had no idea what grease fitting was correct. I went to the display stand and they had Metric and SAE and different sizes in each one. I know I want to change from straight to a 45* for easier access, but don't know the size or whether Metric or SAE.

 

Wouldnt it just be easier to get a 90 degree head (side squirt head) for your greasegun???? You are gonna be mighty pised off when that zerk breaks off trying to undo it cause the person who installed it cross threaded those tiny little threads. Tell the parts man you want the tip that pumps out the side instead of the tip. Problem solved, just change the tool you are using.

Another tip, get yourself a grease needle too while you are at it, now you can poke it into the rubber boot to grease the factory stuff that doesnt have zerks on them.

 

I did not know there was a 90* grease gun nozzle. I will look for it. Even so, I still have the problem of the fitting being jammed against the dime sized hole in the lower A arm/ control arm. That may prevent me from getting any nozzle on the fitting---90* or otherwise. I am wondering if the lower ball joint was installed incorrectly when it was replaced. I may have to remove the lower ball joint from the vehicle to see if it can be re- positioned and re- installed. I will probably have to just go ahead and buy a new one and, if I do, I will fill with grease before it is bolted in. Any ideas on how to re position the existing lower ball joint fitting so it is in the center of the control arm opening? Meaning with out removing it completely!